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How to Repair Double Glazed Windows There are several tell-tale signs that your double glazed windows need repair. Water ingress or draughts leaking through the frames are an obvious indication of damage to your windows and must be repaired as soon as is possible. However, misting can also be an indication that your window seals require replacing. Replacing the seals will solve the issue and will stop condensation, draughts or leaks. Broken Panes Broken glass is one of the most frequent issues that double-glazed windows confront. Double-pane windows are more difficult to break than single panes, yet accidents can occur. You should repair a broken glass as soon as possible. The first step is to take out any glass shards that are not completely removed that are still in the frame. Wear eye protection and gloves while removing the glass as it can be very sharp. Once the shards have been removed, check the floor of your home for extra pieces of glass that may be left. It is also an excellent idea to pull out any hooks that hold the panes together. After the glass has been removed, you'll have to remove the old glazing compound (small fasteners which pin the glass into the window frame) and replace them with new ones. This can be a lengthy procedure, and you'll need a few tools to get the job done. These include latex glazing putty; metallic glazing points, pliers, a heat gun; and a putty knife. When removing the old glazing compound and points it is best to start at the top of the sash, and move down. This will prevent getting any of the paint or sash's wood stuck to your tool. If you're looking to remove a portion of the wood from the sash use the utility knife or Chisel instead of chemical strippers, which could cause damage. After you've finished ensure that you sand any bare wood to smooth it. Once it is smooth you can apply Linseed oil or a clear wood sealer to shield it from water and future damage. You can use some quick solutions to repair a cracked double pane window. However, these solutions won't fix the problem and should only serve as an interim solution. The use of a silicone caulk may aid in sealing the gap, but it is important to make sure that you use a high-quality caulk that is applied using the proper techniques. Condensation If you notice a haze of moisture or mist between the glass panes of your double glazing it means that your window seal isn't working. This can be a serious issue since it prevents gas or air that is used to insulate getting trapped between the two panes. A double glazing specialist can fix this issue easily. The window company will take out both the window sash and window as well as the IGU (insulating unit) to correct the issue. Then a new gasket is blown in to form an airtight seal to prevent condensation from occurring again. They'll also use a special drying agent to aid in drying the area and stop the condensation from recurring. There may be a the glass panes are a little cloudy in double-glazed windows when the frame has changed over time. This could cause the seal to break. This could be a major issue as windows that are not functioning correctly and lose their energy efficiency. While it is possible to repair the panes of a double-glazed window but this can be quite expensive and is normally only required in the event of serious issues with the window that is beyond repair. If you've noticed the signs of a problem with your double-glazed windows and are still within the warranty period it could be possible to have repaired for free or at a lesser cost. double glazing window repair 's a good idea to check the terms of your warranty before you call the company to find out whether they can solve the problem without replacing the entire window. Double glazed windows are generally covered by warranties ranging from 10 and 20 years, so you may find that they are able to repair damaged window units rather than replacing them completely. If this is the case, then they'll likely send a specialist out to repair your double-glazed windows and will typically be able to do so quickly. This is a cheaper alternative than purchasing and installing brand new double-glazed windows and it's also more sustainable for the environment as well! 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 use your windows. This can also give burglars an opportunity to break into your house. There are a variety of solutions to address the issue but the best option is to contact a uPVC expert. Based on the severity of the problem they will usually be able to come and repair it for you or at a minimum, give you an alternative handle. There are several types of window lock, but the most common one is the Maco or Mila locks which are typically found on uPVC frames. These locks utilize bayonet-style rods to lock and these can easily seize up. The handle's nose is stuck in the popped-out position and it is unable to return to the wedged lock position. This could be a frustrating issue, but it is able to be solved 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. After the handle is removed, you'll be in a position to see the screws that hold the lock to the frame. Once the screws have been removed you can then make use of pliers or a wrench to try to grasp the bolts that hold the shoot. If this fails then you might need to insert the tool through the gap between the window and frame (the gap could differ on the opposite side of the window) and create a “u” shape using your hands to try to grasp the bolts. You can close your window by adjusting the handle back to its closed position if able to free the shoot bolts. However, it won't open again by the handle, as the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) is most likely to be defective. You can refit the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) without the shoot bolts in order that the window can be opened by 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 that the window was opened too vigorously, or that the hinge snapped. They could also have a problem. Luckily the replacement of the hinge is simple and quick and there's no need to buy windows that are new – you can simply get your old ones fixed instead. Remove the hinges. This is done by unscrewing the screws that secure the hinges to the frame. Once the hinges have been removed you can replace the boards using plywood that has been cut to the correct size. The plywood should be more dense than the original to support the weight of the window when it is closed and opened. Use wood filler to ensure that the hole left by the old hinge will not leak or loosen. After you've filled in the holes and replaced the hinges, you will need to paint the doors. Use a good paint to ensure that it lasts as long as it can. After the paint has dried it is possible to attach the window again. Make sure you tighten any loose screws. Regular maintenance is also essential for hinges on windows. You can ensure they last longer by regularly cleaning the friction stay tracks and lubricating the hinge mechanism. You can also use wood preservatives to shield them from the elements. This will prevent rusting and ensure they look great for the longest time you can. Double-glazed windows are more energy efficient than single-glazed ones, and can help you save money on heating. Like every other component of your home windows will eventually need to be repaired or replaced. Our Preston experts are able to assist you if you notice any indications that your double-glazed windows aren't working properly.