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Four Common Signs That Double Glazed Window Repair Is Necessary Double glazing windows are an excellent alternative to conserve energy. However, they can become damaged as time passes. Luckily, they are fairly simple to repair. A problem with the seal can be detected by the foggy glass, condensation inside the panes, or mist. A professional can often solve this issue without having to replace the entire window. Broken Panes A baseball, a rock thrown, or even a powerful wind can cause cracks in the double-pane window. When this happens, it may be difficult to determine if the entire window needs to be repaired or if a replacement could be salvaged from the insulation advantages that this kind of glass is known for. Luckily, repairing a broken pane of glass in a double glazed window isn't as difficult as it may seem. If you've got the right tools and know how to use it you can fix it yourself. By using the correct tools, you will be able to avoid causing any further damage to your windows. Additionally, you will be able to avoid injuries due to handling sharp glass. The first step is to take the old sealant from the broken glass. You can do this manually so long as you've got gloves to protect yourself and a way to dispose of the waste close in front of you. You can use a multi-purpose knife or deglazing tool to accomplish the task. Once you've removed the sealant from the window, carefully remove the broken glass and place it in a safe location. The next step is to prepare the frame. Make use of a utility knife to scrape any old caulking or paint from the rabbets. You can then use a paint stripper or sandpaper, to expose the bare wood. Apply an exterior primer to the exposed area. Once the rabbets are prepared then you can apply putty to them to prepare them for reinstalling the new glass pane. The putty should be warm and malleable so that it can be put into the rabbets. It is essential to press down evenly on the entire surface so that there are no gaps. Once the putty has set, you can put wooden stops and silicone around the edges of your double pane window to make sure it is as solid as you can. Replace the weather stripping on the bottom of the frames to improve airflow and stop water from getting into your home. This will also lower your energy bill. Foggy Glass The majority of the time, windows that are foggy are a sign that the seals have deteriorated and draughts and moisture can enter the window. This is most common in humid and wet climates where wooden frames may get rotten when exposed to too much moisture and condensation. In this case you might need to replace the window, however, it's usually cheaper when the glass can be repaired. To prevent breaking the glass to avoid breaking it, make small holes in the frame using a carbide-tipped drill. You can then apply the dehumidifier as well as a cleaning solution to remove the trapped moisture from between the two glass panes. It's important to avoid doing this during a time that is extremely hot or cold. This could cause the glass to break. Wear safety gloves and goggles because you'll be working with sharp tools close to the glass. After the fog has gone, you can attach a small spray tube to one of the holes and use it to scrub the glass. Once the window is dry, you can use caulk to close the hole and seal the glass edge. You may be able repair the leaky seals yourself if you're a DIY expert. However, this is a risky job and you'll have to constantly check the condition of the plug when it is placed into the gap. Even if the issue is resolved but it's likely to come back within six months, as moisture will continue to creep into the gap. This could lead to condensation and draughts within the home as well as posing an electrical risk. This is why it's better to find a qualified tradesperson to complete the task. Condensation between the Panes Condensation in double pane windows is not just a nuisance it is a sign that the seals between the glass are breaking down. This allows moist air to move in and cause damage to the gaskets, and when the condensation is extreme it could also cause jams or cause rot to wooden frames. The most common method to address this issue is to have the window replaced with a new unit that has proper gaskets and seals. However, the expense of this procedure can be expensive and isn't always feasible, particularly in the event that one or both the panes have cracked or shattered. There are alternatives to replacing the entire glass that provide long-term double glazing repair solutions. First, try to clear any condensation using a commercial defogging product like WD-40 Original For Windows. This product can be used on both sides of glass and absorb moisture within minutes. This should be done once every day at minimum, however you can repeat the process if you need to. If the issue persists the issue is not resolved, it might be necessary to make two small holes below the bottom edge of the window. When the sun shines on the outside glass, it warms up and if there is any condensation in the window this will flow towards the holes and then be vented out through the holes as the air expands. This will normally clear the window of condensation, but since it hasn't solved the issue in the initial place it is likely to be a continuing issue. Alternately, it is possible to utilize a hole-free technique but it won't perform as well and carries the risk of shattering or cracking the glass. In essence, a special glue is applied to the cracks to stop them expanding further. This can be a good long-term solution, but it's not as efficient as a replacement unit equipped with complete sealing. In both instances it is recommended to have the work completed by an expert to ensure the process is followed properly and to avoid problems of future leaks or condensation. Repair My Windows And Doors When a layer of mist appears on a window it is usually a sign that the seal of the window has failed. In some instances, this is a repairable issue, but in most it will require replacement of the seal. This problem can happen in both new and old double-glazed windows. It is typically caused by a large temperature difference between outside and indoors. This can cause water to form inside the glass as the cold air comes in contact with warm air. The condensation then sets on the glass's surface making fog or mist. The way this is avoided by modern double glazing is that the space between the panes is filled with a gas called argon. This gas acts as an air barrier between warm and cold air. The space is also sprayed with a specific silica-based formula that is designed to wick away moisture between the panes of glass. It is not unusual for these chemicals to wear out with time and this is when you'll start to see a build up of moisture in the windows. If the condensation is only on the inside of your double-glazed windows then it may be possible to repair the windows instead of replacing them. The repair process will involve taking the sealed unit out of the frame, cutting the panes apart from the spacer bars, cleaning each one thoroughly before replacing the desiccant. The end result will be a clear window with no condensation on the inside. This is a great choice for those who are looking to save money but don't want replace windows that are already in use. Obviously, if you have broken panes, extensive rot or a frame that has lost its integrity then replacement will be necessary. If, however, you are experiencing issues with the window seal, it might be possible to save your windows and make them much more energy efficient. Contact a local business that specializes in double-glazed window repairs to find out what your options are for fixing your current glazing.