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How to Repair a Double Glazed Window Double glazing is a cost effective method to make your home more energy efficient and to increase its energy efficiency. But it can be prone to problems like condensation and drafts. While replacing windows is the obvious solution to these issues however, repairs are often a much more cost-effective option. Let's look at some of the most common solutions for double-glazed window repairs. Broken Panes The first step is to remove the broken pane from the frame. Wear gloves that are thick, and keep a box of cardboard nearby to catch any pieces of glass that fall as you work. Wear a mask and eye protection because of the risk of lead being in the frame. Use a utility blade to cut the glazing surrounding the broken windowpane. If nails or clips are holding the windowpane in, use pliers to pull them out. Scrape away any old putty or metal glazing points after the glass has been removed. A heat gun may help soften the putty, if needed. After the old putty has been removed, re-grout the grooves and apply a new caulk using a silicone gun. It's a good idea to check the fit of the new window in its frame before applying the final caulking. Check that the grooves in the frame are not contaminated by paint, rust or gunk, and aren't too narrow to accommodate the window. Then, replace the sash with a wood molding that matches the windowframe. If the windowframe has deteriorated it is much easier and more economical to replace the entire unit rather than just a single pane. In the past double-pane windows were two pieces of glass that were separated by a spacer and filled with gas or air that acted as an insulator. However, in recent years manufacturers have shifted to glass units that are insulated (IGs) that are more efficient in terms of energy efficiency and resist seal failure. In a double-pane glass with a failing IG, moisture from the air outside gets into the window and condenses on the inside of the glass. This process eventually erodes the insulating properties and leaves an opaque film on the glass. upvc window repairs could replace the entire IG or only the damaged surface. This procedure can be costly and time-consuming, however it is the only way to fix a defective seal that allows water to enter the home. Installing windows of high-quality by a technician with experience and purchasing windows from a reputable manufacturer can help avoid future seal problems. Misted Panes The frame of the window is made up of three or more panes, separated by air-filled spaces. The air, usually filled with argon gas for more energy efficiency, aids to keep warm air inside and cold air outside. However, windows with this feature can fail and you might see a hazy, smokey fog between the glass panes. It might seem like it's time for a new window, but it's not possible to just replace the damaged pane. A window that is misty is typically a sign that the seal between two panes of glass has failed. The mist or condensation indicates that moisture has entered, which damages the insulation of the double glazing. This is the reason it's crucial to pay attention to the maintenance of your windows and keep them clean. If you see condensation between the glass panes it indicates that there is excessive moisture in your home. You should dehumidify and take other measures to increase the airflow in areas where this happens frequently. If the condensation is only visible on the one side of your window or between the panes, you will require having the seal replaced. It is not possible to seal double-glazed windows to restore the original energy efficiency. When the seal breaks down the gap will allow cold air to enter your home and warm air to escape. This reduces the insulation capacity of your home, making it costlier to heat. Some companies offer to drill holes in the panes of your window's exterior to take out the condensation. However, this is a temporary solution that is unlikely to last more than six months. It's also not recommended that you attempt to do this yourself, since it could be very risky without the proper tools and expertise. Double-glazing professionals will employ specialist equipment to safely remove the condensation and then install new air vents that should prevent the possibility of misting in the future. Frame Damage Even with the best care double glazing is susceptible to developing problems. Some issues are minor and easily be fixed. Others are more serious and require an entire replacement. This is a decision that should be made by the owner of the property, taking into account the level of benefits they will receive from double glazing and the value it can bring to their home. If you're having difficulty opening or closing your windows it could be due to misting on the glass or an issue with the frame. You should repair your windows as quickly as you can to avoid further damage to the double glazing. The frames of your double glazed windows are designed to hold the glass panes in place and stop them from moving, however with time, the special packaging that assists in this will wear away. This can cause one or both glass sheets to move a bit and cause a break in the seal and causes misting. The space that is used to insulate between the panes could also be misting, indicating that there's a problem with the seal. A common problem is that windows have sagged over time and are difficult to open or close. This can usually be fixed by adjusting the hinges or mechanisms. Keep in mind that double-glazed windows are covered under warranties. In this case, you should call the company from where you purchased your double glazing to learn what you need to do. You can repair double-glazed windows yourself, but it's better to talk to an expert for their expertise and knowledge. Professionals can identify the issue quickly and efficiently and make the required repairs to your double glazing. This will also help you avoid voiding your warranty as trying to fix windows on your own without the proper knowledge can invalidate it. Weather Damage Double pane windows are impervious to weather damage. However, if you live somewhere that is prone to icestorms, hail, high wind and torrential rainfall windows and sealings can be seriously damaged. It is important to check your windows regularly and repair any small scratches or chips as soon as they are discovered. Blown windows can be one of the more serious issues that you might encounter when you have double glazing. When a gap appears between the two panes of glass, moisture and air can be able to enter your home. This is typically an indication of damage to the seals or problems with the insulating material that is between your panes. Condensation between the panes is yet another issue that double-glazed windows could cause. This happens when the warm air inside your home is warmer than the outside air. The warmer air expands because of the temperature difference, which could cause window seals weaken or break over time. Double-glazed windows can also lead to foggy windows. The good part is that it's an issue that can be fixed without having to replace the IGU. This is an indication that your window panes' seals need to be resealed. You will need to drill an opening between the window panes. It should be big enough for you to insert the pipe cleaner, or other long object with cloth on the other end. The cloth end is used to clean your windows clean and remove any excess condensate. This will create a tighter seal and prevent any further fogging. It's important to keep in mind that this is an interim solution to your foggy windows. Condensation will return when it rains, or if there is an increase in humidity. If you are seeking a permanent solution, you will have to replace your old IGU.