Repairing Double Glazed Windows Double glazing can be an energy efficient solution to cooling and heating, however over time, it's easy for windows to break down Most of these issues can be easily rectified without having to replace the windows One common problem is condensation This happens when the air-tight seal that holds in the insulating gas between panes fails 1 Broken Panes A rogue baseball or the wrath of a raging storm or simply an unintentional vase thrown at your window - any of these can smash windows with double glazing https//glazingandlockrepairstop/ broken double-glazed windows can be repaired yourself, saving you the hassle and expense of replacing them If you have a cracked glass pane that is still sealed and does not have holes in it, you can usually fix the issue with a strip of strong-hold tape This will stop the crack from getting any worse while you look for a permanent fix For a larger crack the homeowner will have to take the affected pane off and replace it This is the job of an experienced DIYer and you should use the proper safety equipment when handling broken glass To do this, begin by cleaning the frame of the window and scraping away old glaze putty, paints, varnishes and glazier points made of metal Remove the wood molding around the frame on one side of the windows This might require the use of a flat pry bar or chisel If the frame has L shaped grooves in which the window is to be put in, it is ideal to sand them down to the bare wood and then apply a sealant to ensure that the glass is installed correctly Once the frames are clean then it's time to set up the new window pane It's a messy and delicate task It is important to ensure that the glazing lines in corners are clean If you are repairing the frame of a wooden structure, you will need to make use of a woodworker's hammer as well as a an axe to remove the old putty making sure that you don't scratch the molding that surrounds it If you have a double-glazed window that is not sealing properly, you may observe condensation between the two glass panels, or that it is difficult to open and close This is likely caused by poor manufacturing or the lack of a professional installation and it is important to choose a reputable company when buying and installing your windows If the issue persists, it is best to seek out an expert for repairs to double-glazing 2 Condensation It is inevitable that double-glazed windows will need to be fixed A misted window is often a sign that there is an issue with the air tightness of the space between two glass panes A damp or draught can cause damage to carpets, curtains and other furniture It can also cause rot and water to enter the home Fortunately, a double-glazed window can be repaired by an expert This allows you to enjoy the benefits of the new double-glazed window again The difference in temperature between the outside and inside glass is what creates condensation or draughts in double-glazed windows This causes droplets of water and moisture to accumulate over time, particularly in winter Droplets of water can cause a cloud to form on the window and are difficult to remove You can fix a misty window by using a special drill to make tiny holes on the top and bottom This allows the water to escape that has been accumulating between the glass Once the moisture has been eliminated, an antifog solution is then applied to the glass Vents can also be installed to allow the window natural ventilation Double-glazed windows can be fixed by professionals and could save you the expense of replacing the whole window Check your warranty to see whether such repairs are covered If not, then it might be necessary to replace the double-glazed unit You should find a professional that you can trust to handle your repairs The Checkatrade website will help you find an expert who has been thoroughly examined and vetted to make sure that they provide high-quality workmanship It will also provide you with reviews from customers to allow you to find out what other customers have to say about the tradesperson's service 3 Leaks If water seeps out the double glazing around it and into your home, it can cause serious damage to your home Often, it means that the window seal isn't working properly and moisture has entered the cavity and into the wall or plaster This can lead to dampness and mold and needs to be fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage Water leaking from windows can be a tricky problem to diagnose however a little investigation can help you pinpoint the source of the leak Find dark spots on the walls near the windows, or water accumulating on the sills following a rainstorm This indicates that the window seal is in need to be replaced and you should call a local double glazing repair specialist The water that leaks out of windows can be due to issues with the caulk or on the brick or stone wall that is in the area around the window You can probably solve this problem on your own by using silicone caulking Another problem that can cause leakage in double-glazed windows is the possibility of misting between the two glass panes This happens when the space between the panes is filled with moisture and then fogs up It can be very difficult to get rid of however there are a few steps you can take to attempt to resolve the issue Ensure that there is no condensation in the glass This could be a sign that there is an issue with the window seal, or that the argon gas inside the sealed unit has been released This could be a sign that there is a problem with the window seal or that the argon gas contained in the sealed unit has been released In addition, you may notice that the edges of your double glazed window are beginning to break away from the frame This could be because of a lack of maintenance, or it could be due to the fact that the frames have shifted slightly over time A UPVC window expert can help you resolve this problem by replacing hinges and locks as well as handles on double-glazed windows This will not only enhance your windows' appearance, but also increase their energy efficiency 4 Sagging Double-glazed windows can fog up and form condensation between the glass panes This is usually because of a huge difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures The rubber seal that blocks moisture seeping into the insulating gap between glass panes is broken down Over time, this may result in either or both glass panes fogging up The appearance of mist is a clear indicator that your window seals have deteriorated It is essential to contact an experienced team for double glazing repairs immediately The sash may also begin to rub against the frame This is a sign that the uPVC window has become sagging and will require professional attention A sagging uPVC window won't close properly and will let draughts from outside into your home Examine the corner joints of the sash as well as the window casing to determine if your window has sagged If the corner of the window sash is bumping against the bottom of the window frame, it is a sign that the sash is falling and needs repair uPVC is a strong material, but like every component, it will eventually wear out This is due to the pounding they receive from harsh weather conditions and strong winds as well as general wear and tear Contact a double glazing company as soon you can if your uPVC windows or doors are experiencing issues Double-glazed windows can be repaired using the same methods as single-pane glasses In some instances the entire structure of the window may require replacement and not just the glass This is a process called retrofitting The cladding, the internal liner, and the current frame is replaced with new double-glazed IGUs This is a more cost-effective alternative to replacing the entire window It is also a less intrusive solution and can be completed in just a few days