So You've Bought Double Glazing Repair ... Now What?

Why You Should Trust Your Double Glazing Repairs to Local Experts It's not possible to replace double glazing on your own, but an experienced glass installer can help make the process simple and safe. It is also worth contacting the company you bought it from to determine if it's still covered by warranty. Misted windows can be cut to let out condensation, but this is only a temporary solution. Blown double glazing must be replaced in order to restore the thermal efficiency. Broken window panes When a window pane breaks it creates a visible gap in the double glazing that can cause draughts and moisture. They're not only annoying however, they can also harm your property and health. In fact damp environments can cause damaged frames and other structural problems that are expensive to repair. A damaged window is usually simple to fix if are aware of the correct procedure. First, take the appropriate precautions to avoid injury for example, wearing gloves and eye protection. Remove the old glass fragments. After you have removed the shards use a utility knife to cut through any glazing putty or metal glazing points. Once the glass has been removed from the frame, remove it with care. Once you have cleaned the area and sanded it to get rid of any gunk or paint it is now time to prepare the new glass. Take measurements of the opening from top to bottom, and from side to side. Subtract 1/8 inch to account for any expansion and contraction of the frame. This will ensure that the glass is correctly installed. Then, you'll need to roll a cord of glaziers' compound all around the outside edge of the glass-frame joint and smooth it with your putty knife, ensuring that it matches the color to the rest of the window frame. Once the compound is dry and you are able to paint the compound and the new pane to match the rest of the window. Finally, to stop the crack from spreading make small arcs with your utility knife, just beyond the crack. Romford double glazing repair will curtail the crack and prevent it from spreading, which will save your window without the necessity of replacing it. Although you might be tempted to DIY your own repairs, this can be extremely difficult if you don't have the right tools. It is safer and more convenient to contact a professional who is specialized in local double-glazing repairs. This will not only spare you a lot of time and hassle, but it will also ensure that your double glazing is repaired professionally to the highest standards. Broken seals A damaged seal can cause windows to lose their insulation properties, leading to drafts and higher energy bills. It also allows moisture and humidity to get into the space between your window panes, causing condensation and fogging. Foggy windows can be a hassle and will only get worse If you don't act. You can prevent the window seals from breaking by having your windows professionally installed and avoid power washing your windows. Even if your windows appear good, you should have the seals replaced as soon as you can when you notice signs that the seal is broken like condensation on the glass or an increase in your energy costs. The window seals are made of flexible materials that can be damaged as time passes. This problem is more common in older windows, as well as those which have been exposed to sunlight. Window seals may also fail if there's issues with the installation job like gaps or frames that are uneven. While it is possible to fix the seal that is broken on your windows but the process is complicated and may damage other parts such as argon within the window. It is best to call a professional to inspect your windows and repair any damaged or worn seals. After the window seal has been changed, your double glazing system will function just as it should. It will protect your home from heat loss and cold air infiltration. This will save you money on cooling and heating while ensuring your home is comfortable. In most cases, to fix a damaged seal on a window, it is necessary to remove the window from the sash. The old sealant should also be removed. When the window is clean and ready to be put back in, it will be refilled with argon gas and sealed once more. While it is possible to do this yourself but it is advised to contact an expert glazier to make sure the work is done correctly and safely. Broken door handles The door handle on the front door of your house is a vital part of your security. It opens the door and also connects to a latch that is set into the slot of the door frame to keep it closed. If the handle isn't tight this could cause difficulty opening the door. It could be an indication that your locking mechanism isn't working properly. Fortunately, fixing a broken door handle is relatively easy. In the majority of cases, you can simply tighten the screw that holds it in place. However, if the problem is more serious than that, you might need to install an entirely new handle. To begin, you'll need to wedge your door open with a wedge or stop so that it doesn't close when you work on the knob or handle. This will prevent it from causing damage to the paint and also help you gain access to the entire knob or handle without worrying about the latch being locked. The next step is remove the cover plate on the door handle. This may look like a piece of plastic, rectangular or round, that is designed to conceal screws to give it a more clean appearance. Some may have a small detent or slot which you can press down using a flathead to release. Then, you'll need to remove the handle's base and expose the screws that hold it in the position. The cover plate conceals most of the screws that hold your door handle or knob in place. When you take off the cover plate, you can easily see all of the screws and tighten them as necessary. Be careful not to tighten too much the screws, as this can damage the handle or knob. After the screws have been tightened you can put them back on the base and place the knob or handle on the top. Make sure that the holes of the knob or handle coincide with the screw holes or detent holes. After that check the handle to make sure it's working properly. Chips and scratches Sometimes, even the best-maintained double glazing can be damaged. Cracks or chips could be caused by stray balls or a sudden wind gust. These can alter the performance of your windows and doors and will need to be replaced with new ones. It is important to spot the signs of damage, and to contact your installer as quickly as possible. You can help by providing details about the issue and pictures as appropriate. It may be possible to fix chips or scratches without a lot of effort, based on their severity. If the scratch is large enough to be felt with your fingernail, however it may be best to contact a glazier. They will be able to utilize glass polish and elbow grease to remove the scratch. They will also be able offer some tips for maintaining your doors and windows, which will help keep them in good shape. Be alert for indications of gas leaks in the space between your window panes. If you find condensation forming between the panes, it could mean that the gas inert has evaporated and warm air is making its way into your home. If you spot this issue, it is imperative to get in touch with your installer right away since this issue will likely be covered under your warranty. If your double-glazed window is protected by a guarantee, you can claim any repair costs. Alternatively, you should consider switching to a different installer you can count on to provide high-quality windows and excellent customer service. You can look up online reviews, go through the BBB and request references from previous customers to ensure that you choose a company that has a good reputation for professionalism and quality. You should also ask about certifications from major manufacturers and the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance. This will allow you to avoid companies that aren't authorised to install your double glazing.