How to Repair Double Glazed Windows There are a few telltale indicators that indicate that your double-glazed windows require repair. Evidently, water ingress or draughts through the frames are a clear indication of damage to your windows and should be repaired as soon as possible. Misting can also indicate that your 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 with double-glazed windows is broken glass. Although double-pane windows are less likely to break than single-pane ones however, accidents can happen and you will want to fix a broken window as soon as is possible. Take out any glass fragments that might be inside the frame. Make sure to wear eye protection and gloves when doing this, as glass can be extremely sharp. Examine the floor for fragments that are not fixed after the shards have been removed. It is also a good idea to search for any hooks made of metal that might be holding the panes in place and take them out too. Once the glass is removed and the glass is removed, you can begin the process of removing the old glass 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 a few tools. These include latex glazing putty; metal glazing points, pliers, a heat gun, and a putty knife. It's best to begin at the top and work your way down in removing the old points and glazing compound. This will prevent getting any of the paint or sash's wood stuck to your tool. If you do remove some of the sash's wooden pieces, make sure you employ a chisel, or a utility knife instead of a chemical stripper because this could cause damage. When you're done, sand the bare wood. When it's smooth, you can apply the oil of linseed or a clear wood sealer to shield it from water and further damage. There are a few quick fixes you can attempt to repair a damaged double-pane window, but these methods won't fix the crack and should only be used as a temporary solution. The use of a silicone caulk may help to seal the gap, but it's important to ensure that you choose a high-quality caulk that is applied using the proper techniques. Condensation If you've noticed any moisture or mist between the glass panes of your double-glazed windows, it's a sign that one of your windows has a broken seal. This can be a problem because it blocks the gas or air that is used to insulate from getting trapped between the two panes of glass, so it won't do its job effectively and can cause temperature fluctuations which can cause condensation to form. Fortunately, this can be easily repaired by an expert in double glazing. To resolve the issue the window repair professional will take out the affected window sash as well as the IGU (insulating glass unit) before blowing into a new gasket to create a strong and airtight seal that will stop condensation from happening again. They'll also apply a specific drying agent to aid in drying the area and prevent the condensation from recurring. Another reason you may see a haze between the glass panes of windows with double glazing is because the frame has moved over time, which causes cracks in the crucial seal. This can be a problem because it means your windows won't work correctly and will lose energy efficiency. It is possible to change a double-glazed window's panes, but this can be expensive and is typically only needed when the window is beyond repair. If you've noticed a fault in your double-glazed windows and are still within the warranty period, then it may be possible to have repaired for free or at a lesser cost. Check your warranty terms before contacting the company to determine if they can resolve the issue without replacing the whole window. Double-glazed windows are usually covered by guarantees of between 10 to 20 years, which means you may find that they can repair the damaged window units rather than replacing them completely. If this is the situation they'll likely send out a specialist to repair your double-glazed windows. They're able to complete the task quickly. This is a cheaper alternative to 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 your window handle is broken, or if it is difficult to open. You will not be able to use your windows. It can also give burglars the chance to gain entry into your home. There are a number of solutions to this problem but the most effective solution is to speak with an uPVC professional. Depending on the severity of the issue they are able to usually fix it for you or at a minimum, give you a new handle. There are many different types of window locks, but the most well-known is the Maco or Mila lock that can be found on the majority uPVC frames. These locks utilize bayonet-style rods to lock and these are very easy to seize up. If this occurs, the handle's nose will be stuck in the popped out position and cannot be returned to the wedged locked position. This can be a frustrating problem, but it can be solved by following a few simple steps. To fix the problem to fix the issue, you'll need to first remove the handle, which is easy enough using a screwdriver. Once the handle has been removed, you'll be able to see the screws that hold the lock to the frame. After the screws have been removed you can then use a wrench or pliers to try to grasp the bolts that hold 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 at each end of the window) and then make a "u" shape with your hands to try and grasp the bolts. You can shut your window by moving the handle to a closed position if able to free the bolts for shooting. However, it won't open again by the handle because the gearbox (espag or espagnolette) is likely to be damaged. It is possible to replace the gearbox without the shoot bolts, which means that the window can be opened by the handle (and is still secure) However, you'll have to purchase a new handle and gearbox. Broken Hinges If your uPVC window hinges aren't functioning properly and smoothly, you might need to have them repaired or replaced. It could be due to them being opened by too much force, the hinge snapping and dropping or they had a fault at the beginning the issue could cause issues that make using your window difficult. It's easy to fix the hinge, which means you don't have to purchase new windows. First, https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/colchester-double-glazing-repairs-near-me/ 'll need to remove the hinges currently installed. This is done by unscrewing the screws that attach the hinges to the frame. Once you've removed the hinges, you can replace them with plywood boards cut to the correct dimensions. Make sure that the plywood you choose to use is more robust than the original board so that it can withstand the weight of the window both shut and open. You'll also need to use a wood filler to ensure that the hole created by the hinge is filled to the brim and won't leak or become loose in the near future. Once you've replaced hinges and filled the holes, you'll need paint them. Make sure you use a high-quality paint to ensure it lasts as long as is possible. Once the paint is dry and you are ready to re-attach the window and tighten any loose screws. Window hinges also require regular maintenance. Cleaning regularly the track of friction and lubricating the hinge mechanisms will help them last longer. You can also use a wood preservative to protect them from the elements, helping to keep them from corrosion and maintain their appearance for as long as you can. A double-glazed window can help you save money on heating, because it's more energy efficient than a single-glazed window. However, like any other part of your home, your windows can suffer from wear and tear and may require replacement or repair over time. If you're seeing any indications that your double-glazed windows are struggling to operate it's worth having them looked at by our experts in Preston.