How to Repair Double Glazed Windows There are a few telltale indicators that indicate that your double-glazed windows require repairs. Water ingress and draughts are obvious indicators of damage to frames of the windows. They must be fixed as soon as is possible. Misting can also indicate that your window seals are damaged and in need of replacement. Replacing the seals can fix the problem and prevent condensation, draughts, or leaks. Broken Panes Broken glass is one of the most common problems that double-glazed windows confront. Double pane windows are more difficult to break than single-pane windows however, accidents can happen and you will want to repair a broken window as soon as you can. The first step is to get rid of any glass shards that are not completely removed that are still in the frame. Wear gloves and eye protection when you remove the glass because it is extremely sharp. Check the floor for any loose pieces once the shards are gone. Also, it is recommended to search for any hooks of metal that could be holding the panes in place and remove them as well. Once the glass is removed, you will need to remove the old glazing compound (small fasteners which pin the glass to the frame of the window), and replace them with new ones. It's a lengthy procedure that requires the use of a few tools. These include latex glazing putty; metallic glazing points; pliers; a heat gun and a putty knife. When removing the old glaze compound and points it is recommended to begin at the top of the sash and move down. This will prevent getting any of the sash's wood or paint stuck to the tool. If you do remove some of the sash's wooden pieces, ensure that you employ a chisel, or a utility knife instead of a chemical stripper as this can cause damage. Finally, when you're finished ensure that you scrub any wood that's not finished to smooth it. When it's smooth then you can apply linseed oil or a clear wood sealer to safeguard it from future water damage. There are a few easy fixes that you can try to repair a damaged double-pane window However, these solutions will not repair the crack and should only be used as a temporary measure. Utilizing silicone caulk will help to seal the gap. However it is crucial to use caulk of high-quality and with proper application techniques. Condensation If you notice moisture or mist between the glass panes of your double glazing it is a sign that the window seal isn't working. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/colchester-glazier-and-glazing-near-me/ could be a cause for concern because it blocks gas or the insulating air from getting trapped between the two glass panes which means it cannot do its job effectively and can lead to temperature changes which can cause condensation to form. Fortunately, this issue can be easily fixed by a double glazing expert. Your window repair professional will take off both the window sash and window as well as the IGU (insulating unit) to correct the issue. Then, a new gasket will be blown in to create an airtight seal and prevent condensation from occurring again. They will also employ a drying agent to aid in drying the area out and stop the condensation from occurring again. There may be a fog between glass panes in double-glazed windows, in the event that the frame has changed position over time. This could break the seal. This could be a problem because it means your windows won't work correctly and lose their energy efficiency. It is possible to replace a double-glazed window's panes but this can be expensive and is usually only necessary when the window is beyond repair. However, if you've spotted the signs of a problem with your double-glazed windows and are still within the warranty time and the window is still in good condition, it might be possible to have repaired for free or at a reduced cost. It's a good idea to check the conditions of your warranty prior to you contact the company to determine whether they can solve the problem without having to replace the entire window. Double-glazed windows typically have a guarantee of 10 to 20 years. You may find that the company is able to repair the window instead of replacing it. If this is the case, they'll likely send a specialist out to repair your double-glazed windows and are usually in a position to complete the repair quickly. This is a cheaper alternative to buying and installing brand new double glazed windows and is also more sustainable for the environment as well! Broken Locks & Handles It can be a big issue if your window handle is damaged, or it is difficult to open. You won't be able to open your windows. This can also give burglars the opportunity to gain entry into your home. There are a number of solutions to this problem but the most effective solution is to connect with a uPVC professional. Based on the severity of the problem they will usually be able to fix it for you or at least provide you with a replacement handle. There are many different types of window locks, however the most popular is the Maco or Mila lock that can be found on the majority of uPVC frames. These locks use bayonet style rods to lock and these are very easy to seize up. The handle's nose is stuck in the popped-out state, and it won't return to the wedged lock position. This can be a difficult issue, but it is able to be solved with a few simple steps. To resolve the issue, you'll need to remove the handle. This should be simple enough using the help of a screwdriver. After removing the handle you will be able see the screws that secure the lock to frame. Once the screws have been removed, you can try to grab the bolts with the help of a wrench or a pair pliers. If this does not work then you can put the tool into the gap between the frame and the window (the gap may differ at the ends of the windows) and then make an "u" shape with your hand to grab the bolts. If you manage to unblock the bolts that shoot, then you can close the window by moving the handle to the closed position. However, it won't open again with the handle, as the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) is most likely to be defective. You can refit the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) without the shoot bolts, so that the window can be opened by the handle. Broken Hinges If your uPVC window hinges are no functioning properly and smoothly, you might need to replace or repair them. It could be that the window was opened too tightly or the hinge snapped. Or, they may have a defect. It's simple to fix the hinge, so you don't have to buy new windows. First, you'll need remove the existing hinges. This is accomplished by removing the screws that attach the hinges to the frame. Once the hinges have been removed, you can replace the boards using plywood that has been cut to the correct size. The plywood should be more dense than the original to support the weight when the window is closed and opened. Use wood filler to ensure the hole left behind by the old hinge will not leak or loosen. After you've filled in the holes and replaced the hinges, you will need to paint the doors. Make sure you use a high-quality paint to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. Once the paint has dried and you are able to reattach the window. Make sure you tighten any screws that are loose. Window hinges also require regular maintenance. You can make them last longer by cleaning them regularly on the friction stay tracks and lubricating the hinge mechanism. You can also use wood preservatives in order to shield them from the elements. This will help prevent corrosion and keep them looking good for the longest time you can. Having a double glazed window can help you reduce your heating bills, since it's more energy efficient than windows with only one glass. But, just like any other component of your home, your windows can suffer from wear and tear and may require replacement or repair as time passes. If you're experiencing any of the signs that your double glazed windows are struggling to operate, it's worth getting them checked by our experts in Preston.