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How to Repair a Double Glazed Window Double glazing is an effective method to increase the efficiency of your home's energy use and help to insulate it. But it can be prone to problems like condensation and drafts. Repairs are usually more affordable than replacement. Let's take a look at some of the most popular alternatives for double-glazed window repairs: Broken Panes The first step is to take off the broken pane. Wear thick gloves and put an empty cardboard box in the vicinity to collect any glass fragments that fall as you work. Wear a protective eye mask and mask because of the risk of lead in the frame. Utilize a utility knife to cut the glass surrounding the windowpane that has been broken. If clips or nails are securing the windowpane, use pliers to pull them out. After the glass has been removed, scrape off any old putty and glazing points. A heat gun can help soften the putty if necessary. After the old putty has been removed, re-grout the grooves and apply new silicone caulk with a silicone caulking gun. It's a good idea to test the fit of the new window within its frame prior to applying the final caulking. Check that the grooves in the frame are free of paint, rust or gunk, and are not too narrow to accommodate the window. Next you should replace the sash with the same wood molding as the window frame. If the frame has begun to deteriorate it is simpler and more cost-effective to replace the entire unit instead of just a single pane. In upvc window repairs with double panes were made of two pieces of glass that were separated with a spacer. They were then filled with air or an gas for insulation. In recent years, manufacturers have made the switch to insulated-glass units (IGs) that are more energy-efficient and resistant to failure of seals. In windows that have failed IG the moisture from the outside reaches the glass and condenses inside the glass. This process eventually degrades the insulating properties and leaves a film of haze on the glass. A glass repair expert can replace the entire IG or only the damaged surface. This can be costly and time-consuming, however it is the only way to fix a defective seal that allows water to leak into the home. Installing high-quality windows by a professional who has experience and buying windows from a reputable manufacturer can help avoid any future problems with seals. Misty Panes The window frame holds two or more glass panes, each separated by an air-filled space. The air, which is usually filled with argon to improve energy efficiency and to keep warm air in it, helps keep cold air out. Unfortunately, windows may break and you might be able to see a smokey, hazy fog between the glass panes. It may seem like it's time for a new window, but you aren't able to just replace the damaged pane. A window that is misty is typically an indication that the seal between two panes of glass has failed. The condensation or mist means that moisture has gotten in, which damages the insulation qualities of double-glazing. It is crucial to keep your windows and to keep them clean. Condensation between the panes of your windows is a sign there's a lot of humidity in the house It's therefore essential to dehumidify and take other measures to increase the airflow in areas where this happens often. If the condensation is visible on the one side of your window or between the panes, then you'll need to have the seal replaced. There is no such thing as resealing a double-glazed window to bring back its energy efficiency. If the seal is damaged, the gap allows cold air into your home, and warm air out. This can damage the insulation capacity of your home which will make it more expensive to heat. Some companies will make holes in your window's outer pane and drain the condensation. However this is only a temporary solution and will unlikely to last more than six months. It is also advised not to attempt to do this on your own, as it is very risky if you don't have the right tools or experience. Double-glazing professionals will employ specially designed equipment to safely eliminate the condensation and then install new air vents that will help prevent any future misting. Frame Fragment Damage Even with the best of care double glazing can develop defects. Certain issues are minor and can easily be fixed. Other issues are more serious and require an entire replacement. The owner of the property should take this decision, taking into consideration the advantages of double glazing and the value it brings to the property. If you have trouble opening and closing your windows it could be caused by misting or a problem with the frame. It is recommended to repair your windows as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the double glazing. The frames of your double-glazed windows are designed to keep the glass panes in their place and stop them from moving, but as time passes, the particular packaging that aids in this may wear down. This could cause one or both glass sheets to shift slightly, which breaks the all-important seal and leads to misting. The space that is used to insulate between the panes could also cause misting, which indicates that there's a problem with the seal. Another common issue is that windows have begun to shrink over time, making it difficult to open and close them. This is usually corrected by adjusting the hinges or mechanisms. Remember that many double-glazed windows are covered by a warranty. In this instance you must call the company from where you purchased your double glazing to learn what you need to do. Double-glazed windows can be repaired yourself, but it's usually recommended to speak with a professional to benefit from their expertise and knowledge. Professionals can diagnose the problem quickly and efficiently, and then make the necessary repairs to double glazing. You can also avoid voiding the warranty by not attempting to fix your windows without having the right expertise. Weather Damage Double pane windows are immune to weather damage. However should you live in a place that is susceptible to icestorms, hail, high wind and torrential rain your window frames and sealings can be seriously damaged. The best way to make sure your windows remain in good working order is to check them regularly and repair minor scratches and chips as soon as you discover them. Blown windows can be one of the most significant problems you may face with double glazing. They happen when a gap opens between the two glass panes which causes moisture and air to seep into your home. This is typically a sign of deterioration in the seals or a problem with the insulating material that is between your panes. Condensation between the panes is yet another issue that double-glazed windows may cause. This happens when the warm air inside your home is warmer than outside air. The warmer air expands due the temperature difference, which could cause window seals become weak or break over time. Foggy windows are also an issue that is common to double-glazed windows. This is a problem that can be solved without replacing the IGU. This is a sign that your window's seals need to be resealed. You will need to drill an opening between the window panes. The hole should be large enough for you to insert the pipe cleaner, or other object that is long with fabric on the end of it. The cloth end is used to wipe your windows down and remove any condensate left behind. This will help to create a more secure seal and avoid any further fogging. It is important to remember that this is a temporary solution for your foggy windows. Condensation will return as soon as it rains, or if there is an increase in humidity. If you are looking for a long-term solution, you'll have to replace your IGU with a new one.