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How to Repair a Double Glazed Window Double glazing is a cost effective method to make your home more energy efficient and to increase its energy efficiency. However, it can be susceptible to problems like condensation and draughts. Repairs are usually more affordable than replacement. Let's take a look at some of the most common solutions for double-glazed window repairs: Broken Panes The first step is to take off the broken pane. Wear gloves that are thick, and put an empty cardboard box nearby to catch any pieces of glass that fall while you work. Wear a mask and eye protection due to the possibility of lead in the frame. Use a utility blade to cut the glazing surrounding the window pane that is broken. If nails or clips are holding the windowpane in the frame, use pliers to lift them out. Scrape away any old putty or glazing points after the glass is removed. If needed, a heat gun can be used to soften the putty. Once the old putty is removed Re-grout the grooves and apply new silicone caulk using a silicone gun. It's a good idea examine the fit of the new window inside its frame before applying the final caulking. Make upvc window repair that the grooves are clean of any rust, gunk or paint, and aren't too narrow for the window to sit in. Replace the sash by a wooden molding to match the window frame. If the window frame is in a poor state, it may be easier and more cost-effective to replace the entire window unit rather than a single pane. In the past windows with double panes were two pieces of glass that were separated by a spacer and then filled with gas or air that acted as an insulator. In recent years, manufacturers have changed to insulated glass units (IGs) that are more energy efficient and resistant to failure of seals. In a double-pane window with a failing IG, moisture from the surrounding air is absorbed into the gap and then condenses on the inside of the glass. This process eventually degrades the properties of insulation, leaving a hazy film on the glass. To fix a damaged IG glass, an expert in glass repair can replace the entire unit, or could replace only the damaged surface of the glass. This can be costly and time-consuming, but it is the only option for fixing a defective seal that allows water to leak into the home. Selecting high-quality windows from a reliable manufacturer and having them fitted by an experienced technician can help prevent future problems with the seals. Misty Panes The frame of the window holds two or three panes separated by air-filled spaces. The air, which is usually filled with argon to increase energy efficiency and to keep warm air inside, helps keep cold air out. However, in some cases, these windows start to break down, and you will notice a hazy fog that is forming between the panes of glass. It may seem like it's time to replace the entire window however, it's not as easy as removing the damaged pane and replacing it. In most instances, a window that is misty indicates that there is an issue with the seal between the two panes that comprise the glass. The condensation or mist indicates that moisture has penetrated, which damages the insulating qualities of the double-glazing. It is essential to maintain your windows and keep them clean. If you see condensation between the glass panes, it is a sign that there is too much moisture in your home. You should dehumidify and take other measures to improve ventilation in rooms where this occurs frequently. If the condensation is just on one side of the window, or is visible between the panes of the glass It's a sign that there is an issue with the seal and you'll need to have it fixed. There is no such thing as resealing a double-glazed window to bring back its energy efficiency. When the seal breaks the gap lets cold air to enter your home and warm air out. This will affect your home's insulating ability, making it more expensive to heat. Some companies offer to drill holes into your window's outer pane and drain the condensation. But this is an in-between solution that will unlikely to last for more than six months. It is also not recommended that you attempt this by yourself, as it can be very dangerous without the right tools and experience. A double-glazing specialist will use specific equipment to safely remove the condensation and install air vents that will help prevent future misting. Frame Damage Even with the best care double glazing can develop problems. Some are minor and can be fixed while others are more severe and require to be replaced entirely. The owner of the home should make this decision, taking into consideration the advantages of double glazing, as well as the value that it adds to the property. If you're having difficulty opening or closing your windows it could be caused by misting on the glass or an issue with the frame. If this is the case, you need to have your windows fixed as soon as you can to avoid further damage to your double glazing and to stop water entering the insulated gap. The frames of double glazed windows are designed to hold the glass panes in place and prevent them from moving, but over time the special packaging that helps this happens can wear down. This can cause one or both of the glass sheets to move a bit and break the seal and leads to misting. Mist can also form within the space between the panes that is insulating, again indicating that the seal has been damaged and it is now time for double glazing repairs. Another common issue is that windows have begun to shrink over time which makes it difficult to open and close them. This can usually be corrected by adjusting the hinges or mechanisms. It is worth remembering that many brand new double-glazed windows come with a warranty and in this situation it would be a good idea to contact the company from whom you purchased your double glazing for specifics on what to do next. It is possible to fix your own double glazed windows, but it is usually better to talk to an expert and make use of their knowledge and expertise. Professionals are able to identify the issue quickly and efficiently and make the necessary double glazing repairs. This will also allow you to avoid voiding your warranty since attempting to repair the windows yourself without proper knowledge can invalidate it. Weather Damage While you may think of double pane windows as resistant to weather damage, if you live in an area that is susceptible to hail storms, ice storms, high winds and torrential rains windows, their frames and seals are prone to some serious damage. It is crucial to inspect your windows frequently and repair any small scratches or chips immediately they are discovered. Blown windows are one of the most serious problems that you might face with your double glazing. If a gap is visible between the two glass panes, moisture and air can seep into your home. This is typically a sign of deterioration or a flaw in the insulation material that is used to separate your panes. Condensation between the panes is a different issue that double-glazed windows could cause. This happens when the warm air inside your home is warmer than the outside air. The warmer air expands because of the difference in temperature, which could cause window seals weaken or break over time. Foggy windows are also an issue that is common to double-glazed windows. The good part is that it's a problem that can often be resolved without replacing the IGU. This is a sign that your window's seals need to be replaced. You'll need to make an opening between the window panes. You will have to drill a hole big enough to insert pipe cleaners or another long object with fabric at the end. The cloth end will be used to wash your windows clean and eliminate any condensate left behind. This will help create a tight seal again and prevent any future fogging of your double-glazed windows. It's important to note that this is only an interim solution to your windows that are hazy. Condensation will occur again as soon as it rains or there is an increase in humidity. If you're looking for a permanent solution, you'll have to replace your IGU with a brand new one.