How to Repair Double Glazed Windows There are several tell-tale indications that your double glazed windows require repairs. Evidently, water infiltration or draughts that enter the frames are a clear indication of window damage and should be fixed as soon as possible. Misting may also indicate that the window seals are in need of replacement. Replacing the seals will solve the issue and will stop condensation, draughts, or leaks. Broken Panes One of the most common problems that a double-glazed window faces is broken glass. Double-pane windows are less difficult to break than single panes, but accidents do happen. You will want to repair the broken glass as soon as possible. The first step is to take out any loose shards of glass that are still in the frame. Make sure to wear eye protection and gloves when doing this, as glass can be extremely sharp. Check the floor for any fragments that are not fixed after the shards are gone. It is also an excellent idea to pull out any hooks that hold the panes together. Once the glass is removed, you can begin the process of removing the old glass compound and glazing points (small fasteners that pin the glass into the frame of the window) and replacing them with new ones. It's a lengthy process that requires some tools. These include latex glazing putty; metallic glazing points; pliers; a heat gun and a putty knife. When you are removing the old glazing compound and points it is a good idea to start at the top of the sash and work your way down. This will keep any paint or wood from the sash from sticking to your tool. Also, if you remove some of the sash's wood, be sure to employ a chisel or a utility knife instead of a chemical stripper, as this can cause damage. After that, sand the bare wood. Once the wood is smooth you can seal it with clear or linseed wood sealer. This will protect it against water and future damage. You can make some quick fixes to fix cracked double pane windows. However, these solutions are not a solution to repair the damage and should only be used as a temporary solution. Utilizing silicone caulk will help seal the gap. However it is crucial to use high-quality caulk with the correct application methods. Condensation If you've noticed moisture or mist between the glass panes of your double glazing, it means that one of your windows is suffering from a failing seal. This could be a problem because it prevents the insulating air or gas from being trapped between the two glass panes which means it cannot do its job effectively and will lead to temperature changes which can cause condensation to form. Fortunately, this can be easily fixed by a double glazing expert. The window company will take out both the window sash as well as the IGU (insulating unit) to fix the problem. Then a new gasket will be blown in to create an airtight seal to prevent condensation from happening again. They'll also apply a specific drying agent to help dry out the area and help stop the condensation from happening again. There may be a fog between glass panes in double-glazed windows, in the event that the frame has moved over time. This will crack the seal. This can be a serious problem, as your windows won't function effectively and lose energy efficiency. Although it is possible to replace panes of a double-glazed window but this can be quite expensive and is normally only necessary in the event of serious issues with a window that is beyond repair. If you've noticed a fault in your double-glazed windows and are still within the warranty time, then it may be possible to get repaired for free or at least at a reduced cost. It is worth checking the terms of your warranty prior to you contact the company to determine whether they can solve the problem without replacing the entire window. Double glazed windows are generally covered by guarantees of between 10 to 20 years, which means you might find they can repair the damaged window units rather than replacing them completely. If this is the case, they'll likely send a specialist to fix your double glazed windows and will usually be in a position to complete the repair quickly. This is a cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new double-glazed windows, and it's more sustainable for the environment as well! Broken Locks & Handles If the handle on your window is broken or hard to open, it can be a major issue since it prevents you from using your windows. It can also give burglars an opportunity to gain entry into your home. There are several solutions to address the issue but the best option is to speak with an uPVC expert. Depending on the severity of the problem, they can usually come and repair it for you or at a minimum, give you an alternative handle. There are many different types of window locks. However, the most common is the Maco or Mila lock, which can be found on the majority of uPVC frames. They lock using rods that resemble bayonets, which could easily jam. If this happens, the handle's nose will be stuck in the popped out position and cannot be returned to the locked wedge. This can be a very frustrating issue, but it can be fixed by following a few easy steps. To fix the issue you'll need to take off the handle. This should be simple enough using a screwdriver. Once the handle has been removed, you'll be able to see the screws holding the lock to the frame. Once the screws have been removed you can then make use of pliers or a wrench to try and grab the bolts for the shoot. If this doesn't work, you can insert the tool into the gap between the frame and the window (the gap may differ at the ends of the windows) and make an "u" shape using your fingers to grasp the bolts. If you are able to remove the bolts for shooting, you can close the window by adjusting the handle into the closed position. The gearbox (espag, espagnolette, etc.) is likely to be damaged and will not open by the handle. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/derby-glazier-and-glazing-near-me/ is possible to replace the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) without the shoot bolts so that the window can be opened using the handle. Broken Hinges It is possible to repair or replace your uPVC windows hinges if they're not operating smoothly. If this is because of them being opened with too much force, the hinge snapping or dropping or if they were defective at the beginning, it can cause problems that make using your window difficult. Fortunately it is quick and easy, so there's no need to buy windows from scratch - you can simply get your old ones fixed instead. Remove the hinges. To do this, loosen the screws that attach the frame to the hinges. After you've removed the hinges and replaced them with plywood boards cut to the right dimensions. Make sure the plywood is more robust than the original board to ensure it can support the weight of the window both shut and open. You'll also need to fill the hole with wood to ensure that the hole left by the old hinge is filled to the brim and will not leak or loosen in the future. After you've filled in the holes and put on hinges, you'll need to paint the doors. Make sure to use a high-quality paint to ensure it will last as long as is possible. Once the paint has dried, you can reconnect the window. Secure any loose screws. Window hinges also require regular maintenance. You can help them 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 prevent corrosion and keep them looking great for as long as you can. Double-glazed windows are more energy-efficient than single-glazed windows, and will save you money on heating. However, just like every other part of your home, windows are susceptible to wear and tear and may require replacement or repair over time. If you're seeing any of the signs that your double-glazed windows aren't working properly it's worth having them examined by our experts in Preston.