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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 window frames. They should be repaired as soon as is possible. Misting may also indicate that your window seals are damaged and in need of replacement. Replacing the window seals will solve the issue, and will stop leaks, draughts or condensation. Broken Panes Broken glass is among the most common problems that double-glazed windows confront. While double pane windows are more difficult to break than single-pane windows, accidents do happen and you will want to fix a broken window as quickly as possible. The first step is to take out any glass shards that are not completely removed that remain in the frame. Wear gloves and eye protection while removing the glass as it can be very sharp. Once the shards are removed, inspect the floor of your home for any extra pieces of glass that may be left. It is also recommended to look for any hooks made of metal that could be keeping the panes in place and remove them also. Once the glass is removed, you can begin the process of removing the old compound and glazing points (small fasteners that secure the glass to the frame of the window) and replacing them with new ones. It is a long-winded procedure and requires several tools to complete the task. You will require latex glazing putty and metal glazing points, pliers heat gun and a putty blade. It's best to begin at the top and work your way downwards when removing the old points and glazing compound. This will stop any wood or paint from the sash from adhering to your tool. Also, if you end up removing a portion of the sash's wood make sure you employ a chisel, or a utility knife instead of a chemical stripper, as this can cause damage. After that you can sand the wood. When the wood is smooth, you can seal it using clear or linseed wood sealer. This will protect it from water and further damage. You can use a few quick fixes to repair a cracked double pane window. However, these methods won't fix the problem and should be used as a temporary solution. A silicone caulk can aid in sealing the gap, but it is important to make sure that you use a top-quality caulk and follow proper application techniques. Condensation If you notice moisture or mist between the glass panes of your double glazing it means that the window seal isn't working. This could be a problem because it stops the gas or air that is used to insulate from getting trapped between the two panes of glass which means it cannot do its job correctly and this will lead to temperature changes that cause condensation to form. Fortunately, this can be fixed by a double glazing expert. To resolve the issue the window repair professional will remove the window sash that is affected and IGU (insulating glass unit) before blowing in a new gasket to make a strong and airtight seal to prevent condensation from occurring again. They'll also employ a drying agent to aid in drying the area and prevent the condensation from happening again. You might also notice a mist between glass panes in double-glazed windows, if the frame has changed position over time. This could crack the seal. This can be a major issue as it means that your windows won't function properly and will lose their energy efficiency. It is possible to replace double-glazed window's panes however, it can be costly and is usually only required in the event that the window is beyond repair. If you've noticed an issue 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. It's worth checking the terms of your warranty before you contact the company to see whether they can resolve the problem without having to replace the entire window. Double-glazed windows are usually covered by warranties of between 10 to 20 years, which means 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 to fix your double glazed windows and will usually be capable of doing it quickly. This is a cheaper alternative to buying and installing new double-glazed windows. It's also better for the environment! Broken Locks & Handles It can be a big problem if your window handle is damaged, or it is difficult to open. You will not be able use your windows. It can also give burglars a chance to break into your home. There are several options to fix it but the best option is to speak with a uPVC expert. Based on the severity of the problem, they can usually come and repair it for you, or at least provide you with an alternative handle. There are many different kinds of window locks, but the most common is the Maco or Mila lock that can be found on the majority uPVC frames. They lock using rods in the form of bayonets that can easily jam. The handle's nose is stuck in the popped-out position, and it will not return to the wedged locked position. This can be a very annoying problem, but it can be resolved by following a few easy steps. To fix the issue you'll have to remove the handle. This can be done easily enough with a screwdriver. Once the handle is removed, you'll be able to see the screws holding the lock to the frame. Once double glazing repairers are removed, you can attempt to grab the bolts with the help of a wrench or a pair pliers. If this is unsuccessful it is possible to insert the tool through the gap between the window and frame (the gap could be different on each end of the window) and create an “u” shape with your hands to attempt to grab the shoot bolts. You can shut your window by moving the handle back to its closed position if in a position to release the shoot bolts. The gearbox (espag or espagnolette.) is probably faulty, so it will not open by the handle. It is possible to refit the gearbox without the shoot bolts, thus the window will be opened by the handle (and it will remain secure), but you will need to order the new handle and gearbox. Broken Hinges If your uPVC window hinges are no functioning properly, you may need to have them repaired or replaced. It could be that the window was opened too vigorously, or that the hinge snapped. They could also have a problem. It's simple to replace the hinge, which means you don't have to purchase new windows. The first step is to take off the hinges that are currently in place. This is accomplished by removing the screws that secure the hinges to the frame. Once the hinges have been removed then you can replace the boards using plywood that has been cut to the right 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 behind by the old hinge does not leak or break. After you've filled in the holes and put on the hinges, then you'll require painting the doors. Make sure to employ a top-quality paint to ensure it will last as long as possible. Once the paint has dried, you can attach the window again. Secure any screws that are loose. Regular maintenance is also important for hinges on windows. Regularly cleaning the friction stay track and lubricating the hinge mechanisms will make them last longer. You can also use wood preservatives to shield them from the elements, helping to stop rust and keep them looking good for as long as you can. Double-glazed windows can help you save money on heating, because it is more energy efficient than windows with a single glazing. As with any part of your home, your windows will eventually need to be repaired or replaced. If you're noticing any of the signs that your double-glazed windows are struggling to operate it's worth having them examined by our experts in Preston.