How to Tell If Your Double Glazed Windows Need Repair Double-glazed windows are a great investment for your home However, with time they will begin to show signs of wear and tear Poor sealing can cause double glazing to shrink and have difficulty opening This can cause condensation and drafts One way to combat this is to install trickle vents to let fresh air in rooms Cracked Glass If a double-glazed window breaks, this is an indicator that the insulating seal between two glass panes has been broken This indicates that the window is no longer able keep out cold or heat and, in severe cases the entire unit could need replacing Windows that have cracked can be easily repaired by following the steps below If you decide to do the job yourself, make sure you wear eye protection and gloves to work with glass You should also make sure to wash any tools you'll be using before touching them as cleaning the broken glass is risky and if done correctly, may result in cuts It is essential to determine the extent of the crack as well as its origin If the crack is caused by a recent impact or other external cause, it's best to consult an expert to determine if a new window would be better suited for your property Once you've determined the source of the damage and have identified the cause, it's time to begin the repair process To begin with clean up around and over the glass pane that has cracked with a soapy mixture Dip a clean cotton rag in the mixture and gently rub over the crack, taking off any debris or dirt that has been able to get onto the glass Applying a stripe of masking tape to a crack is one of the easiest ways to stop it from getting any worse This will stop superficial cracks, like stress cracks from advancing to more serious by allowing the glass to expand and contract without exerting too much pressure on it If the crack is deeper you will need to use stronger tape that is able to withstand greater tension and extends a few inches over the crack on both sides Another option is to apply epoxy to the crack However this is a much more labor-intensive option, and is best used for more serious cracks You'll also have to be careful in cleaning over the crack and wipe away any excess epoxy from the frame Condensation Double-glazed windows may form condensation for a variety of reasons If you see condensation on the inside of the glass, it signifies that there is too much moisture and there is not enough air circulation in the room This is most common in kitchens and bathrooms where the humidity levels are usually high It can also occur if you've recently completed work on your home, like painting and plastering, both of which give off huge amounts of moisture If the condensation is between the two glass panes, it could also be an indication of problems with your window This is most commonly caused by a breakdown of the desiccant found in the 'air gap' between the two glass panes It is extremely absorbent and will soak up any moisture in the gap If you discover even the tiniest flaw or crack in this region the desiccant will quickly become saturated and the moisture will appear in the form of condensation One method to stop condensation building up in your double-glazed windows is to wipe off the inside surfaces of your frames and sills This is especially crucial if you live in an area with extreme weather or large temperature fluctuation You can clean your double-glazed windows using a cloth soaked in a solution of warm water and liquid detergent It's important not to use a colored cloth while doing this, as it can cause dye stains on the UPVC surface of your frames If you have a double-glazed window that is leaking or is experiencing condensation, you must call in the professionals to fix the problem They can fix the problem for a fraction of the price it costs to replace the entire window Their service also comes with a 10-year guarantee Warping If your double-glazed windows are bent or crooking to the point that they don't perfectly fit into the window openings, you need to fix them quickly In a state will make them look ugly and decrease their resale value In addition, your home will be less efficient because gaps allow cold air into the house while heated and cool air escapes Condensation of the glass panes is a common indication of defective double-glazed windows This indicates that the seals are damaged and the argon gas that prevents cold from entering your home is escaping If the frames are beginning to rot and are leaking, they should be replaced The frames that are rotting aren't just unattractive and can affect your home's curb appeal but they also make the windows less secure, which is a real draw for burglars who are aware that double-glazed windows that are not secured are a great way into homes While it is possible to fix some of these issues however, a professional will typically be able to do it much more quickly and efficiently They can usually repair the broken seals and restore insulating properties of your double-glazed windows Additionally, https//glazingandlockrepairstop/ are able to replace the frame instead of just the glass panes which is less expensive Most double-glazed windows have warranties that range between 10 and 20 years If you experience an issue, it's worthwhile contact the company that sold them as soon as you can Some companies offer a lifetime guarantee so it's a good idea to check prior to contacting them if you experience any problems Oiling hinges, handles and the places where the windows enter the frame if it's sash windows are a few of the easier double glazed window repair techniques This makes them easier to open and close and could fix the issue Certain companies may also drill holes in double glazing that has been misted to eliminate the moisture Discoloration If you notice a discoloration appearing on your double-pane windows, it's a sign it's time for them to be replaced The reason for this is moisture damage resulting from excess indoor humidity The stains typically appear as streaks of black that appear on the windows' surface They may appear wet but feel dry when they are touched The stains can also appear as white, orange green, brown or even green If left untreated the discoloration can cause wood rot on windows as well as toxic mold growth and various health issues for household members Window discoloration can be removed with a hog-bristle toothbrush liquid glass cleaner, Oxalic acid cleaner The first step is to remove the dirt that has accumulated and accumulated on windows After the loose dirt is gone and you are able to use a safety razor to remove thicker dirt Then, you can apply the Oxalic acid cleaner to eliminate any remaining residue The best method to ensure the problem doesn't return is to perform regular cleaning and maintenance Double-pane windows form part of the energy envelope, which is the enclosed enclosure that is insulated and includes the roof, exterior walls and the fenestrations skylights, entry doors and windows They keep out the outside temperature and also help maintain a consistent indoor temperature If you're worried about the efficiency of your energy use of your home, it's crucial to fix any issues with your fenestrations as soon as you can As double-pane windows get older, they can develop a number of different issues that affect their performance and lifespan The most common issue is a broken seal that causes condensation and other issues Finding the right expert will often solve these issues While some homeowners may be able to tackle a double-glazed window repair project on their own, it's usually more efficient to delegate the job to a skilled professional This will ensure that the work is done correctly and the quality of the double-glazed window is maintained It is also essential to select a professional to get the most value for your money Checkatrade's database of verified and reputable tradespeople makes it simple to find the right double-glazed window repair specialist for your needs