Double Glazed Window Repair

Double glazing is an energy efficient investment that prevents heat loss in the winter months and helps keep your home cooler during the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows whenever necessary is a great way to keep them in good condition.

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

Broken Panes

A stray baseball or a flying pebble from your lawnmowers, or even a severe storm can shatter the double panes of your windows and expose your home to the elements. Although a cracked glass window isn't easy to fix however, it does not need to be replaced. In fact, the insulated glass between the two panes remains in good condition and you can fix your double-pane window with a bit of DIY effort.

You'll first need to remove any broken glass from the frame. Be careful to avoid any glass shards falling to the floor or falling out of the frame. Wear work gloves to protect your hands and use an abrasive cloth around the damaged glass to avoid any further injury or cuts. After removing the broken glass and cleaning the entire frame of the window to eliminate any remaining sealant or debris. It is important to sand rough areas of the frame to ensure an even surface for your new glazing.

After cleaning the frame, you can apply another layer of glass on the seam where you removed the broken pane. This is the best way to ensure your window stays sealed and protected, and it will save you money by stopping drafts and water from getting into your home. Next, you will need to choose the right glazing material. There are several options, including clear tape that is more durable than regular tape, and can prevent further cracking of your window or glazing film, which is similar to clear plastic wrap. The benefit of this type of material is that it can be painted to match your existing frame, and it will keep snow and rain out as well.

Whatever material you use it's essential to press the glazier's points into the seam where the putty meets your frame. These will hold the glass in place and will help it stick to the frame. Hardware stores sell glazier's point ropes, which you can roll out onto the frame rabbets.

Condensation

If you have a problem with condensation, it is recommended to contact the window replacement manufacturer. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees to cover the issues. Fogging and condensation between panes of glass is an obvious indication that the seals between your windows are damaged and can only be repaired by a professional who will repair both panes.

The process is tricky and requires the use of specific tools to remove the old pane and install the new one, but it is possible to do this by an expert who will provide the required equipment. Using these tools can be dangerous, however, so it is always best to leave this kind of work to professionals.

Wear safety gloves and glasses if opt to do it yourself. You may be exposed to glass fragments flying around. It is also important to remove all the putty and metal glazing points from the grooves where the new window will be. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming a damp cloth are also recommended. After the frame has dried you'll have to purchase another piece of glass that's 1/8" shorter in both directions than the existing window. Make sure the glass fits into 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 in order to ensure that your new pane is secure in the right place. After the caulk is dry, you will need to smooth it out and make any adjustments needed. The wood molding can be reinstalled.

Double glazed windows can be difficult to open or close if the weather changes dramatically. Extreme temperatures can cause frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, which causes them to become sagging and stick. Try wiping 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 glass panes which are separated by an insulating space, typically filled with argon gas to provide better thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight sealing that keeps warm air in, and cold air outside.

Over time however, this seal can break down and moisture will start to accumulate between the windows, causing them to become cloudy. This happens because the space between the panes is heated by sun, causing water vapour to build up within it.

It is a natural phenomenon however, if it happens between the panes of the window it could be a problem because it will no longer be able to control the temperature inside the room. Instead the temperature outside of the window will influence the temperature inside. Northfield Glass can help you if your double-glazed windows start to mist.

We can replace a single blown sealed unit without the need to replace the entire window. This is less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty glass repair involves taking off and cleaning the glass unit before replacing it with a new one. This will create a seal that is watertight again.

There are companies within the industry that claim to cut holes into your windows with mist and inject chemicals into them that they claim will eliminate the fog & condensation however, we do not recommend this procedure. This method is not only ugly, but it can also harm the toughened glass and can leave you with windows that do not completely perform the function it was intended to.

It is essential to address the issue as soon as you can, as if untreated it can result in the growth of mould, which not only damages the window, but also poses health risks for your family members. Moisture can also cause issues in your home, including dampness or rot. In some cases windows, they may have to be replaced completely.

Failed or Blown

Double-glazed windows consist of two panes of glass with an air or inert between them. This helps to improve their thermal efficiency, allowing the cold out and heat in. As time passes, the gas can become depressurised and cause many problems.

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

Also, look out for drafts coming through your double-glazed windows. This could be caused by a failure of the seal or a broken handle or lock. A draught is obvious and result in higher heating bills It is therefore essential to fix it sooner rather than later. You can test the seals by placing your finger around the edges of your window frame to see whether you feel 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 have to reseal the double glazed windows.

Your window frames are made to move slightly, as they need to do to keep the glass sheets in place. However, with time, this special packaging material can be compressed and crack the crucial seal. This allows air to flow between the panes, and decrease the energy efficiency of your window.

Double glazing that has blown a seal is an indication of a failure and needs to be repaired as soon as possible. A blown seal will 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 result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is recommended to contact a double glazing repair specialist as soon as you spot a damaged seal on your double-glazed windows, since they could replace the entire unit.