Double Glazed Window Repair

repairing double glazed windows glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that stops loss of heat in winter months and helps keep your home cooler during the summer. Having your double glazed windows repaired when needed is a great way to keep them working correctly.

Over time your double glazed windows may suffer from issues like condensation and misting. This can cause your double-glazed windows to be difficult to open or shut.

Broken Panes

A stray ball or a flying pebble from your lawnmowers or glazing even a storm that is heavy can break the double panes of your windows and expose your home to the elements. Although a window that is cracked can be difficult to fix however, you don't have to replace it completely. The insulated glass that is between two glass panes is in good condition, so you can repair your double-paned window on your own.

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 any glass shards from falling on the floor or falling out of the frame. Use a pair of work gloves to shield your hands from injury 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 to remove any sealant or debris. It's important to sand rough areas of the frame to create an even surface for your new glass.

After cleaning the frame then you can apply a fresh layer of glazing to the area in which the broken pane was removed. This is the most effective way to ensure your window stays sealed and protected, and it will save you money by preventing drafts and water from entering your home. The next step is to choose the material for your glazing. There are a variety of options, including clear tape, which is a bit more durable than regular tape and can keep your window from further cracking, and glazing film that resembles clear plastic wrap. The benefit of this option is that it can be painted over to match your frame, and it will keep snow and rain out as well.

Whatever the material you select regardless of the material you choose, it is essential to press the glazier's points into the place where the putty joins the frame. These will hold the newly-formed glass in place and aid it to adhere to the frame. You can find glazier's points in hardware stores, and are available in pre-made ropes that you simply roll over the frame rabbets.

Condensation

Double glazing can be prone to condensation issues and if you experience this issue, it is recommended to contact the company that supplied the window. There are warranties and guarantees to cover the issues. Condensation or fogging between the windows' panes is a sign that the seals are damaged. Only a professional can fix this issue by replacing both panes.

The process is complicated and requires the use of special tools to take off the old pane and then install the new one, but it can be done by an expert who will supply the necessary equipment. Utilizing these tools could be risky, so it is always best to leave this type of job to a professional.

If you do decide to undertake this yourself, make sure you wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from any broken glass pieces that could fly off during the process. It is important to take out any putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will receive the new window. Wire-brushing the frame or glazing vacuuming a damp cloth is 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. Test-fit the glass into the grooves.

Based on the frames you have, you will then need to apply a thin layer of silicone caulk to the grooves in order to ensure that your new pane is secured in the right place. Once the caulk has dried it is time to smooth it out and make any needed adjustments. The wood molding will then be put back in place.

If the weather suddenly changes, double-glazed windows could become difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, which causes them to sag and stick. You can try wiping down the frames with water and then lubricating them when this happens, but it may be better to consult the company who installed your windows.

Misted

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

In time, however, this seal can break down and moisture will start to build up between the windows, causing them to become cloudy. This happens because the sun heats the space between the window panes, which causes the water to evaporate.

This is a normal process but if it happens between the window panes, it could cause problems as it can no longer control the temperature in the room and allow the outside temperature to influence the indoor temperature. Northfield Glass can help you in the event that your double-glazed windows begin to mist.

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

There are companies in the industry that claim to cut holes into your windows that are misting and inject chemicals into them which they claim will eliminate the fog & condensation, however, we don't recommend this method. This method isn't just unattractive, but could also damage the toughened glass, leaving you with a window that isn't functioning properly.

If you don't take care to fix the issue immediately it could result in mould, which can not only cause damage to the window, but could also cause health risks for your loved ones. The moisture in the window may also lead to other problems with your property like damp or rot. In some instances it might be necessary to replace the entire window.

Failed or blown

Double-glazed windows are comprised of two glass panes with an inert or air between them. This improves their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and the cold out. As time passes the gas may be depressurized and cause a variety of issues.

One of the most common is condensation occurring between the panes. Although it's a normal occurrence and doesn't mean that your window is failing, it can be an indication that you have to re-seal your windows. Condensation is also an indication of a damaged double glazing that will need to be replaced.

You should also look out for draughts coming from your double-glazed windows. This could be caused by the seal being damaged or a damaged handle or lock. A draught is obvious and result in more expensive heating bills, so it is important to get it fixed sooner rather than later. Test the seals around the window frame by feeling for cold air.

You will also notice water beads on the inside of windows when your window seals aren't performing as they should. This is a good indicator that you need to replace the seals on your double-glazed windows.

Your window frames are designed to move a little bit as they have to do to keep the glass sheets in their place. However, over time this special packaging material can be compressed and break the all-important seal. This will allow the air to flow between the panes, reducing the efficiency of your window's energy consumption.

Double glazing that has ruptured a seal is an indication of failure and should be repaired immediately. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from performing its primary function that is to keep cold air out and warm air in. Additionally, a blown seal will let your home's moisture in, which could result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. Contact a double-glazing specialist when you notice a blown window seal. They can repair or replace the entire unit.