How to Repair Double Glazed Windows There are some telltale signs your double-glazed windows need to be fixed. Obviously, water infiltration or draughts that enter the frames are an obvious indication of window damage and will need to be repaired in the shortest time possible. However, misting may be a sign that your window seals need replacement. Replacing the window seals will solve the issue, and stop draughts, leaks or condensation. Broken Panes One of the most common issues a double-glazed window face is broken glass. Double-pane windows are more difficult to break than single panes, but accidents can happen. You should repair a damaged glass as quickly as possible. The first step is to take out any glass fragments that are loose that remain in the frame. Don't forget to wear gloves and eye protection when doing this, as glass can be sharp. Check the floor for any fragments that are not fixed after the shards are gone. It's also a good idea for you to remove any metal hooks holding the panes together. After the glass has been removed, you'll need to remove the old glazing compound (small fasteners that hold the glass into the window frame), and replace them with new ones. This can be a lengthy process and you will need some tools to accomplish the task. You will require latex glazing putty, metal glazing points, pliers, heat gun and a putty blade. When removing the old glaze compound and points It's a good idea to start at the top of the sash, and move down. This will keep any paint or wood that is left in the sash from sticking to your tool. Also, if you do remove some of the sash's wood, make sure you use a chisel or utility knife instead of a chemical stripper, because this could cause damage. After that you can sand the wood. Once it is smooth you can apply the oil of linseed or a clear wood sealer to shield it from future water damage. You can make a few simple fixes to repair cracked double pane windows. However, these solutions will not repair the damage and should only serve as an interim solution. Utilizing silicone caulk will help seal the gap. However, it is important to use caulk of high-quality and with proper application techniques. Condensation If you've noticed moisture or mist between the glass panes of your double-glazed windows, it's a sign that one of your windows has a broken seal. This could be a problem because it blocks gas or the insulating air from being trapped between the two glass panes, so it won't do its job correctly and this can lead to temperature changes that cause condensation to form. Fortunately, this can be easily repaired by a double glazing expert. To correct the issue your window company will take off the affected window sash as well as the IGU (insulating glass unit) before putting in a new gasket to create a strong and airtight seal to prevent condensation from happening again. They'll also employ a drying agent to help dry out the area and help stop the condensation from occurring again. You may also notice the glass panes are a little cloudy in double-glazed windows if the frame has changed over time. This will cause the seal to break. This could be a major problem, as your windows won't function effectively and lose energy efficiency. Although it is possible to replace the panes of a double-glazed Windows but this can be quite expensive and is typically only necessary when there are serious issues with a window that are beyond repair. However, if you've spotted the signs of a problem with your double-glazed windows and you're still within the warranty period and the window is still in good condition, it might be possible to have it fixed for free or at least at a lower cost. Review your warranty's terms prior to calling the company to find out whether they can solve the problem without replacing the whole window. Double-glazed windows are usually covered by guarantees of between 10 to 20 years, which means you may find that they can repair the damaged window units rather than replacing them completely. If this is the situation, they will likely send out a specialist to repair your double-glazed windows. They can usually complete the task quickly. This is a less expensive alternative to buying and installing new double-glazed windows. It's also better for the environment! Broken Locks & Handles If the handle on your window is damaged or difficult to open, it can be a major problem as it makes it impossible to use your windows. It also gives burglars the chance to break into your home. There are several solutions to this problem however the most effective option is to get in touch with a uPVC professional. Based on the severity of the issue they will usually be able to fix it for you or at a minimum, give you an alternative handle. There are a number of different types of window locks, but the most popular is the Maco or Mila lock that is found on the majority of uPVC frames. These locks lock with bayonet-style rods, which can easily jam. The handle's nose is stuck in the popped-out state, and it will not return to its wedged locked position. This could be a annoying issue, but it is able to be resolved with a few simple steps. To fix the issue, you'll need to take off the handle. This can be done easily enough with a screwdriver. Once the handle has been removed, you should then be able to see the screws that secure the lock to the frame. Once the screws are removed, you can employ pliers or a wrench to try and grasp the bolts that hold the shoot. If this doesn't work, you can insert the tool between the frame and the window (the gap may differ at each end of the windows) and then make an "u" shape with your fingers to grasp the bolts. You can close your window by moving the handle back to its closed position if you're able to free the bolts that shoot. But it won't be able to open again by the handle, since the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) will probably be faulty. It is possible to repair the gearbox without the shoot bolts, thus the window will be opened using the handle (and it will remain secure), but you will require the new handle and gearbox. Broken Hinges It is possible to replace or repair your uPVC windows hinges if they aren't operating properly. It could be due to them being opened with too much force, the hinge dropping and snapping or they had a fault in the first place, it can cause problems that make using your window difficult. Thankfully the replacement of the hinge is simple and quick and doesn't require you to purchase a new window and you can have your old windows repaired instead. First, https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/dover-glazier-and-glazing-near-me/ need remove the existing hinges. To do this, remove the screws that secure the frame to the hinges. After you've removed the hinges you can replace them with plywood boards cut to the right size. The plywood should be more dense than the original one to be able to withstand the weight of the window when it is closed and opened. It is also recommended to use wood filler to ensure that the hole left by the old hinge is filled to the brim and won't leak or become loose in the future. After you've filled in the holes and replaced hinges, you'll have to paint the doors. Make sure you use a high-quality paint to ensure it lasts as long as possible. Once the paint has dried, you can reconnect the window. Make sure you tighten any loose screws. Window hinges also require regular maintenance. You can ensure they last longer by cleaning them regularly on the track of friction and lubricating the hinge mechanism. You can also use wood preservatives to protect them against the elements. This will stop corrosion and ensure they look great for as long as you possibly can. Having a double glazed window can help you save money on heating costs, because it is more energy efficient than a single-glazed window. As with any part of your house windows, they will eventually need to be repaired or replaced. If you're seeing any indications that your double-glazed windows are struggling to operate, it's worth getting them looked at by our experts in Preston.