How to Repair Double Glazed Windows There are a few indicators that indicate your double-glazed windows must be repaired. Water ingress or draughts through the frames are an obvious sign of damage to the window and should be repaired as soon as possible. Misting can also indicate that your window seals are in need of replacement. Replacing the seals can fix the issue and will stop condensation, draughts, or leaks. Broken Panes Broken glass is among the most frequent issues that double-glazed windows face. While double pane windows are more difficult to break than single pane windows, accidents do happen and you will want to fix a broken window as quickly as possible. Take out any glass fragments that might be in the frame. Make sure to wear a pair of gloves and eye protection while doing this, since glass can be sharp. Once the shards have been removed, check the floor of your home for any additional loose pieces. Also, it is recommended to search for any hooks made of metal that could be holding the panes together and remove them as well. After the glass is removed then you can begin the process of removing the old compound and glazing points (small fasteners that pin the glass in the window frame) and replacing them with new ones. This is a time-consuming procedure and requires several tools to accomplish the task. You will need latex glazing putty, pliers, glazing points, pliers an electric heat gun, and a putty blade. When removing the old glazing compound and points It's a good idea to start at the top of the sash and begin to work your way down. This will prevent getting any of the paint or sash's wood stuck to your tool. Also, if you do end up removing a portion of the sash's wooden pieces, be sure to use a chisel or utility knife instead of a chemical stripper as this can cause damage. When you're done ensure that you scrub any wood that's not finished to smooth it. Once the wood is smooth you can seal it with clear or linseed wood sealer. This will shield it from future water damage. There are some quick fixes to repair cracks in a double-pane window. However, https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/gloucester-glazier-and-glazing-near-me/ won't fix the problem and should only be used as a temporary solution. Utilizing silicone caulk will help to seal the gap. However it is essential to use caulk of high-quality and with the correct application techniques. Condensation If you've noticed moisture or mist between the glass panes of your double glazing, it's a sign that one of your windows is suffering from a failing seal. This could be a problem because it blocks the insulating air or gas from being trapped between the two panes of glass, so it won't do its job correctly and this can cause temperature fluctuations that result in condensation forming. Fortunately, the issue can be easily repaired by a double glazing expert. The window company will take out the window sash as well as the IGU (insulating unit) to fix the problem. Then, a new gasket will be blown into to form an airtight seal, preventing condensation from happening again. They'll also apply a specific drying agent to help dry out the area and prevent the condensation from recurring. You might also notice a mist between glass panes in a double-glazed windows when the frame has changed over time. This will cause the seal to break. This can be a serious problem, as your windows will not work properly and lose their energy efficiency. It is possible to change a double-glazed window's panes however, it can be costly and is usually only required when the window is beyond repair. If you've noticed the signs of a problem with your double-glazed windows and are still within the warranty period it could be possible to get repaired for free or at a reduced cost. It's worth checking the terms of your warranty prior to you call the company to find out whether they are able to resolve the problem without having to replace the entire window. Double glazed windows are typically covered by warranties of between 10 and 20 years, so you might find they can repair the damaged window units rather than replacing them completely. If this is the situation they'll likely send a specialist out to fix your double-glazed windows. They can usually complete the task quickly. This is a cheaper alternative to purchasing and installing new double-glazed windows. It's also better on the environment! Broken Locks & Handles It can be a huge problem if your window handle is broken, or if it is difficult to open. You won't be able to use your windows. It can also give burglars the chance to break into your house. There are several ways to fix it, but the best way is to speak with an uPVC expert. They can repair the problem for you, or at least offer you a new handle. There are a number of different kinds of window locks. However, the most well-known is the Maco or Mila lock, which can be found on the majority uPVC frames. These locks lock with bayonet-style rods, which can easily become jammed. The handle's nose is stuck in the popped-out state, and it won't return to its wedged locked position. This could be a difficult issue, but it can be fixed by following a few steps. To fix the problem, you will need to first remove the handle. This is easy enough using the help of a screwdriver. After the handle is removed, you'll be able to see the screws that hold the lock to the frame. Once the screws are removed and the handle is removed, you can use a wrench or pliers to try to grab the shoot bolts. If this does not work, you can insert the tool between the frame and the window (the gap could be different at each end of the windows) and create an "u" shape using your fingers to grasp the bolts. If you manage to unblock the bolts for shooting, you can close your window by moving the handle to a closed position. However, it won't open again with the handle, since the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) is likely to be damaged. You can refit the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) without the shoot bolts, so that the window can still be opened with the handle. Broken Hinges If your uPVC window hinges are no functioning properly, you may need to replace or repair them. It could be that the window was opened too forcefully or the hinge snapped. Or, they may have a problem. It's simple to fix the hinge, which means you don't have to buy new windows. First, you'll need to remove the hinges currently installed. This is accomplished by removing the screws that secure the hinges to the frame. After the hinges have been removed, you can replace the boards with plywood that has been cut to the right size. The plywood should be thicker than the original one to be able to withstand the weight of the window when it is opened and closed. You'll also need to fill the hole with wood to ensure that the hole left by the old hinge is filled completely and won't leak or become loose in the near future. Once you've replaced the hinges and filled the holes, you'll need paint them. Use a good paint to make sure it lasts as long as possible. Once the paint is dry and you are ready to re-attach the window and tighten any loose screws. Regular maintenance is also essential for hinges on windows. Cleaning the friction stay track and lubricating hinge mechanisms will ensure they last longer. You can also apply a wood preservative to protect them from the elements, which can help to stop rust and keep them looking good for as long as possible. Double-glazed windows can help you save money on heating costs, as it's more energy efficient than windows with only one glass. Like any other part of your home, your windows will eventually require to be replaced or repaired. Our Preston experts can assist you if you observe any signs that your double-glazed windows are not working properly.