How to Repair Double Glazed Windows There are some telltale signs your double-glazed windows need to be repaired. Evidently, water ingress or draughts through the frames are an obvious indication of damage to your windows and will need to be repaired as soon as is possible. The misting could also mean 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 One of the most frequent problems with double-glazed windows is broken glass. Double-pane windows are more difficult to break than single panes, but accidents can still happen. It is important to repair the broken glass as soon as you can. Get rid of any glass fragments that could be in the frame. Wear gloves and eye protection when removing the glass, as it can be very sharp. Once the shards have been removed, check the floor of your home for any extra pieces of glass that may be left. It is also a good idea to search for any hooks made of metal that could be holding the panes in place and pull these out too. After the glass has been removed then you can begin the process of removing the old glass compound and glazing points (small fasteners that pin the glass into the window frame) and replacing them with new ones. It's a lengthy procedure that requires a few tools. You will require latex glazing putty, metal glazing points, pliers an electric heat gun, and a putty blade. It is recommended to begin at the top and work your way downwards when removing the old points and glazing compound. This will keep any paint or wood from the sash from adhering to the tool. If you're looking to take off some of the wood from the sash use the utility knife or chisel instead of chemical strippers which can cause damage. When you're done, sand the bare wood. When the wood is smooth then you can seal it with clear wood sealer or linseed. This will shield it from future water damage. There are a few quick fixes that you can try to repair a damaged double-pane window however, these methods are not a solution to the crack and should only be used as a temporary fix. The use of a silicone caulk may aid in sealing the gap, but you need to ensure that you use a top-quality caulk and follow proper application methods. Condensation If you notice a haze of moisture or mist between the panes of glass that you have double glazing it is a sign that the window seal has failed. This can be a problem because it stops the gas or air that is used to insulate from being trapped between the two glass panes, so it won't do its job correctly and this will lead to temperature changes that result in condensation forming. A double glazing expert can easily repair this problem. Your window repair professional will take off both the window sash as well as the IGU (insulating unit) to correct the issue. Then a new gasket will be blown into to form an airtight seal, preventing condensation from occurring in the future. They'll also employ a drying agent to aid in drying the area and stop the condensation from happening again. There may be a fog between glass panes in double-glazed windows if the frame has changed position over time. This will cause the seal to break. This can be a major issue since it means that your windows won't work correctly and will lose their energy efficiency. It is possible to change a double-glazed window's glass, however, it can be costly and is usually only required 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 period it could be possible to get the issue fixed for free or at a lesser cost. It's worth checking the terms of your warranty before you contact the company to determine whether they can resolve the problem without replacing the entire window. Double-glazed windows usually have warranties of between 10 and 20 years. You may find that the company is able to repair the window instead of replacing it. If this is the case, then they'll likely send a specialist to repair your double-glazed windows and will typically be in a position to complete the repair quickly. This is a cheaper option than buying and installing brand-new double glazed windows and it's also better for the environment! Broken Locks & Handles It could be a major issue if the handle of your window is damaged or broken, or if it is difficult to open. You won't be able to use your windows. This also gives burglars the chance to break into your home. There are several solutions to this problem however the most effective option is to connect with an uPVC professional. They can fix the issue for you, or at least offer you a new handle. There are a number of different kinds 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 utilize bayonet-style rods to lock, and they are able to easily seize up. The handle's nose is stuck in the popped-out state, and it will not return to the wedged lock position. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/croydon-glazier-and-glazing-near-me/ could be a frustrating issue, but it is able to be solved with a few simple steps. To fix the issue, you'll have 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 hold the lock to the frame. After the screws have been removed, you may try to grab the bolts using an awl or a pair of pliers. If this doesn't work, you may need to insert the tool into the gap between the frame and window (the gap can be different on each end of the window) and make an "u" shape using your hands to try to grasp the bolts. If you are able to free up the bolts for shooting, you can close your window by adjusting the handle into the closed position. The gearbox (espag or espagnolette.) is probably faulty, so it will not open when you pull the handle. You can refit the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) without the shoot bolts in order that the window can still be opened using the handle. Broken Hinges If your uPVC window hinges aren't functioning properly, you may need to replace or repair them. If this is because of the hinges being opened with too much force, the hinge snapping and dropping or they were defective in the first place the issue could cause issues that make using your window difficult. Thankfully it is quick and easy and doesn't require you to buy windows that are new - you can simply get the old ones repaired instead. First, you'll need remove the existing hinges. To do this, loosen the screws that secure the frame to the hinges. After the hinges are removed then you can replace the boards with plywood that has been cut to the right size. Make sure that the plywood is more robust than the original board so that it can withstand the weight of the window when it is closed and open. You'll also need to fill the hole with wood to ensure that the hole created by the hinge is filled to the brim and will not leak or loosen in the future. After you've replaced the hinges and filled the holes, you'll have to paint them. Make sure you use a high-quality paint to ensure it will last for as long as possible. After the paint has dried, you can re-attach the window and tighten any loose screws. Regular maintenance is essential for hinges on windows. You can ensure they last longer by cleaning them regularly on the tracks of friction and lubricating the hinge mechanism. You can also use wood preservatives to protect them against the elements. This will help prevent corrosion and ensure they look great for as long as you possibly can. Double-glazed windows are more energy efficient than single-glazed windows, and can help you save money on heating. As with any part of your house windows will eventually need to be replaced or repaired. If you're experiencing any indications that your double glazed windows aren't functioning properly and aren't working properly, you should have them looked at by our experts in Preston.