How to Tell If Your Double Glazed Windows Need Repair Double glazed windows are a great investment for your home Over time, they may begin to show signs that they are worn out Sagging and difficulty opening double glazing can be caused by poor sealing which can result in condensation and draughts Installing trickle vents will allow fresh air to enter the room Cracked Glass A double-glazed window that cracks indicates that the seal between the two panes of glass is broken This means the window can no longer keep out cold and heat In severe cases, it may be necessary to replace the entire unit Thankfully, cracked windows can be fixed with a few easy steps If you decide to tackle the project yourself, always prioritise your safety by placing down a cloth or tarp to keep any shards of glass that fall, and wearing appropriate safety glasses and eye protection gloves You should also make sure that you clean the tools you'll be using before handling them, as cleaning up broken glass can be risky and if done correctly, may result in cuts It is important to determine the degree of the crack as well as the cause If it's the result of an accident or other external trigger, then the best option is to talk to a professional to find out what kind of window that will better suit your property It's time to start the repair after you've determined the cause of the damage Begin by cleaning the cracked glass with a mixture made of soapy water Dip a clean cotton rag into the mixture and gently rub it over the crack, getting rid of any debris or dirt that has been able to get onto the glass One of the easiest methods to stop cracks from becoming more severe is to apply a piece of masking tape over it This can prevent superficial cracks, like stress cracks from getting more serious by allowing the glass to expand and shrink without exerting too much pressure on it If the crack is larger, you'll need stronger tape that can withstand more tension and extends a few inches beyond the crack on both side Another option is to apply epoxy to cover the crack However this is a more labor-intensive method and is recommended for more serious cracks You'll also need to take care to clean the area the crack, and wipe away any excess epoxy from the frame Condensation Condensation can form in double-glazed windows due to many different reasons If you notice condensation on the inside of the glass, it signifies that there is too much moisture and not enough air circulation in the space This is particularly common in kitchens and bathrooms where the humidity levels are typically high It can also happen if you have recently done work on your home For example painting and plastering both emit huge amounts of water If the condensation is found 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 The material is extremely absorbent and will soak up any moisture that enters the gap If you find even the slightest defect or crack in this region the desiccant will quickly become saturated and the moisture will appear as condensation Cleaning regularly your double-glazed window sills and frames will prevent condensation from forming This is particularly important if you live in an region where the weather is extremely extreme or has significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year You can clean your double-glazed windows using a cloth that has been soaked in a mixture of warm water and liquid detergent You shouldn't employ a colored cloth to clean your double glazed windows since this could cause staining of dye If you have a double-glazed window that is misting or is experiencing condensation, you must call in the professionals to solve the issue They can fix the problem for only a fraction of the cost of replacing the entire window Additionally, their service comes with a no-quibble, 10-year warranty to ensure your peace of mind Warping If your double-glazed windows are breaking, crooking, or twisting to the point that they no longer fit perfectly in the window openings, you have to fix them as quickly as possible Leaving your windows in this state will make them look ugly and reduce their value for resales Your home will also be less energy-efficient because the gaps will allow cold, outside air to pass through while heated and cooled inside air will escape Condensation of the glass panes is a common sign of faulty double-glazed windows This is a sign the seals are damaged and that the argon gas, which stops cold from entering your home is escaping If the frames are beginning to rot and need to be replaced, they must be replaced Frames that are rotting don't just appear ugly and impede the appearance of your home however, they also make windows less secure This is a major draw for burglars as they know double-glazed windows that lack security are a great way to get into homes While it is possible to fix a few of these problems however, a professional will typically be able to do it far more easily and more effectively They can repair damaged seals, and restore the insulation properties of your double-glazed windows They can also replace the frames, rather than just the panes of glass which is less expensive Many double glazed windows come with warranties of between 10 and 20 years If you have a problem with them, it's worthwhile to contact the company you bought windows from as soon as you can Some companies offer a lifetime guarantee so it's worth a look before you run into any issues Oiling hinges, handles, and the places where the windows pass into the frame if it's sash windows are a few of the easier double glazed window repair methods This will make them from becoming sloppy to open and close and could solve the issue Certain companies may also drill holes in double glazing that have been misted to eliminate the moisture https//glazingandlockrepairstop/ If you notice discoloration of your double-paned windows, this is a sign it's time to have them replaced This problem is caused by moisture damage resulting from excess indoor humidity The stains typically appear as black streaks that are visible along the window surface They can appear dry but feel dry when they are touched The stains may also appear as white, orange, or green Untreated discoloration can result in wood rot within the windows, toxic mould growth, and other health issues Window discoloration can be easily removed by using a hog bristle comb, liquid window cleaner and Oxalic cleaner The first step is to break loose the dirt that has accumulated and built up on the windows After the loose dirt has been removed then you can use your safety razor to scrape away thicker dirt buildup Then, you can apply the oxalic acid cleaner to remove any remaining remnants Regular maintenance and cleaning is the best way to stop the issue from recurring Double-pane windows form part of the energy envelope, which is the insulated enclosure which includes the roof, exterior walls and the fenestrations skylights, entry doors and windows They aid in maintaining consistent indoor temperatures and reduce the cost of air conditioning by keeping outdoor temperatures at bay If you are concerned about the efficiency of your home's heating system it is crucial to fix any problems with your fenestrations right away As double-pane windows become older they may develop various issues that affect their performance and lifespan The most common problem is a damaged seal that leads to condensation and other issues Finding the right professional can often fix these problems Although some homeowners are able to tackle the repair of a double-glazed window on their own, it's usually more efficient to delegate the work to a trained professional This will ensure that the work is done properly and the quality of the double-glazed window is maintained Selecting a professional is crucial to ensure that you're getting the best value for your money Checkatrade’s database of vetted and reputable tradespeople can help you find the most suitable double-glazed window repair expert to meet your requirements