How to Repair Double Glazed Windows Many homes with double-glazed windows are plagued by problems like condensation, a decline in insulation quality and windows that are difficult to open These issues are usually caused by problems with the handles or hinges You can fix these windows by following a few simple steps Cracked Panes If a double-pane window is cracked, it's a serious problem that needs to be addressed quickly Triple- and double-pane windows are insulated with gases that keep warm air in the winter and cold air out Therefore, when one of these panes breaks, that gas escapes and your home is less well-insulated Cracks can get worse as time passes Making them repairable now will avoid a bigger problem in the future When a crack is discovered the most important thing is to identify what caused it https//mydesktopnexuscom/toiletcattle78 is a structural issue which can cause the breakage, but it's also possible that the cause was an impact of some kind In this situation it's imperative to inspect the rest of your windows for damage and determine the best course of action to take to fix the issue It's also an excellent idea to look over the area around your home for any other problems that could be contributing to the crack For instance, if your windows are close to other doors and walls and walls, the strain of contraction and expansion caused by temperature fluctuations could be causing the cracking Depending on what caused the crack, there are different ways to fix the issue For example, if it was caused by an impact, you may be able to work by replacing only the damaged glass Alternatively, you might need to replace the entire window frame This is a more complicated solution that requires professional assistance If you've got a crack in the glass that did not cause the frame to move then it is usually easy to apply adhesive between the broken panes This will repair the crack and stop further damage to your window Covering the crack with clear tape is a different option It's not the most appealing solution, but it will stop bugs and drafts from entering your home An alternative is a glass repair film that's made to be easily applied and offers greater protection Many double glazing companies offer this product, which is worth the investment to safeguard your windows Condensation Build-Up Condensation that builds up between the two panes of double glazing is among the most common reasons why people need to repair their windows This is because it usually indicates that the seal between the two panes of glass has broken which allows water vapour to enter This can lead to condensation and other issues that may require the replacement of the window Double glazing reduces condensation better than single panes of glass since it has a space between the two panes that is filled with air or non-toxic gases The space between the glass and window frame is separated by a spacer, which acts as insulator This helps prevent loss of heat In many instances the spacer bar is filled with a silica gel which is extremely effective at collecting moisture and stopping it from getting between the panes of glass This is the reason it is essential to clean your windows regularly and keep them clean as this will minimise the amount of condensation that builds up and allows it to evaporate Ventilation fans and opening windows can help remove excess moisture Installing a dehumidifier is another way to combat condensation These units can be purchased for around PS60-PS150 and are a great investment that will not only decrease condensation but prevent mould growth in your home, too Condensation can happen between the glass panes of your double glazing because the outside air is warmer than the inside window pane This causes the surface of the glass to cool and create condensation It could occur when you alter the temperature of your home, such as by turning on or off the heating Condensation could also be a sign of poor double-glazing, because older models were constructed with rubber strips, rather than the latest silicone type They can become damaged with time In some instances it's possible to repair your seals, although it is important to note that this is only a short term solution as the window will eventually degrade in another location, which means you'll have to replace it anyway Stained Glass If you are having issues with a double-glazed window handle or lock, it is possible to repair it instead of having to replace the entire glass pane But, this isn't always a do-it-yourself project as specific tools are required to ensure the repair is done correctly and doesn't compromise the seal or function of the window The most common complaint from homeowners of double glazing is that their doors or windows are becoming difficult to open and close This is usually due to some slight warping of the frame or the hinges, but could be caused by problems with the sealing In certain cases, the issue could be more severe than this and it is worth speaking with a professional about the options available Condensation between the glass panes is a common complaint This can be a sign that the seal is failing and no longer holding in the insulating gas between the panes This is an easy fix The insulating gases can be reinstated with an adhesive designed specifically to seal the gap between the panes Start by placing the faulty window on a flat work surface Peel back the black sealant carefully to reveal the silver spacer bars Cut into these with a sharp knife Keep your cut at the lower end of both the glass and the silver spacer bars Cut until you are able to split the two pieces, and after you've done this, place the top piece of glass on your work surface it is best to wear gloves while working Clean the glazed side that faces the frame and the spacer frame Be sure to clean away any smears or marks, since these can impact the sealing of the window when it is rebuilt Lastly, position the new bar onto the glass pane, and spread adhesive on its edges to ensure it bonds with the glass and the silver spacer frame Let it set before reassembling This is usually a job for two people as it can be tricky to get everything lined up Gasket Seals While double glazing is highly durable and is designed to last for a long time to come, there are still problems that can occur at times It is essential to fix any problems immediately when they arise whether it's draughts, or issues with opening and closing Condensation between the two panes is one the most frequent issues that owners of double-glazed windows report This is typically caused by an issue with the desiccant, which absorbs moisture from the air inside the insulated gap When the desiccant is damaged the condensation can form within minutes and create dark lines across the windows Another issue that could arise is when the gasket seal is not able to keep water and other contaminants from the gap between the insulated gaps This can cause leaks around the edges of the frame, and can also damage the surface of the double glazed unit itself If you notice any signs of leaks in your double glazed units it is essential to contact your installer as soon as you can Many companies will provide a warranty for their products, and they usually include a guarantee of either 10 or 20 years, and some even provide lifetime warranties It is essential to review the terms of your guarantee to see what it covers and the date it expires It may be worth trying to resolve any hardware issues yourself prior to contact your double glazing company for repairs For instance, you could try cooling the mechanism or oiling it to see if this fixes the problem You can also try cleaning the handle or window handle before installing it It is also essential to check whether your local council has insulation grants to help pay for the repair or replacement of your double glazed windows There are numerous ways to apply, and some areas require a specific form of application or proof of eligibility, therefore it is always worth checking with your local authority before deciding on how to proceed