Double Glazed Window Repair

Double glazing is a fantastic investment in energy efficiency. It helps prevent loss of heat in the winter months and keeps your home cool in the summer. Restoring your double-glazed windows as necessary is a great way to ensure they remain in good working order.

Over time, your double-glazed windows may experience problems like condensation and misting. Double glazed windows can be difficult to open and close.

Broken Panes

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

To begin, you'll need remove the broken glass from the frame. This can be messy work and you'll need to be careful to stop glass shards from falling on the floor or slipping out of the frame. Use work gloves to protect you hands, and an abrasive cloth around the damaged glass to avoid any further injury or cuts. After taking out the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly, removing any sealant or debris. It is essential to sand rough areas of your frame to ensure an even surface for your new glass.

After cleaning the frame and removing the dust, misted you can apply another layer of glass to the seam where you removed the broken pane. This is the most effective way to ensure that your window is safe and sealed, and it will aid in reducing energy costs by keeping water and drafts from entering the house. The next step is to choose your glazing material. There are a variety of options, including clear tape that is more robust than regular tape and can keep your window secure 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 the frame of your window and can also shield your windows from the elements like ice and rain.

Whatever material you use, it's important 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. The glazier's point can be found in hardware stores, and are available in pre-made ropes which you roll out onto the frame rabbets.

Condensation

If you are experiencing issues with condensation, it's best to contact the window manufacturer. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees that provide coverage for these issues. Fogging or condensation between the panes of your windows is a sign that your seals are broken. Only a professional can fix this problem by replacing the panes.

This procedure is a bit difficult and requires special tools to remove the old pane and install the new one, however it is possible to do this by an expert who will provide the necessary equipment. It is best to delegate the task to a professional. These tools could be hazardous.

If you choose to do this yourself, make sure you wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from any broken pieces of glass that could fly off during the process. It is also crucial to carefully remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves in which the new window will be. Wire-brushing the frame, vacuuming or wiping with a damp cloth is also recommended. When the frame is dry and clean, you will need to order a piece of replacement glass that is 1/8 inch smaller in each direction than your existing window and test-fit it into the grooves.

You'll need to apply a layer silicone caulk in the grooves of frames to ensure the glass you are installing is properly installed. After the caulk is dry, you will need to smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding can be reinstalled.

If the weather abruptly changes, double-glazed windows could be difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures can cause frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, which causes them to sag and stick. If this is the issue try wiping the frames using water and lubricating joints. However, it may be best to ask the company that installed your windows for help.

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 space filled with argon for better thermal efficiency. This creates a airtight seal that keeps warm indoor air in, and cold outdoor air out.

Over time however, this seal can break down and moisture will begin to accumulate between the window panes, which causes them to become cloudy. This happens because the gap between the panes is heated by sun, causing water vapour to develop within it.

This is a normal thing to happen, but when it occurs between the window panes it can be a problem since it will no longer be able to control the temperature in the room and allow the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. If you notice your double-glazed windows have become blurred, call the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.

We can repair the individual blow-sealed unit without having to replace the whole window, which is a lot less disruptive than a total replacement. Our misty glass repair involves taking off and cleaning the unit of glass, then replacing it with a brand new one. This will result in an airtight seal again.

Some companies in the industry claim that they can inject chemicals through holes drilled into windows that have been misty to eliminate the condensation and fog. We do not recommend this method. This is not just ugly, but it can also damage the toughened glass and result in windows that don't completely perform the function it was intended to.

It is essential to address the problem as soon as you can, as if untreated it can result in the growth of mould that not only damages the window but can also pose health risks to your family. Moisture can cause other issues in your home, such as dampness or rot. In certain cases the window might need to be replaced completely.

Failed or Blown

Double-glazed windows are made up of two panes of glass with an air or inert between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. Over time the gas may become depressurized, causing various problems.

Condensation in between the panes is among the most common. It's not a sign of a failure in the window, but it could be a sign that you need to reseal the panes. Condensation can also be an indication of broken double glazing, which could need to be replaced.

Also, look out for draughts coming from the double-glazed windows. It could be due to the seal being damaged or a damaged handle or lock. A draught can be quite evident and can result in higher heating costs It is therefore essential that you get this fixed sooner rather than later. Check the seals around the window frame by feeling for cold air.

Another sign that the seals on your windows have failed is when you start to notice water beading on the inside of your windows. This is a clear indication that you need to seal your double-glazed windows.

Your window frames are designed to move a bit and this is essential to keep the glass sheets in place. However, over time this special packaging material can be compressed and break the all-important seal. This will allow air to circulate between the panes, which will reduce the energy efficiency of your window.

A blown seal is an obvious sign that your double glazing is damaged and should be repaired immediately. A blown seal will stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary purpose that is to keep the cold out and warm air in. Additionally, a blown seal can let moisture in, which can result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. Contact a double glazing expert when you notice a blowing window seal. They can fix the entire unit.