Sometimes is just not a viable option to
repair some double-glazing faults, broken windows, doors etc.
It is a sad fact that certain types of repairs
are just not economical. The list below is not a complete list but
it’s a cross section
of some of the situations that crop up.
Failed Sealed Units
This not really a true uneconomical repair as frankly there really is
no option but to replace, whenever a sealed unit breaks down / fails
/ gets condensation in it. We just mention it here as homeowners often
think double glazed units are repairable. However just because the
double glazed units gets condensation inside it does not mean that
the whole window, including frame needs replacing. In most cases a
competent double glazing service engineer will be able to replace the
units only which in relative terms is a fairly economic “replacement
repair”
Faulty Patio Doors
Quite often when the locking mechanism or running gear on a patio door
fails, its not longer possible to get replacement parts. This is especially
so when doors are more than 10 years old. In particular the operating
/ running gear on a type of PVCU patio Door called “Tilt / Slide
Patio Doors” can be difficult to locate. Sometimes the running
gear for this style of patio door has to be specially imported from
abroad, where this type of patio door is more common. As an example
if all the gearing has to be repaired we have heard of repairs costing
as much as £600. A new patio door will cost more but in many
instances people would prefer to put the money to a new door than repair
an existing.
Leaky Conservatory Roofs
Some conservatories roofs, especially of the DIY variety and when badly
fitted, are only really fixable with complete replacement. Unfortunately
there are not many companies who will replace a roof only and if they
do, the costs can be quite high when compared to the cost of building
a completely new conservatory. Sometimes people will wish to swap from
having polycarbonate in the roof to glass in the roof. In this case – because
the glass will be so much heavier than polycarbonate and there could
be structural issues it’s usually best to build from scratch
again.
Broken or Failed Toughened Glass Sealed Units
This is a similar scenario to “Patio Doors” above. For example
very old aluminium patio doors with what in the trade is called “wrap
round glazing” can be very difficult to fit new sealed units into.
New toughened glass units alone could be £400 - £500 (much
more than the original cost of the patio door all those years ago) and
by the time labour is added it would be a far better idea to fit a completely
new door.
As a generalisation, we would suggest that if the
cost of repair represents 40 – 50% of the cost of new replacement
it may well be worth considering replacing instead. The benefits on
completely new, guaranteed, modern
window and door would for many people make up for the additional cost.
If you feel your repair maybe uneconomical and would like to request
a brochure on new windows or doors, click on the Brochure Request link
below.