Double Glazed Window Repair

Double glazing is an energy efficient investment that prevents loss of heat during winter and keeps your home cool in the summer. Restoring your double-glazed windows as necessary is a great way to ensure they are in good condition.

Over time condensation and misting may impact your double-glazed windows. This can cause your double-glazed windows to be difficult to open or shut.

Broken Panes

A rogue baseball or a flying pebble from your lawnmowers or even a heavy storm could break the double panes of your windows and expose your home to the elements. Although a window that is cracked can be difficult to fix, you don't have to replace it entirely. The insulated glass that is between two panes of glass is still in good shape, so you can repair your double-paned windows yourself.

First, you'll need to remove any broken glass from the frame. This is messy work, and you'll want to be careful to stop any glass shards from falling on the floor or falling out of the frame. Use work gloves to protect your hands and use a rag to cover the broken glass to avoid any further injury or cuts. After removing the broken pane take care to clean the entire frame of the window to remove any remaining sealant and debris. Sand rough areas of the frame to create a smooth surface to install your new window.

After cleaning the frame then you can apply a fresh layer of glass to the seam where the damaged pane was removed. This is the most effective way to ensure your window stays secure and sealed and will save you money by stopping drafts and water from getting into your home. The next step is to choose the material for your glazing. There are a variety of options including clear tape which is more durable than regular tape, and can prevent further cracking of your window or glazing film, which is similar to clear plastic wrap. The benefit of this type of material is that it can be painted to match your existing frame and will also keep snow and rain out as well.

No matter what material you use it's essential to press the glaziers points into that gap where the putty meets your frame. They will help hold the new glass in place and assist it to adhere to the frame. Hardware stores carry glazier's point ropes that can be rolled out onto the frame rabbets.

Condensation

Double glazing can be susceptible to condensation issues and if you encounter this issue, it is best to contact the company that provided the window. A lot of windows come with warranties and guarantees to address the issues. Fogging and condensation between panes of glass is an obvious indication that the seals between your windows have been damaged and can only be repaired by an expert who will replace both panes.

This process is a little complicated and requires the use of specific tools to remove the old pane and then install the new one, however it can be accomplished by an expert who will supply the necessary equipment. It is recommended to leave the work to an expert. These tools could be dangerous.

If you decide to undertake this yourself, be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses to shield yourself from any broken pieces of glass that might fly away during the process. It is also important to remove all the putty and metal glazing points from the grooves where the new window will go. It is also recommended to brush the frame with wire, and then vacuum or wipe it with a damp cloth. After the frame is clean and dry, you will need to get a replacement glass that is 1/8 inch smaller in each direction than the window, and then test it into the grooves.

Based on the frame you have, you will then need to apply the caulk to the grooves in order to ensure that the new pane is secured in place. After the silicone caulk is dried, you can smooth it out and make any adjustments. The wood molding can be put back in place.

Double-glazed windows can be difficult to open and close if the weather changes dramatically. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, which causes them to slide and become stuck. You can try wiping the frames with water and lubricating them in the event that this happens, but it may be better to seek advice from the company that installed your windows.

Misunderstood

Misted Double Glazing is a window problem that is caused by moisture getting trapped between the glass panes of your double glazed windows. Double glazing is made up of two panes which are separated by a gap filled with argon to improve thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm air inside and cold air outside, allowing you to keep your temperature at a comfortable level in your home.

In time, however, this seal may break and moisture can begin to accumulate between the windows, causing them to turn misty. This happens because the gap between the panes gets heated by the sun, which causes water vapour to form in it.

This is a natural occurrence however, if it happens between the panes of the window it could cause problems because it will no longer be able control the temperature within the room. Instead the temperature outside of the window will affect the temperature indoors. If you notice that your double-glazed windows have become misty, call in the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.

We can repair the individual sealed blown unit without having to replace the whole window which is less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty window repair involves taking off the glass unit, washing it, and replacing it with a fresh one to create an airtight seal.

Certain companies in the business claim to inject chemicals through holes drilled into windows with mist to remove the fog and condensation. We don't suggest this method. This method isn't just unsightly but could also damage the toughened glass and leave you with a window that doesn't function properly.

It is important to fix the issue as quickly as you can, because if left untreated it can lead to mould growth which can not only damage the window, but can also pose health risks to your family members. Moisture can also cause other issues within your home, including dampness or rot. In certain situations, it may be necessary to replace the entire window.

Failed or blown

Modern double glazed windows have two glass panes that have an inert gas or air in between them. This improves their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and the cold out. Over time the gas will be depressurized and cause many problems.

Condensation between the panes is one of the most frequent. Although it's a normal occurrence and doesn't mean that your window is failing but it could be a sign that you need to re-seal your windows. Condensation can also be a sign that your double glazing is damaged and, in that case, it will need to be replaced completely.

It is also important to look for draughts that are coming from the double-glazed windows. This could be due to the seal being damaged or a broken handle or lock. It is essential to fix this issue as soon as possible. A draft can cause you to spend more on heating. Check the seals around the window frame by feeling the cold air.

You will also notice water beads on the outside of windows when your window seals are failing. This is a sign that you should seal your double-glazed windows.

The frames of your windows are designed to move a bit, as they need to do in order to keep the glass sheets in their place. As time passes, this particular packaging material could be compressed. This could cause the seal to become broken. This allows air to flow between the panes, and decrease the efficiency of your window.

Double glazing that has ruptured a seal is a sign of failure and needs to be repaired as soon as is possible. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing performing its primary purpose that is to keep the cold out and warm air in. Furthermore, a blow-off seal can let moisture in, which could cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is recommended to contact a specialist in double glazing repair when you notice a blown seal on your double-glazed windows, as they can replace the entire unit.