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Double Glazed Windows Repairs There are many reasons why your double glazed windows might require repair, from condensation between panes, to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. The majority of these issues are fixable. If your window or door is difficult to open try oiling the hinges, the mechanism and handles. This is usually a low-cost, short-term fix. Broken Panes When a window is damaged, it loses its insulation and can cause a draft. If the muntins that separate the glass panes also broken, water can get in between them and cause condensation and mildew, as well as mould. This will make your home less efficient in energy use. A broken window is best repaired by an expert to ensure you get a perfect seal and maximum energy efficiency. First, you'll need to remove the broken glass. Start by placing a protective drop cloth under the broken window, and then cutting around the perimeter of the pane using an inexpensive glass cutter (available in a majority of hardware stores). It's a good idea to grease the cutter with lightweight oil before you begin. This will prevent the glass from shattering too easily. Then, you can utilize the tool's ball-shaped end to break up the glass fragments and they should fall away quickly. Once the glass is removed, scrape away any old glazing compound from the recess of the frame. double glazing repair Birmingham will expose the glazier's clips and pins that hold the glass in the frame. Replace them if there is any corrosion. If the window is made of wood the glazier points can be reused if they're still in good shape. You'll then need to prepare the surface of the remaining frame to be re-glazed. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess using the caulking tool. Use a high-quality putty such as glazier's compounds that is available in a cartridge or conventional compound sold in a can. It should dry before installing the glass. Install the metal clips if they are attached to the frame. Then, you can put back the divider muntins. Condensation Condensation is a concern for double-glazed windows, especially in winter. It's typically caused by excessive moisture in the house where warm air collides with cold glass, which then turns into water droplets, and settles in the corners of your windows or across the frame. You can stop this from happening by opening your windows more frequently and improving ventilation with extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. If condensation is still an issue, it's best to get an expert to determine the root of the issue and fix or replace your windows when necessary. It's also important to remember that condensation on double-glazed windows can be an indication of a leaky seal. This is because the factory-applied vacuum seal will become degraded in time and allow cool air to move between the panes. This can cause the window to get smudged and eventually grow mold if it is not addressed immediately. As a quick fix to condensation, you could try using a hairdryer to dry up the excess moisture. This is a temporary fix and should be used only as a final option. If the condensation is allowed to sit for too long you might be facing dampness or even mould in your home, which needs to be dealt with by a professional. Professionals can reseal your double-glazed window for a better, more durable solution. They'll remove the damaged glass pane and clean the gap. They'll then pipe hot air into the gap to evaporate any moisture. In this process, they'll also look for signs of damage, mould or mildew growth, and then apply a draught-proofing process to ensure your windows are fully functional and energy efficient once again. Draughts Rubber seals may wear down over time and cause drafts between the two panes. It is a simple fix to replace the gaskets, which will result in an airtight seal. This will allow warm air in your home and the colder air out, saving you money on your energy bills. Misted double glazing indicates that the seals in the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is made up of two panes of glass separated by a spacer bar to create an insulating space. It is then filled with gas, such as argon for example, to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown it will allow water vapour to enter your room through the gap, creating condensation between the panes that is not able to be cleaned off. Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix, and the windows can be replaced very quickly by experts with the right tools and know how to do it properly. The expert will employ an instrument designed to push the new seals in place and this is normally quicker than doing it manually. These tools feature an edge that can be used to push seals into corners. In some cases professionals could be able to “reseal' your windows by drilling a small hole in the window and then adding a special desiccant material or putty. This is more cost-effective than replacements, and will provide a reliable protection against draughts for your double glazing. Faulty Hinges Misted double glazing is a common problem that many people encounter. It may be caused by a broken seal or crack in the glass or a problem with the mechanism or frame. The good news is that it can be easily fixed. It is usually a matter of making a seal between the two glass panes. The new seal will help prevent condensation, draughts, as well as leaks. Contact the company from whom you purchased your windows, and inform them of any problems when you spot them. Be sure to do this in writing, and request them to confirm that they've received your notification. Writing everything down will make it easier to resolve any disputes arise, as it is easier to prove that you actually complained. In certain situations an expert in window repair may be able to drill a hole in your windows to draw out moisture and make an entirely new seal. However, this is usually only temporary and will not stop the return of moisture. It is also possible to replace the glass unit, to ensure that it is watertight. It is important to remember that you should only experiment with DIY fixes only if you have the experience and knowledge necessary to be able to do it. Using super glue or another type of DIY solution can cause more harm in the long run. If you are unsure of what to do, it is always better to seek professional advice. You can locate an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repair by entering your postcode into the search box on Checkatrade. Our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted and screened to ensure you are certain that they will provide quality service. Broken Seals Window seals, or insulation gas fills, are what hold double glazed windows in place. They are susceptible to damage due to various factors, such as weather conditions, age and power washing. It is crucial to be aware of the signs and how to repair them. If a window seal is damaged, it allows humid air to get into the two glass panes, causing fog. This is a common issue, and can cause the window to appear visually disoriented. When the seal fails, any argon or other inert gas is lost from the glass, reducing its insulating properties. A damaged window seal can be repaired by having it replaced with a new one by an experienced glazier. This can be costly and might not be able to resolve the fog issue. Some companies offer defogging services which include putting a special vacuum pump in the window frame to remove the moisture and leave the glass clean. However, this method is not foolproof and does not replace any inert gases, so the fog can come back. A glazier can also replace the entire IGU (insulated glass unit) when it's beyond repair. This is usually the most cost-effective option, and can be a good choice if you're looking for an option that lasts for a long time. It is best to choose an organization that offers a warranty on replacement windows. This guarantees that any issues you may have are covered. You can be assured that your investment will provide the best results. You can also get rid of the issue by choosing an item of high-quality and following the maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer. This will prolong the lifespan of your window and decrease the need for repairs.