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How to Repair a Double Glazed Window Double glazing is a cost efficient method to increase the insulation of your home and increase its energy efficiency. It is susceptible to problems such as condensation and draughts. While replacing windows is the obvious solution to these issues but repairs are often a much more affordable alternative. Let's look at a few of the most commonly used options for repairs to double-glazed windows: Broken Panes The first step is to remove the broken pane from the frame. Wear thick work gloves and put an empty cardboard box in the vicinity to collect any glass shards that fall while you work. Use a utility knife to cut the glazing around the window pane that has been broken, making sure to wear a mask and eye protection due to the possibility of lead in the frame. If nails or clips are holding the windowpane in the frame, you can use pliers to pull them out. Scrape away any old putty or glazing points after the glass has been removed. A heat gun can be used to soften the putty if necessary. After the old putty is gone, re-grout grooves and apply silicone caulk using a silicon caulking tool. Before applying the final caulking, it's a great idea to make sure that the new window into its frame. Be sure that the grooves are free of any gunk, rust or paint, and aren't too narrow for the window to sit in. Then you should replace the sash with an appropriate wood molding that matches the window frame. If the windowframe has deteriorated, it is easier and more economical to replace the entire unit rather than only a single pane. In the past, double pane windows were constructed of two pieces of glass separated by an air spacer. They were then filled with either air or an gas used to insulate. In recent years, manufacturers have switched to insulated glass units (IGs) that are much more efficient in energy use and are resistant to seal failure. In a double-pane window with a damaged IG water from the environmental air gets into the window and then condenses on the inside of the glass. This process eventually degrades the properties of insulation and leaves an opaque film on the glass. To repair a damaged IG, the glass repair expert can replace the entire unit, or can replace just the broken surface of the glass. This process can be expensive and time consuming, but is the only option for fixing the seal that is defective and allows water to leak into the home. Installing upvc window repairs -quality windows by a technician who has the experience and purchasing them from a reputable company can help to prevent future seal problems. Misted Panes The window frame holds two or more glass panes, each separated by an air-filled space. The air, which is typically filled with argon to increase energy efficiency and to keep warm air in it, helps keep cold air out. Unfortunately, windows can start to break down, and you will notice a cloud of haze growing between the panes of glass. It may seem like it's time for a new window, but you aren't able to just replace the broken pane. A misted window is usually a sign that the seal between two glass panes has failed. The mist or condensation means that moisture has gotten in, which damages the insulating qualities of the double-glazing. It is important to maintain your windows and to keep them clean. If you notice condensation between the glass panes, it is a sign that there is a lot of moisture in your home. You must dehumidify and take other steps to improve the ventilation in rooms where this happens frequently. If the condensation is only visible on the side of the window or between the panes, you will require having the seal repaired. It is not possible to seal double-glazed windows to bring back the original energy efficiency. When the seal breaks the gap opens up cold air to enter your home and warm air to escape. This can reduce the insulation capacity of your home which will make it more expensive to heat. Some companies offer a service where they drill holes in the outer pane of your window and drain out the condensation, but this is a temporary solution and is unlikely to last for more than six months. You should also avoid trying to do this on your own as it could be very dangerous if you don't have the right tools or knowledge. Double-glazing professionals will employ specially designed equipment to safely eliminate the condensation and replace it with new air vents, which should help to stop future misting. Frame Damage Even with the best care double glazing can develop faults. Certain issues are minor and can easily be fixed. Some are more serious and will require an entire replacement. The owner of the home should take this decision, taking into consideration the advantages of double glazing, as well as the value it brings to the property. If you're having difficulty opening or closing your windows, it could be due to misting on your glass or a problem with the frame. Repair your windows as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the double glazing. Over time, the packaging that holds the glass sheets in their frames and stops them from moving can wear out. This can cause one or both of the glass sheets to move slightly and cause a break in the seal and causes misting. The space that is used to insulate between the panes can also be misting, indicating that there is a broken seal. Another common issue is that windows have begun to sag over time and make it difficult to open and close them. This can be fixed by adjusting the hinges and mechanisms. Be aware that a lot of double-glazed windows are covered under a warranty. In this instance you should contact the company where you purchased your double glazing to find out what to do. It is possible to fix your own double glazed windows, but it's generally recommended to speak with an expert and make use of their expertise and knowledge. Professionals can diagnose the problem quickly and efficiently and perform the required repairs to your double glazing. You can also avoid voiding your warranty by not attempting to fix your windows without having the right expertise. Weather Damage While you may think of double pane windows as being resistant to weather damage but if you live in an area prone to hail, ice storms, high winds and torrential rains, your window frames and seals are susceptible to some serious damage. It is crucial to inspect your windows regularly and repair any damage or scratches when they are noticed. Blown windows can be one of the more serious issues you could face when you have double glazing. When a gap appears between the two glass panes air and moisture can seep into your home. This is usually an indication of deterioration, or a problem in the insulating material that is used to separate your panes. Condensation between the panes is yet another issue that double-glazed windows could cause. This occurs when the warm air inside your home is warmer than outside air. The difference in temperature causes the warmer air to expand, which could cause the window's seals to crack or weaken with time. Foggy windows are also an issue that is common to double-glazed windows. The good thing is that this is a problem that can often be solved without having to replace the IGU. This is an indication that your window's seals need to be replaced. To do this, you'll have to drill into the window panes. The hole should be large enough for you to insert a long pipe cleaner or other object that is long with cloth on the other end. You'll then have to use the cloth end to clean your windows and get rid of any excess condensation. This will help create a tighter seal and prevent any further fogging. It's important to note that this is only temporary solution for your foggy windows. Condensation will occur again as soon as it rains, or if there is an increase in humidity. If you're looking for a permanent solution you'll have to replace your old IGU.