How to Repair Double Glazed Windows There are a few telltale indications that your double glazed windows require repairs. Water ingress and draughts are clear signs of damage to the frames of your windows. They should be repaired in the shortest time possible. However, misting could be an indication that your window seals are in need of replacing. Replacing the window seals will solve the issue, and will stop leaks, draughts, or condensation. Broken Panes One of the most frequent issues a double-glazed window face is broken glass. While double pane windows are much harder to break than single-pane windows However, accidents do occur and you'll want to repair a broken window as soon as you can. Get rid of any glass fragments that might be in the frame. Wear eye protection and gloves when you remove the glass as it can be very sharp. Be sure to check the floor for loose pieces once the shards are gone. It is also recommended to pull out any hooks that hold the panes together. After the glass has been removed, you can begin the process of removing the old compound and glazing points (small fasteners that secure the glass in the frame of the window) and replacing them with new ones. This is a time-consuming procedure, and you'll need several tools to complete the task. You will need latex glazing putty, metal glazing points, pliers a heatgun and a putty blade. It is recommended to begin at the top and work your way down in removing the old points and glazing compound. This will prevent any wood or paint that is removed from the sash from adhering to the tool. If you do end up removing a portion of the sash's wood make sure you use a chisel or utility knife instead of a chemical stripper, because this could cause damage. When you're done make sure you scrub any wood that's not finished to smooth it. Once the wood is smooth, you can seal it with linseed or clear wood sealer. This will protect it from future water damage. You can use a few simple fixes to repair a cracked double pane window. But these fixes are not a solution to repair the damage and should only be used as a temporary solution. Use of silicone caulk will help to seal the gap. However it is crucial to use high-quality caulk with the correct application methods. Condensation If you notice a haze of moisture or mist between your double glazing glass panes it is a sign that the window seal has failed. This can be a problem because it prevents the insulating air or gas from getting trapped between the two panes of glass and therefore it can't perform its job effectively and can lead to temperature changes that cause condensation to form. Fortunately, this can be easily fixed by an expert in double glazing. To fix the problem the window repair professional will remove the affected window sash as well as the IGU (insulating glass unit) before blowing in a new gasket. This will create a sturdy and airtight seal to stop condensation from happening again. They will also employ a drying agent to aid in drying the area out and prevent the condensation from occurring again. The other reason why you may notice mist between the glass panes of a double-glazed window is that the framework has shifted over time, which breaks the crucial seal. This can be a problem because it means your windows won't work correctly and will lose their energy efficiency. It is possible to replace double-glazed window's panes but this can be expensive and is usually only necessary if the window is beyond repair. If you've noticed the signs of a problem with your double-glazed windows, and you're still within the warranty time and the window is still in good condition, it might be possible to get repaired for free or at a reduced cost. Verify the warranty conditions prior to contacting the company to determine whether they can fix the issue without replacing the entire window. Double-glazed windows usually have a guarantee of 10 to 20 years. You may find that the company is able to fix the window unit instead of replacing it. If this is the case, then they'll likely send a specialist to repair your double-glazed windows and will usually be capable of doing it quickly. This is a much less expensive alternative to buying and installing new double-glazed windows. It's also better for the environment! Broken Locks & Handles It could be a major problem if your window handle is broken, or if it is difficult to open. You will not be able use your windows. It could also give burglars the chance to gain entry into your home. There are a variety of 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 provide you with a replacement handle. There are many kinds of window locks but the most popular is the Maco or Mila locks that are found on most uPVC frames. They lock using rods that resemble bayonets, which could easily become jammed. The handle's nose is stuck in the popped-out state, and it is unable to return to the wedged lock position. This can be a very frustrating issue, but it is able to be fixed by following a few easy steps. To fix the issue to fix the issue, you'll need to first remove the handle. This should be easy enough with the help of a screwdriver. Once the handle is removed, you'll be aware of the screws that hold the lock to the frame. Once the screws are removed and the handle is removed, you can employ pliers or a wrench to try to grab the bolts for the shoot. If this is unsuccessful, you may need to insert the tool into the gap between the frame and the window (the gap may be different on each end of the window) and then make an "u" shape using your hands to try to grasp the bolts. You can close your window by moving the handle to the closed position if you are able to free the shoot bolts. The gearbox (espag or espagnolette.) is most likely damaged and won't open by the handle. It is possible to replace the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) without the shoot bolts in order that the window can be opened using the handle. Broken Hinges If your uPVC window hinges are no longer operating smoothly it is possible to replace or repair them. It could be due to the hinges being opened by too much force, the hinge snapping or dropping or they had a fault to begin with, it can cause problems that make it difficult to use your window. Fortunately it is simple and quick, so there's no need to buy windows that are new - you can simply get your old windows repaired instead. First, you'll need to take off the hinges that are currently in place. To do this, remove the screws that attach the frame to the hinges. After the hinges are removed then you can replace the boards using plywood that has been cut to the right size. The plywood should be more dense than the original to support the weight when the window is shut and opened. Use wood filler to ensure the hole left by the old hinge does not leak or break. After you've re-installed hinges and filled the holes, you'll need to paint them. Use https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/double-glazing-repairs-welwyn-garden-city/ to ensure that it lasts as long as it can. After the paint has dried and you are able to reattach the window. Make sure you tighten any screws that are loose. Regular maintenance is essential for window hinges. You can make them last longer by regularly cleaning the tracks of friction and lubricating the hinge mechanism. You can also use wood preservatives to protect them against the elements. This will stop corrosion and keep them looking good for as long as you possibly can. Having a double glazed window can help you reduce your heating bills, as it is more energy efficient than a single-glazed window. However, just like every other part of your home, windows are susceptible to wear and tear and might require repair or replacement in time. Our Preston experts can help you if you observe any signs that the double-glazed windows you have aren't working correctly.