Double Glazed Window Repair

Double glazing is an energy efficient investment that stops loss of heat in winter months and helps keep your home cooler in the summer. Restoring your double-glazed windows as necessary is a great way to keep them in good working order.

Over time your double glazed windows can suffer from issues such as condensation and misting. Double glazed windows can become difficult to open and close.

Broken Panes

A stray baseball, a flying pebble from your lawnmower, or even a severe storm could break the double panes of your windows and expose your home to the elements. While a damaged glass window is difficult to repair, it doesn't need to be replaced. In fact the insulated glass that is between the two panes is in good condition, and you can fix your double-pane windows with a bit of DIY effort.

First, window repair Loughton you'll need to take any broken glass from the frame. Be careful to prevent glass shards from falling onto the floor or sliding out of the frame. Use a pair of gloves to shield your hands from injury and a rag to cover the area surrounding the broken glass to avoid further cuts or breakage. After taking out the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly to remove any sealant or debris. It is essential to sand rough areas of the frame to ensure an even surface for your new glass.

Once the frame is cleaned, you can apply a fresh layer of glazing to the area where the damaged pane was removed. This is the best way to keep your Window Repair Loughton sealed and protected, and it will aid in reducing energy costs by stopping drafts and water from entering your home. The next step is to choose your glazing material. There are a variety of options, including clear tape which is more robust than regular tape and can keep your window safe from further cracking, as well as glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. This choice has the benefit that it can be painted to match the frame of your window and will also keep out the elements like ice and rain.

No matter what material you use, it's important to press the glazier's points into the seam where the putty meets your frame. These will hold the newly-formed glass in place and help it stick to the frame. You can find glazier's points in hardware stores, and they come in pre-made ropes which you roll over the frame rabbets.

Condensation

Double glazing can be prone to condensation issues. If you experience this problem it is recommended to contact the company that supplied the window. A lot of windows come with warranties and guarantees to cover these issues. Fogging or condensation on the panes of your windows is a sign that the seals are broken. Only a professional can fix this issue by replacing the panes.

This procedure is a bit tricky and requires the use of special tools to remove the old one and replace the new one, however it can be done by an expert who will supply the required equipment. Using these tools can be dangerous, so it is always best to leave this type task to professionals.

Wear safety gloves and glasses if you choose to do it yourself. You could be exposed to glass fragments flying around. It is essential to remove all putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will be receiving the new window. It is also recommended to brush the frame with wire and vacuum or wipe it clean with a damp cloth. After the frame is dry you'll have to purchase another piece of glass that's 1/8" shorter in both directions than your existing window. Make sure the glass fits into the grooves.

You will require a layer of silicone caulk into the grooves of your frames to ensure that your glass is securely installed. Once the silicone caulk has dried, you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding can be reinstalled.

If the weather suddenly changes, double-glazed windows may become difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures may cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, which causes them to sag and stick. You can try wiping down the frames with water and then lubricating them when this happens however it is better to seek help from the company that installed your windows.

Misted

When moisture gets trapped between the glass panes it can cause misty double glazing. Double glazing consists of two panes of glass which are separated by an insulating area, typically filled with argon gas to provide better thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm room air inside and cold outdoor air outside and allows you to keep your temperature in your home comfortable.

As time passes, the seal will begin to break down and moisture will begin to build up between the window panes, causing them to turn misty. This happens because the gap between the panes gets heated by the sun, which causes water vapour to form within it.

This is a normal thing to happen but if it happens between the window panes it could cause problems as it will no longer be able to regulate the temperature of the room and will allow the outside temperature to influence the indoor temperature. If you notice your double glazing repairs Gillingham-glazed windows are turning misty, call in the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.

We can replace a single blow sealed unit, without needing to replace the entire window. This is less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty glass repair involves removing and cleaning the glass unit, then replacing it with a brand new one. This creates a seal that is watertight again.

There are companies within the industry that claim to drill holes into your windows that are misting and inject chemicals into them which they claim will eliminate the condensation and fog but we do not recommend this procedure. This method is not just unattractive, but could also damage your toughened glass leaving you with a window that isn't functioning properly.

It is important to fix the issue as soon as you can, because if left untreated, it can lead to mould growth, which not only damages the window but can also pose health risks to your family members. The moisture in the window may cause other issues within your home such as damp or rot. In certain situations it might be necessary 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 cold out. As time passes the gas will become depressurised and cause a variety of problems.

One of the most frequently encountered is condensation occurring between the panes. Although it's a normal phenomenon, it doesn't mean your window is failing, it can be an indication that you need to re-seal your windows. Condensation can also be a sign that your double glazing is damaged in which case it should be replaced completely.

You should also look out 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 important to fix this issue as soon as you can. A draft can cause you to pay more for heating. Test the seals on the window frame by smelling cold air.

Another sign that your window seals have failed is when you begin to notice water beads on the inside of your windows. This is a sign that you will need to re-seal your double glazed windows.

The frames of your windows are designed to move a bit in order to do to keep the glass sheets in the right place. In time, this special packaging material could become compressed. This could cause the seal to become broken. This will allow air to move between the panes, which will reduce the energy efficiency of your window.

Double glazing that has ruptured an air seal is an indication of failure and should be repaired as soon as possible. A blown seal will stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary purpose that is to keep cold air out and warm air in. A damaged seal could let moisture in your home, which can lead to mold and other unpleasant conditions. Contact a double glazing expert immediately you notice a blown window seal. They can replace the entire unit.