Double Glazed Window Repair

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

Over time, your double-glazed windows can suffer from issues such as condensation and misting. This could cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open or shut.

Broken Panes

A rogue baseball or a stray pebble from your lawnmowers, or even a heavy storm could break the double panes of your windows and expose your home to the elements. While a cracked window can be difficult to fix however, you don't have to have it replaced entirely. In fact the insulated glass that is between the two panes remains in good condition and you can fix your double-pane window with a little DIY effort.

To begin, you'll need to remove the broken glass from the frame. This will be a messy job, and you'll want to take care to prevent glass shards from falling on the floor or slipping out of the frame. Make sure you wear work gloves to shield your hands from injury and a cloth to protect the area around the broken glass to prevent further damage or breaks. After you have removed the broken glass clean the frame of the window thoroughly to get rid of any sealant or other debris. It is important to sand rough areas of your frame to create an even surface for your new glazing.

After cleaning the frame after cleaning, you can apply a second layer of glass on the seam where you removed the broken pane. This is the best way to ensure that your window is sealed and protected and will help you save energy costs by preventing drafts and water from entering the house. The next step is to select your glazing material. Some options include clear tape which is more robust than regular tape and will help keep your window secure from further cracking, as well as glazing film that resembles 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 material you decide to use, it's important to press the glazier's points into that gap where the putty meets your frame. These will hold the newly-formed glass in place and assist it stick to the frame. You can find glazier's points in hardware stores, and they come in pre-made ropes which you roll onto the frame rabbets.

Condensation

Double glazing can be prone to condensation issues. If you experience this issue, it is best to contact the company that provided the window. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees to provide coverage for the issues. Fogging or condensation on the panes of your windows is a sign that the seals are damaged. Only a professional can fix this problem by replacing both panes.

The process is difficult and requires special tools to remove the old pane and install the new one, but it can be accomplished by an expert who will provide the necessary equipment. Utilizing these tools could be dangerous, so it is always best to leave this kind of job to professionals.

If you choose to do this yourself, ensure you wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from any broken glass pieces that could fly off during the process. It is also essential to carefully remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves where the new window will go. You should also brush the frame with wire, and then vacuum or wipe it with a damp cloth. After the frame is clean and dry then you'll need get a replacement glass that is 1/8 inch shorter in each direction than the window, and then test it in the grooves.

You will have to apply a layer of silicone caulk into the grooves of frames to ensure your new glass is properly installed. After the silicone caulk is dried you can smooth it out and make any adjustments. The wood molding can then be reinstalled.

If the weather suddenly changes, double-glazed windows can be difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures can cause frames to expand or shrink and this can make them slide or become stuck. If this is the case, you can try wiping the frames down with water and lubricating the joints. However, it may be best to contact the company that installed your windows for assistance.

Misted

When moisture gets trapped in between the glass panes, it can cause misted double glazing. Double glazing is made up of two panes, which are separated by a gap filled with argon for greater thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm air inside and cold outdoor air outside which allows you to keep your temperature comfortable in your home.

As time passes, the seal may break and moisture can begin to accumulate between the window panes, which causes them to turn misty. This happens because the space between the panes is heated by sun, which causes water vapour to develop in it.

It is a natural phenomenon however, if it happens between the windows' panes it could cause problems since it will no longer be able control the temperature inside the room. Instead the temperature outside of the window will influence the temperature inside. If you notice that your double-glazed windows have become blurred, call the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.

We can replace the blown sealed unit without needing to replace the entire window which is less disruptive than a total replacement. Our misty window repair involves taking off the glass unit, washing it, and then replacing it with a new one to create an airtight seal.

Some companies in the industry claim that they can inject chemicals through holes into windows that have been misty to eliminate the fog and condensation. We don't recommend using this method. This method isn't just unsightly but could also damage the toughened glass, leaving you with a upvc window repairs that isn't functioning properly.

If you don't fix the issue quickly it could cause mold, which could not only cause damage to the window, but risk health issues for your loved ones. The condensation in the window could cause other issues within your home such as damp or rot. In some cases it might be necessary to replace the entire window.

Failed or Blown

Modern double-glazed windows come with two glass panes that have an inert gas or air between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and the cold out. As time passes the gas will be depressurized and cause various issues.

Condensation in between the panes is one of the most common. While it is a natural phenomenon, it doesn't mean your window is failing however it could be an indication that you need to re-seal your windows. Condensation could also be an indication of broken double glazing that will require a re-installation.

Double-glazed windows may also cause drafts. It could be due to a failed seal or a damaged handle or a broken lock. A draught can be quite evident and can result in higher heating bills It is therefore essential that you get this fixed sooner rather than later. You can test the seals by feeling around the edges of your window frame to determine whether you feel cold air.

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

The window frames you have purchased were designed to move slightly and this is essential to keep the glass sheets in their place. However, over time, this special packaging material may become compacted and this will cause the seal to break. This allows air to circulate between the panes and reduce the energy efficiency of your window.

A blown seal is an obvious sign that your double glazing is damaged and must be fixed as soon as possible. A blown seal stops your double glazing performing its primary purpose, which is to keep cold air out and warm air in. Additionally, a blown seal will let your home's moisture in, which can result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is recommended to contact a specialist in double glazing repair when you spot a damaged seal in your double-glazed windows, as they are able to replace the entire unit.