Double Glazed Window Repair

Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that stops loss of heat in winter months and helps keep your home cooler during the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows whenever needed is a great way to ensure they are in good working order.

Over time, your double glazed windows may suffer from issues such as condensation and misting. This can cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open and close.

Broken Panes

A unruly ball, a flying stone from your lawnmower or even a storm that is strong enough can break the double pane windows of your home which can expose your home to the elements. While a damaged window may be difficult to repair however, you don't have to have it replaced entirely. In fact the insulated glass that is between the two panes remains in good condition and you can fix your double-pane window using some DIY effort.

To begin, you'll need take the broken glass out of the frame. You'll need to be careful to prevent glass shards from falling onto the floor or sliding out of the frame. Wear gloves for you hands, and a rag to cover the broken glass area to prevent any further injury or cuts. After removing the broken piece, carefully clean the entire frame of the window to eliminate any remaining sealant and debris. It is essential to sand rough areas of your frame to create a smooth surface for the new glazing.

After cleaning the frame then you can apply a fresh layer of glazing to the area where the broken pane was removed. This is the best method to protect and seal your window. It will also save you money by preventing drafts and water from entering the home. The next step is to choose your glazing material. There are many options available such as clear tape, Window Doctor which is more durable than regular tape and helps prevent further cracking of your window or glazing film which is similar to clear plastic wrapping. The advantage of this choice is that it can be painted to match your frame, and it will keep snow and rain out too.

Whatever material you decide to use, it's important to press the glazier's points into the gap where the putty meets your frame. These will hold the glass in place and aid in adhering to the frame. Hardware stores sell glazier's ropes that you can use on the frame rabbets.

Condensation

If you are experiencing issues with condensation, it is best to contact your window manufacturer. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees to provide coverage for the issues. Fogging or condensation on the windows' panes is a sign that the seals aren't working properly. Only an expert can fix this issue by replacing both panes.

It is a tricky process that requires special tools to remove and replace the old window. A professional can do this task and supply the equipment. It is recommended to leave the job to professionals. These tools could be hazardous.

Wear safety gloves and glasses if choose to do it yourself. You may be exposed to glass fragments flying around. It is also crucial to remove all the putty and metal glazing points from the grooves where the new Window doctor will go. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming it with a damp cloth are also recommended. After the frame has dried it is time to order another piece of glass that is 1/8" shorter in both directions than your existing upvc window repairs. Test-fit the glass into the grooves.

Depending on your frames You will then have to apply the caulk on the grooves to ensure that the new pane is secured in the right place. Once the silicone caulk has dried and cured, you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding will then be reinstalled.

Double-glazed windows may be difficult to open or close in the event of extreme weather. Extreme temperatures can cause frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, causing them to become sagging and stick. You can try wiping the frames with water and then lubricating them if this is the case however, it's better to seek advice from the company who installed your windows.

Misunderstood

Misted Double Glazing is a problem with windows that is caused by moisture getting trapped between the glass panes of your double-glazed windows. Double glazing consists of two glass panes which are separated by an insulating area, typically filled with argon gas to provide improved thermal efficiency. This results in an airtight seal that keeps warm indoor air in, and cold air outside.

As time passes, the seal will begin to break down and moisture will start to accumulate between the windows, causing them to turn misty. This happens because the space between the panes is heated by the sun, causing water vapour to develop in it.

This is a normal occurrence, but when it occurs between the window panes it can cause a problem as it will no longer be able to regulate the temperature of the room and allow the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. If you notice your double-glazed windows are turning cloudy, contact the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.

We can replace the blown sealed unit without needing to replace the whole window, which is a lot less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty window repair involves taking off the glass unit, cleaning it, and then replacing it with a new one to create an watertight seal.

Some companies in the field claim to inject chemicals through holes drilled into misted windows to remove the condensation and fog. We don't suggest this method. This method is not just unsightly but could also damage your toughened glass leaving you with a window that isn't functioning properly.

If you don't address the issue immediately, it could lead to mold, which could not only damage the window, but risk health issues for your family members. Moisture can also cause other issues in your home, including dampness or rot. In some instances it is possible to replace the entire window.

Blown or Failed

Modern double-glazed windows feature two glass panes that have an inert gas or air between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and the cold out. Over time, this gas may depressurize and cause a variety of problems.

One of the most frequently encountered is condensation that forms between the panes. Although it's a normal occurrence and doesn't mean that your window is failing but it could be an indication that you have to seal your windows. Condensation is also an indication of broken double glazing that will require re-installation.

Double-glazed windows may also cause draughts. It could be due to an unsound seal, a broken handle, or a broken lock. It is important to fix the issue as quickly as possible. A draft will force you to spend more on heating. Test the seals on the window frame by feeling the cold air.

You may also see water beads on the inside of windows when your upvc window repairs seals aren't working. This is a good indicator that you need to replace the seals on your double-glazed windows.

Your window frames have been designed to move a bit and this is essential to keep the glass sheets in position. However, with time, this particular packaging material will get compacted, and this could break the all-important seal. This will allow air to circulate between the panes, and decrease the efficiency of your window.

A damaged seal is a clear sign that your double glazing is damaged and needs to be fixed immediately. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary job of keeping the cold out and warm in. A blown seal could let moisture in your home, which can cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is recommended to contact a specialist in double glazing repair immediately if you spot a damaged seal on your double-glazed windows, since they could replace the whole unit.