Double Glazed Window Repair

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

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

Broken Panes

A unruly ball or a flying stone from your lawnmowers, or a strong storm can shatter your double-pane windows, leaving you home vulnerable to the elements. While a damaged window may be difficult to repair, you don't have to have it replaced entirely. The insulated glass that is between two glass panes is in good condition, so you can repair your double-paned windows yourself.

To start, you'll need to remove the broken glass from the frame. Be careful to keep glass shards from falling to the floor or slipping out of the frame. Use a pair of gloves to protect your hands, and a rag to protect the area around the broken glass to avoid further damage or breaks. After you have removed the broken glass clean the frame of the window thoroughly, removing any sealant or other debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth and even surface to put in your new glass.

Once the frame is cleaned then you can apply a fresh layer of glazing to the place where the damaged pane was removed. This is the best way to ensure your window stays safe and sealed, and it will save you money by preventing drafts and water from entering the house. Next, you will need to choose the right glazing material. There are a variety of options, including clear tape, which is a bit more robust than regular tape and will help keep your window secure from further cracking, and glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. This option has the advantage that it can be painted to match your frame, and will also block out the elements like ice and rain.

Whatever the material you choose, it is important to press the glazier's points into the seam where the putty meets the frame. They will help hold the new glass in place and help it adhere to the frame. You can find glazier's points in hardware stores, and they come in pre-made ropes that you roll onto the frame rabbets.

Condensation

If you are experiencing issues with condensation, it's recommended to contact the window manufacturer. There are warranties and guarantees to cover these issues. Fogging and condensation between panes of glass is a clear sign that the seals between your windows are broken and can only be fixed by a professional who will repair both panes.

The process is difficult and requires the use of special tools to take off the old pane and then install the new one, however it is possible to do this by a professional who will provide the necessary equipment. Making use of these tools can be risky, so it is always best to leave this type of work to professionals.

If you choose to undertake this yourself, ensure you wear gloves and safety glasses to shield yourself from any broken pieces of glass that may fly off during the process. It is important to remove any putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will receive the new window. It is also recommended to brush the frame with wire and vacuum or wipe it with a damp cloth. Once the frame has dried, you'll need to order another piece of glass that is 1/8" shorter in both directions than your existing window. Test-fit the glass into the grooves.

You'll require a layer of silicone caulk to the grooves of frames to ensure your glass is properly installed. After the silicone caulk is dried you can smooth it out and make any adjustments. Then the wood molding can be put back in place.

If the weather suddenly changes, double-glazed windows could become difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or shrink, causing them to sag and stick. If this is the issue you could try wiping the frames down with water and lubricating the joints. However, it may be best to ask the company that installed your windows to help.

Misunderstood

If moisture is trapped between the glass panes, it can cause misty double glazing. Double glazing is comprised of two panes, which are separated by a space that is filled with argon for greater thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight sealing that keeps warm air inside, and cold outdoor air out.

Over time however, this seal may break and moisture will start to accumulate between the windows, causing them to become cloudy. This happens because the sun's rays heat the space between the panes of windows, causing the water to evaporate.

This is a natural occurrence however if it occurs between the panes of the window it can be a problem since it will no longer be able to control the temperature in the room. Instead the temperature outside the window will affect the temperature inside. Northfield Glass can help you in the event that your double-glazed windows begin to mist.

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

There are companies in the industry which claim to drill holes into your windows that are misting and inject chemicals into them, which claim to eliminate condensation and fog however, we do not recommend this procedure. This is not only unsightly but could also damage your toughened glass and leave you with a window that does not function properly.

It is important to fix the issue as quickly as you can, because if left untreated, it can cause mould growth that not only damages the window, but can also pose health risks to your family. Moisture in the window can cause other issues within your home like damp or rot. In some instances it is possible to replace the entire window.

Failed or Blown

Modern double glazed windows have two glass panes with an inert gas or air in between them. This helps to improve their thermal efficiency, keeping the cold out and heat in. As time passes, the gas may depressurize, leading to a number of issues.

Condensation between the panes is among the most frequent. It's not an indication of a window failing however it could be a sign that you should replace the panes. Condensation can also be an indication of broken double glazing that will require a re-installation.

Double-glazed windows can also create draughts. This could be due to a failure of the seal or a damaged handle lock. A draught is evident and can result in more expensive heating bills Therefore, it is essential to get it fixed sooner rather than later. Check the seals around the window frame by feeling the cold air.

Another indication that your window seals are failing is when you start to notice water beading on the inside of your windows. This is an indication that you need to reseal the double glazed windows.

Your window frames are designed to move slightly and this is essential to keep the glass sheets in place. As time passes, this particular packaging material could be compressed. This can cause the seal to be broken. This will allow air to circulate between the panes, and decrease the efficiency of your window.

double glazing repair glazing that has ruptured an air seal is an indication of a failure and needs to be repaired immediately. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing performing its primary purpose which is to keep the cold out and warm air in. A damaged seal could let moisture in your home, which can cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. Contact a double glazing expert when you notice a blowing window seal. They can repair or replace the entire unit.