Double Glazed Window Repair

Double glazing is a great investment in energy efficiency. It stops heat loss during the winter months and helps keep your home cool during summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows when needed is a great way to ensure they remain in good working order.

Over time, condensation and misting can be detrimental to your double-glazed windows. This can cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open and close.

Broken Panes

A unruly ball or a flying stone from your lawnmowers, or a storm that is strong enough can break your double-pane windows which can expose your home to the elements. Although a cracked glass window isn't easy to fix however, it does not need to be replaced. The insulated glass between two glass panes is still in good shape and you can fix your double-paned window yourself.

To begin, you'll need remove the broken glass from the frame. This will be messy work and you'll need to take care to prevent any glass shards from falling on the floor or slipping out of the frame. Make sure you wear work gloves to protect your hands and a rag to protect the area surrounding the broken glass to prevent further damage or breaks. After removing the broken glass, carefully clean the entire frame of the window to eliminate any sealant residue and debris. Sand rough areas of the frame to create a smooth surface to put in your new glass.

After the frame has been cleaned and dried, you can apply a fresh layer of glass to the area where the damaged pane was removed. This is the best way to protect and seal your window. It will also reduce your energy bills by preventing drafts and water from entering your home. The next step is to choose your glazing material. There are many options available such as 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 wrapping. This type of wrap has the advantage that it can be painted to match your frame, and will also block out rain and ice.

Whatever material you choose it is important to press the glaziers points into that seam where the putty meets your frame. They will help keep the glass in place and aid in adhering to the frame. Hardware stores sell glazier's point ropes that can be rolled out on the frame rabbets.

Condensation

If you have a problem with condensation, it's best to contact your window manufacturer. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees to provide coverage for these problems. Condensation and fogging in the panes of glass is a clear sign that the seals between your windows have been damaged and must be repaired by an expert who will replace both panes.

This process is a little difficult and requires special tools to remove the old pane and install the new one, but it can be done by an expert who will provide the required equipment. Making use of these tools can be risky, so it is always best to leave this kind of job to a professional.

Wear safety gloves and glasses if choose to do it yourself. You could be exposed to flying glass fragments. It is also crucial to carefully remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves where the new window will be. It is also recommended to wire-brush the frame and vacuum or wipe it with a damp cloth. When the frame is dry and clean you'll need to purchase a replacement glass that is 1/8 inch shorter in each direction than your existing window and test-fit it in the grooves.

Based on the frame you have depending on your frames, you'll need to apply a thin layer of silicone caulk to the grooves to ensure that the new pane is secure in position. After the caulk dries, you will need to smooth it out and make any needed adjustments. The wood molding can then be reinstalled.

If the weather suddenly changes, double-glazed windows may become difficult to open or close. Extreme temperatures can cause frames to shrink or expand and this can make them fall or stick. You can try wiping the frames with water and then lubricating them if this is the case however it is better to seek advice from the company who installed your windows.

Misunderstood

If moisture is trapped between the glass panes it can cause misty double glazing. Double glazing is comprised of two panes of glass that are separated by an insulating space typically filled with argon gas to provide better thermal efficiency. This creates a airtight seal that keeps warm indoor air inside, and cold air outside.

The seal may be damaged over time, and moisture can build up between the glass panes and cause them to become misty. This happens because the space between the panes is heated by the sun, causing water vapour to form within it.

This is a normal thing to happen however, if it occurs between the window panes, it can be a problem since it is no longer able to regulate the temperature of the room and will allow the outside temperature to influence 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 individual sealed blown unit without having to replace the whole window which is less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty glass upvc repair consists of removing and cleaning the glass, then replacing it with a brand new one. This creates an airtight seal again.

There are some companies in the field that claim to drill holes in your windows that are misting and inject chemicals into them, which they claim will eliminate the condensation and fog, however, we do not recommend this procedure. This is not just ugly, but it can also damage the toughened glass and result in windows that do not fully perform the function it was intended to.

If you don't address the issue quickly it could result in mold, which could not only harm the window, but could also cause health risks for your family members. The moisture in the window may cause other issues in your home, such as damp or rot. In certain cases, the window may need to be replaced completely.

Blown or Failed

Double-glazed windows are comprised of two glass panes with an air or inert between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and the cold out. Over time, the gas may depressurize which can lead to a range of problems.

Condensation between panes is among the most common. It's not a sign of a window failure, but it could indicate that you should replace them. Condensation is also an indication of broken double glazing that will require a re-installation.

You should also look out for draughts coming from the double-glazed windows. It could be due to an unsound seal, a broken handle, or a damaged lock. It is important to fix this problem as soon as you can. A draft can cause you to pay more for heating. You can test the seals by placing your finger around the edges of the window frame to see whether you feel cold air.

Another sign that your window seals have failed is when you start to notice water beading on the inside of your windows. This is a good indicator that you will need to replace the seals on your double-glazed windows.

The frames of your windows are designed to move a little bit as they have to do in order to keep the glass sheets in place. However, over time, this special packaging material can be compressed and break the all-important seal. This will allow air to flow between the panes and reduce the energy efficiency of your window.

A seal that is blown is an obvious sign that your double glazing is damaged and must be fixed as soon as possible. A blown seal will stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary purpose, which is to keep cold air out and warm air in. Additionally, a blown seal can let moisture in, which could cause mold and other uncomfortable conditions. Contact a double-glazing specialist when you notice a blowing window seal. They can repair or replace the entire unit.