Double Glazed Window Repair

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

Over time your double glazed windows can suffer from issues like condensation and misting. Double glazed windows may be difficult to open and close.

Broken Panes

A stray ball or a flying pebble from your lawnmowers or even a heavy storm can break the double panes of your windows and expose your home to the elements. While a damaged glass window is difficult to repair but it doesn't have to be replaced. The insulated glass between two panes of glass is in good condition, so you can repair double glazed windows your double-paned window on your own.

First, you'll need to take any broken glass from the frame. This can be a messy job, and you'll want to be cautious to prevent any glass fragments from falling on the floor or sliding out of the frame. Make sure you wear gloves to protect your hands, and a rag to cover the area surrounding the broken glass to avoid further breakage or cuts. After taking out the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly, removing any sealant or debris. It is important to sand rough areas of the frame to ensure a smooth surface for your new glass.

Once the frame is cleaned then you can apply a new layer of glazing to the area where the broken pane was removed. This is the most effective method to seal and protect your window, and will save you money by preventing drafts and water from entering your home. Next, you will need to choose the right glazing material. Some options include clear tape, which is a bit more durable than regular tape and can keep your window from further cracking, as well as glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. This type of wrap has the advantage that it can be painted to match your frame, and will also block out snow and ice.

Regardless of the material you pick regardless of the material you choose, it is essential to press glazier's points into the seam where the putty meets the frame. These will hold the glass in place, and help it adhere to the frame. The glazier's point can be found in hardware stores, and they are available in pre-made ropes that you simply roll out onto the frame rabbets.

Condensation

Double glazing is susceptible to condensation issues and 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 address the issues. Condensation and fogging in the panes of glass is an obvious sign that the seals between your windows have been damaged and can only be fixed by a professional who will fix both panes.

This procedure is a bit tricky and requires special tools to take off the old one and replace 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 dangerous, so it is always best to leave this kind task to professionals.

If you decide to do this yourself, be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses to shield yourself from any broken pieces of glass that might fly away during the process. It is also essential to carefully remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves in which the new window will go. You will also want to brush the frame with wire and vacuum or wipe with a damp cloth. Once the frame is dry and clean then you'll need purchase a replacement glass which is 1/8 inch less in each direction than the existing window and test-fit it in the grooves.

You will require a layer of silicone caulk to the grooves of frames to ensure your new glass is secure in its installation. Once the caulk has dried it is time to smooth it and make any adjustments needed. The wood molding will then be put back in place.

If the weather suddenly changes, double-glazed windows may be difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand window or shrink, causing them to slide and become stuck. You can try wiping down the frames with water and then lubricating them if this is the case however, it's better to seek advice from the company that installed your windows.

Misunderstood

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

Over time however, this seal can break down and moisture can begin to accumulate between the window panes, which causes them to turn misty. This happens because the sun's rays heat the gap between the window panes, which causes water to vapourize.

This is a natural process, but if it occurs between the windows' panes it could cause problems because it will no longer be able control the temperature within the room. Instead the temperature outside the window will influence the temperature inside. If you notice your double glazed windows are becoming misty, call in the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.

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 taking off the glass, cleaning it, window then replacing it with a new one to make an watertight seal.

Some companies in the industry claim that they can inject chemicals through holes drilled into misted windows to remove the condensation and fog. We don't recommend this method. This method isn't just ugly, but it could also harm the toughened glass, leaving you with a window which isn't functioning properly.

It is crucial to resolve the issue as soon as possible, as left untreated, it can cause mould growth that not only damages the window, but also poses health risks for your family members. Moisture in the window can cause other problems within your home such as damp or rot. In some instances the window might need to be replaced entirely.

Failed or Blown

Modern double-glazed windows come with two glass panes, with an inert gas or air between them. This helps to improve their thermal efficiency by keeping warm air in and cold air out. Over time, the gas can become depressurised and cause a variety of problems.

One of the most frequent is condensation that forms between the panes. Although it's a normal phenomenon, it doesn't mean your window has failed but it could be a sign that you need to re-seal your windows. Condensation could be an indication that your double glazing has failed and, in that case, it will need to be replaced completely.

It is also important to look for draughts that are coming from your double-glazed windows. This could be caused by a failure of the seal or a damaged handle lock. A draught can be noticeable and will lead to higher heating costs, so it is important to fix it sooner rather than later. Test the seals on the window frame by feeling for cold air.

Another sign that your window seals have failed is when you start to see water dripping on the inside of your windows. This is an indication that you need to seal your double-glazed windows.

Your window frames are designed to move slightly in order to do to keep the glass sheets in place. Over time, this special packaging material could become compacted. This could cause the seal to be broken. This will allow the air to move between the panes, decreasing the efficiency of your window's energy consumption.

Double glazing that has broken seals is an indication of a failure and should be repaired immediately. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing performing its primary function, which is to keep the cold out and warm air in. In addition, a blown seal will let your home's moisture in, which can result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. You should call a double glazing repair expert when you spot a damaged seal in your double glazed windows, as they can replace the whole unit.