How to Repair Double Glazed Windows There are some telltale signs your double-glazed windows need to be repaired. Draughts and water ingress are obvious indicators of damage to frames of your windows. They should be repaired in the shortest time possible. Misting can also indicate that the 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 one of the most common problems that double-glazed windows confront. Double-pane windows are more difficult to break than single panes, yet accidents can happen. You should repair a broken glass as soon as possible. The first step is to remove any glass fragments that are loose that are still in the frame. Wear eye protection and gloves when removing the glass, as it can be very sharp. After the shards have been removed, check the floor of your home for additional loose pieces. Also, it's an excellent idea to search for any hooks made of metal that could be holding the panes together and pull these out also. Once the glass is removed, you'll have to take off the old glazing compound (small fasteners that fix the glass to the frame of the window), and replace them with new ones. This can be a lengthy process and you will need some tools to get the job done. You'll need latex glazing putty and metal glazing points, pliers a heatgun and a putty blade. When removing the old glazing compound and points It's recommended to begin at the top of the sash, and work your way down. This will prevent getting any of the sash's paint or wood stuck to the tool. Also, if you end up removing some of the sash's wooden pieces, make sure you employ a chisel or a utility knife instead of a chemical stripper, as this can cause damage. After that you can sand the wood. Once it is smooth you can apply Linseed oil or a clear wood sealer to shield it from future water damage. You can use some quick solutions to repair cracked double pane windows. But these fixes won't fix the problem and should be used as an interim solution. Use of silicone caulk will help seal the gap. However, it is important to use a high-quality caulk and proper application methods. Condensation If you notice any moisture or mist between the panes of glass that you have double glazing it is a sign that your window seal has failed. This could be a cause for concern because it prevents the gas or air that is used to insulate from getting trapped between the two glass panes, so it won't do its job effectively and can lead to temperature changes which can cause condensation to form. Fortunately, the issue can be easily fixed by a double glazing expert. Your window repair professional will take off both the window sash as well as the IGU (insulating unit) to address the issue. Then a new gasket will be blown into to create an airtight seal and prevent condensation from occurring again. They will also apply drying agents to aid in drying the area out and stop the condensation from happening again. The other reason why you may see a haze between the glass panes of a double-glazed window is that the frame has moved over time, which breaks the all-important seal. This can be a problem because it means your windows won't work correctly and will lose energy efficiency. It is possible to replace double-glazed window's glass, however, it can be costly and is usually only required in the event that 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 period it could be possible to get the issue fixed for free or at least at a reduced cost. It is worth checking the terms of your warranty prior to you call the company to find out whether they can resolve the issue without replacing the entire window. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/glazier-birmingham-uk/ -glazed windows typically have an assurance of 10 to 20 years. You may find that the company can fix the window unit instead of replacing it. If this is the case, they'll likely send a specialist out to fix your double glazed windows and will usually be in a position to complete the repair quickly. This is a much cheaper alternative to buying and installing brand new double-glazed windows and it's also better for the environment too! Broken Locks & Handles It can be a huge issue if the handle of your window is damaged, or it is difficult to open. You will not be able to use your windows. This could also give burglars the chance to gain entry into your home. There are several solutions to address the issue, but the best way is to call an uPVC expert. Based on the severity of the problem they are able to usually come and repair it for you, or at least provide you with a new handle. There are several types of window lock, however, the most well-known is the Maco or Mila locks that are commonly found on uPVC frames. These locks employ bayonet rods to lock and these can easily seize up. If this happens, the handle's nose will be stuck in the out position and cannot be returned to the locked wedge. This could be a difficult issue, but it can be fixed by following a few steps. To fix the issue you'll have to remove the handle. This should be simple enough using the help of a screwdriver. After you have removed the handle, you'll be able to view the screws that secure the lock to frame. After the screws have been removed you can then employ pliers or a wrench to try and grab the bolts for the shoot. If this fails, you may need to insert the tool through the gap between the frame and the window (the gap could be different on each end of the window) and make an "u" shape with your hand to attempt to grab the shoot bolts. If you can manage to free up the bolts for shooting, you can shut your window by moving the handle to a closed position. But, it will not open again with the handle, since the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) is likely to be damaged. It is possible to repair the gearbox without the shoot bolts, thus the window will be opened by the handle (and it will remain secure), but you will require a new handle and gearbox. Broken Hinges It is possible to repair or replace your uPVC windows hinges if they aren't operating smoothly. Whether this is due to them having been opened with too much force the hinge snapping and dropping or they had a fault in the first place, it can cause problems that make using your window difficult. It's easy to repair the hinge so you don't have to purchase new windows. First, you'll need remove the hinges currently installed. This is done by removing the screws that secure the hinges to the frame. Once 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 hinges that came with it to help support the weight of the window when it is shut and opened. Use wood filler to ensure the hole left behind by the hinges of the past will not leak or break. After you've filled holes and replaced hinges, you'll require painting the doors. Use a quality paint to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. After the paint has dried, you can re-attach the window and tighten any loose screws. Regular maintenance is also essential for window hinges. Regularly cleaning the track of friction and lubricating hinge mechanisms will help them last longer. You can also use a wood preservative to shield them from the elements, helping to keep them from rust and keep them looking good for as long as possible. Having a double glazed window can help you save money on heating, since it is more energy efficient than a single-glazed window. Like every other component of your home windows will eventually need to be repaired or replaced. Our Preston experts can help you if there are signs that your double-glazed windows are not functioning properly.