draughty double glazing - help!

thebaldwindowfitter

xs11ax wrote: »

sorry, just went back and re-read your previous posts.

if i understood you properly the gaps are were the window closes onto the frame. if it is that then it sounds a bit strange as the windows should have been manufactured so that the angles all meet up. if they dont meet up then it means the angles are not all right angles. or as an after thought maybe the hinges are damaged and the windo is not hanging right.

why dont you post some pics on here so we can see what you mean.

windows and doors should be made and fiited square it is upto the installer to pack the glass or door panel(toeing and heeling)this keeps the openers (sashes)square with the frame if this is not done then the sashes will drop causing gaps at the top and locking mechanisms catching .if there is a gap on the hinge side of the window openers this is because the hinges have broken and will need replacing .door hinges can also be adjusted to alter gaps on door sashes

louiseacat

Ii think you're right a6windows - the sashes have dropped and the locks catch. not much i can do really is there?

neilios10

I have double glazing and they seem to let cold air / draught in through the openings when they're closed. I can't afford to replace them, is there anything i can do / buy to stop this? Should i replace the black rubber seal? Can i buy this stuff? i've cnsidered taping the windows up for the winter.

unlucky67

I too have a similar problem - had it for years tried lots of things - bought the house with them and the company that had fitted them had gone bust...while they were still in guarantee...they aren't any more... Good quality double glazing -badly fitted -not toe and heeled. The problem is if it is left too long the plastic frames are so warped and it just can't be fixed... I struggled to get someone to repair mine - someone didn't want to do the job because they couldn't guarantee it would work - the only person I did get did a really cheap not very good job...( I said about replacing the seals - so he siliconed around the frames - not replaced the gaskets...) -unfortunately I was out and my mum paid him on the day.... I have now replaced the 'gaskets' - the black rubber stuff...you can get it from a double glazing supply company and you need to take a small piece in - because they have different profiles - mine cost approx £40 (not cheap!). It has made some difference but they are still draughty...also 'run up' blocks -fit inside the frame at the bottom and lift windows that have dropped so they lock at the top...if you can pull the window away at the top -you probably need these too -again they have different profiles...I can't get anymore for mine... On one of my really bad windows (1cm gap all the way through - honestly!) I used expanding foam and then silicone seal - and took the handle off...so it is permanently shut... Also our windows have wooden facings/trim around them - when I took this off one of the windows I discovered that I could see daylight at the top...and a draught was blowing through the cavity wall - so if the facings aren't sealed properly (especially if around the frame isn't sealed properly outside) - more draughts...I filled in with expanding foam and then plastered up to the frame...as I decorate I intend to do the same around the house... I also have thermal linings on all my curtains...and if you fit them you need to try and get a rail/pole that is close to the window... otherwise the draught just comes out the side... Someone recommended going round with a candle - when the flame flickers you can see where the draught is - unfortunately mine almost blew the candle out everywhere! There really is a need for some flexible filler thing for double glazed windows that can still allow them to be opened in summer/for cleaning - when I lived in a rented house with sash windows we put that cling film stuff in the winter and it was great - unfortunately I can't fit that stuff on our double glazing.... Here looking because I am trying to see if there is something I seal around the edges with -

mikeyc_123

neilios10 wrote: »

I have double glazing and they seem to let cold air / draught in through the openings when they're closed. I can't afford to replace them, is there anything i can do / buy to stop this? Should i replace the black rubber seal? Can i buy this stuff? i've cnsidered taping the windows up for the winter.

Did you get your windows sorted? I have had a right nightmare!! I called the company in that fitted the windows and said that it was freezing in the dorma room.. they came out and said its a dorma room and its not insulated then it would be cold. I have recently started working from home and I went a bit mad the other day with it being so cold and I ripped off the trim they put between the window and the wall.. no insulation what so ever and about a 1 inch gap!! I then got the drill out and drilled lots of holes into the walls on the dorma room (wood on the outside) and the window sill and in all of the holes I could see insulation! Today I had the dorma room cladded and facia board put up (at the cost of £370!) but there is still a draft so I need to investigate where it is coming from.. BUT.. I talked to a good local double glazing firm and they said fill in the gaps with expanding foam and re-fit the trim then silicone and all should be good.
I first complained to the fitters in 2006 so i dread to think how much heat I have lost and how many colds I have contracted due to sitting in the room (its my home office!) Apparently its just good practice and not a law that they insulate around the frame.. my next plan is to go around every single window in the house, cut off the trim, use expanding foam to seal around the units, then re-trim and silicone. I am mightly pi$£ed off as if this was done originally I would have saved a fortune in heating and also the time and effort to re-do all of this. One thing I will do is order my windows and fit them myself.. its a very easy job.