Double Glazed Window Repair

Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that reduces heat loss in the winter and keeps your home cooler during the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows whenever necessary is a great way to ensure they are in good condition.

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

Broken Panes

A stray baseball or a stray pebble from your lawnmower, or even a heavy storm could break the double panes of your windows, leaving your home exposed to the elements. Although a cracked glass window isn't easy to fix but it doesn't have to be replaced. In fact the insulated glass that is between the two panes is in good shape, and you can fix your double-pane window with some DIY effort.

To begin, you'll need to remove the broken glass from the frame. This is an unpleasant task, and you'll want to take care to prevent any glass shards from falling onto the floor or falling out of the frame. Make sure to wear a pair of gloves to protect your hands, and a rag to protect the area around the broken glass to prevent further cuts or breakage. After taking out the broken glass, clean the frame of the window repairs thoroughly to remove any sealant or debris. Sand rough areas of the frame to create a smooth surface on which to put in your new glass.

After the frame has been cleaned, you can apply a new layer of glass to the area where the damaged pane was removed. This is the most effective way to keep your window secure and sealed, and it will save you money by stopping drafts and water from entering the house. The next step is to choose the material for your glazing. There are several options, including clear tape that is more durable than regular tape and prevents further cracking of your window, or glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. The benefit of this option is that it can be painted to match the frame you have, and it will keep snow and rain out as well.

No matter what material you choose, it's important to press the glazier's points into that gap where the putty meets your frame. These will keep the glass in place, and will help it stick to the frame. The glazier's point can be found in hardware stores, and they come in pre-made ropes that you simply roll onto the frame rabbets.

Condensation

If you're experiencing problems with condensation, it is best to contact your window manufacturer. Many companies provide warranties and guarantees that cover these problems. Condensation and fogging between panes of glass is an obvious sign that the seals between your windows are damaged and can only be fixed by an expert who will repair both panes.

This process is a little tricky and requires special tools to take off the old pane and then install the new one, but it can be done by a professional who will provide the necessary equipment. Using these tools can be risky, so it is always best to leave this kind task to an expert.

Wear safety glasses and gloves if you choose to do it yourself. You could be exposed to glass fragments flying around. It is also important to remove all the putty and metal glazing points from the grooves that the new window will go. You will also want to brush the frame with wire, and then vacuum or wipe it with a damp cloth. Once the frame is clean and dry you'll need to get a replacement glass that is 1/8 inch smaller in each direction than your window that you have and then fit it in the grooves.

You will require a layer of silicone caulk in the grooves of your frames to ensure that the glass you are installing 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 abruptly 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 slide and become stuck. You can try wiping the frames with water and then lubricating them when 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 develops when moisture gets trapped between the glass panes of your double-glazed windows. Double glazing is made up of two panes, which are separated by a space filled with argon for greater thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm room air inside and cold outdoor air outside, allowing you to keep the temperature comfortable in your home.

In time, however, this seal will begin to break down and moisture will start to build up between the windows, causing them to become cloudy. This happens because the gap between the panes gets heated by the sun, which causes water vapour to develop within it.

This is a natural process however, if it happens between the windows' panes it could be a problem since it will no longer be able control the temperature inside the room. Instead the temperature outside the window will influence the temperature indoors. If you notice your double glazed windows are becoming 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 less disruptive than a total replacement. Our misty window repair involves removing the glass unit, cleaning it, and then replacing it with a fresh one to create an watertight seal.

Some companies in the field claim to inject chemicals through holes into misted windows to remove the condensation and fog. We don't suggest this method. This is not just ugly, but it can cause damage to the toughened glass and can result in windows that do not fully perform the function it was intended to.

If you don't fix the issue quickly it could cause mould, which could not only cause damage to the window, but risk health issues for your family members. Moisture can cause other issues within your home, including dampness or rot. In certain situations it might be necessary to replace the entire window.

Blown or Failed

Double-glazed windows consist of two panes of glass with an inert or air between them. This increases their thermal efficiency, allowing warm air in and cold air out. Over time, this gas can depressurize and cause a variety of problems.

One of the most frequently encountered is condensation occurring between the panes. While it is a natural occurrence and doesn't mean that your window has failed, it can be an indication that you have to re-seal your windows. Condensation could also be a sign of a broken double glazing, which could require a re-installation.

Double-glazed windows can also create drafts. This could be caused by the seal being damaged or a broken handle or lock. It is essential to fix this problem as soon as you can. A draft will force you to spend more on heating. Check the seals around the window frame by feeling the cold air.

Another sign that your window seals are failing is when you begin to notice water beads on the inside of your windows. This is a clear indication that you should seal your double-glazed windows.

Your window frames are made to move a little bit in order to do to keep the glass sheets in place. However, over time, this particular packaging material will be compressed and crack the crucial seal. This will allow air to circulate between the panes and reduce the energy efficiency of your window.

A damaged seal is an obvious sign that your double glazing has failed and needs to be fixed immediately. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary purpose, which is to keep cold air out and warm air in. In addition, a blown seal will let your home's moisture in, which could cause mold and other uncomfortable conditions. It is important to contact a double glazing repair expert as soon as you spot a damaged seal on your double-glazed windows, as they can replace the entire unit.