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How to Repair Double Glazed Windows There are some telltale signs your double-glazed windows must be repaired. Water ingress and draughts are obvious indications of damage to the frames of your windows. They should be repaired as quickly as possible. Misting may also indicate that your window seals are in need of replacement. Replacing the seals can fix the issue and stop condensation, draughts or leaks. Broken Panes Broken glass is one of the most common problems that double-glazed windows face. Although double glazing windows repair -pane windows are much harder to break than single-pane windows however, accidents can occur and you'll need to repair a damaged window as soon as you can. The first step is to remove any loose shards of glass that are still in the frame. Wear gloves and eye protection when removing the glass, because it could be extremely sharp. Examine the floor for fragments that have fallen off after the shards have been removed. It is also a good idea to look for any hooks made of metal that could be keeping the panes in place and pull these out also. After the glass is removed then you can begin the process of removing the old compound and glazing points (small fasteners that pin the glass to the frame of the window) and replacing them with new ones. It's a lengthy procedure that requires the use of a few tools. You'll need latex glazing putty and metal glazing points, pliers a heatgun and a putty blade. When removing the old glaze compound and points, it's best to start at the top of the sash and work your way down. This will ensure that you don't end up getting any of the paint or sash's wood stuck to your tool. If you do remove some of the sash's wooden pieces, ensure that you employ a chisel or a utility knife instead of a chemical stripper, as this can cause damage. After you're done you can sand the wood. When it's smooth then you can apply linseed oil or a clear wood sealer to safeguard it from water and further damage. There are a few simple fixes you can attempt for a cracked double-pane window However, these solutions will not repair the crack and should be used only as a temporary fix. A silicone caulk can help seal the gap, but you need to ensure that you use a top-quality caulk and adhere to the correct application techniques. Condensation If you've noticed water 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 blocks gas or the insulating air from getting trapped between the two glass panes which means it cannot do its job effectively and will lead to temperature changes that result in condensation forming. A double glazing specialist can easily fix this issue. Your window contractor will remove both the window sash as well as the IGU (insulating unit) to fix the problem. Then, a new gasket is blown in to create an airtight seal, preventing condensation from happening again. They'll also employ a drying agent to help dry out the area and stop the condensation from recurring. You may also notice mist between glass panes in double-glazed windows if the frame has changed over time. This will crack the seal. This can be a serious issue as your windows won't function properly and lose their energy efficiency. Although it is possible to repair the panes of a double-glazed Window but this can be quite expensive and is normally only needed if there are severe problems with the window that is beyond repair. If you have a problem with your double-glazed windows and are still in the warranty period, you might be able to get it repaired at no cost or at a reduced price. It's a good idea to check the conditions of your warranty prior to you contact the company to determine whether they are able to resolve the problem without having to replace the entire window. Double glazed windows are generally covered by warranties of between 10 to 20 years, which means you might find that they are able to repair damaged window units rather than replacing them completely. If this is the case they'll likely send a specialist out to fix your double-glazed windows. They can usually accomplish this in a short time. This is a cheaper option than buying and installing brand new double-glazed windows, and it's better for the environment too! Broken Locks & Handles It could be a major problem if your window handle is damaged, or it is difficult to open. You will not be able to open your windows. It also gives burglars the chance to break into your house. There are several solutions to address the issue but the best option is to call an uPVC expert. Depending on the severity of the problem they will usually be able to fix it for you, or at a minimum, give you a new handle. There are many kinds of window locks, however, the most well-known is the Maco or Mila locks which are typically found on uPVC frames. These locks are secured with rods in the form of bayonets that can easily become jammed. The handle's nose is stuck in the popped-out position, and it will not return to the wedged lock position. This can be a gruelling issue, but it can be fixed with a few easy steps. To fix the issue, you will need to first remove the handle, which should be easy enough with a screwdriver. After you have removed the handle, you will be able see the screws that attach the lock to the frame. Once the screws have been removed and the handle is removed, you can use a wrench or pliers to try and grab the shoot bolts. If this doesn't work then you can place the tool into the gap between the frame and the window (the gap could be different at the ends of the windows) and make an “u” shape with your hand to grab the bolts. If you manage to unblock the shoot bolts, then you can close the window by adjusting the handle to the closed position. But, it will not be able to open again using the handle because the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) is most likely to be defective. It is possible to repair the gearbox without the shoot bolts so the window can be opened with the handle (and it will remain secure), but you will have to purchase the new handle and gearbox. Broken Hinges If your uPVC window hinges are no working properly, you may need to have them repaired or replaced. It could be that the window was opened too forcefully or the hinge snapped. Or, they may have a defect. Fortunately, replacing the hinge is quick and easy and there's no need to purchase a new window instead, you can get the old ones repaired instead. First, you'll need to remove the hinges currently installed. To do this, loosen the screws that attach the frame to the hinges. Once the hinges have been removed then you can replace the boards with plywood that has been cut to the correct size. The plywood should be more dense than the original to support the weight when the window is closed and opened. Use wood filler to ensure that the hole left by the hinge of the past does not leak or break. After you've filled in the holes and put on the hinges, then you'll require painting the doors. Use a quality paint to ensure it lasts as long as possible. After the paint has dried, you can re-attach the window and tighten any loose screws. Window hinges also require regular maintenance. You can help them last longer by regularly cleaning the friction stay tracks and lubricating the hinge mechanism. You can also use wood preservatives to protect them against the elements. This will prevent rusting 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 windows with only one glass. However, just like every other component of your home, windows can suffer from wear and tear and may require repair or replacement as time passes. If you're experiencing any of the signs that your double-glazed windows aren't working properly, it's worth getting them examined by our experts in Preston.