Double Glazed Window Repair

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

Over time condensation and misting could impact your double-glazed windows. This can cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open or close.

Broken Panes

A unruly ball, a flying stone from your lawnmower or even a storm that is strong enough can break the double pane windows of your home, leaving you home vulnerable to the elements. While a damaged glass window isn't easy to fix, it doesn't need to be replaced. In fact, the insulated glass between the two panes remains in good shape, and you can fix your double-pane windows with some DIY effort.

First, you'll need to remove any broken glass from the frame. You'll need to be careful to avoid any glass shards falling to the floor or falling out of the frame. Use a pair of gloves to protect your hands, and a cloth to protect the area surrounding the broken glass to avoid further cuts or breakage. After removing the broken piece and cleaning the entire frame of the window to remove any remaining sealant or debris. It is important to sand rough areas of the frame to ensure an even surface for your new glass.

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 safe and sealed and will aid in reducing energy costs by stopping drafts and water from entering the house. The next step is to select the material for your glazing. There are several options, including clear tape that is more durable than regular tape and helps prevent further cracking of your window, or glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. The benefit of this option is that it can be painted to match your existing frame and will keep out snow and rain as well.

Whatever material you choose it is important to press the glaziers points into the place where the putty joins your frame. They will help hold the new glass in place and assist it stick to the frame. The glazier's point can be found 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 and if you encounter this issue, it is best to call the company that installed the window. A lot of windows come with warranties and guarantees that cover the issues. Fogging or condensation between the windows' panes is a sign that the seals are damaged. Only a professional can fix this issue by replacing the panes.

It's a difficult procedure that requires special tools to remove and replace the old window. A professional can handle this task and supply the equipment. Utilizing these tools could be risky it is best to leave this kind of work to a professional.

Wear safety gloves and glasses if you decide to do it yourself. You may be exposed to glass fragments flying around. It is also important to remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves where the new window will go. You should also wire-brush the frame and vacuum or wipe it with a damp cloth. After the frame is clean and dry then you'll need purchase a replacement glass that is 1/8 inch shorter in each direction than the window that you have and then fit it into the grooves.

You'll need to apply a layer silicone caulk to the grooves of your frames to ensure that your new glass is secure in its installation. After the silicone caulk is dried and cured, you can smooth it out and make any adjustments. The wood molding will then be reinstalled.

If the weather suddenly changes, double-glazed windows may be difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures can cause frames to expand or shrink and cause them to sag or stick. If this is the problem, you can try wiping down the frames with water and then lubricating the joints. However, it might be a good idea to call the company that installed your windows for Double Glazing help.

Misted

Misted Double Glazing is a window doctor problem that develops when moisture gets trapped between the glass panes of double glazed windows. Double glazing is comprised 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 indoor air in, 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 occurs because the sun's rays heat the gap between panes of windows, causing water to evaporate.

This is a normal occurrence however, if it occurs between the window panes, Double Glazing it could cause problems as it can no longer regulate the temperature of the room and allow the outside temperature to influence the indoor temperature. If you notice your double-glazed windows have become misty, call in the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.

We can repair the individual sealed blown unit without having to replace the whole window, which is a lot less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty glass repair involves removing and cleaning the glass, then replacing it with a new one. This creates an airtight seal again.

There are companies within the industry who claim to cut holes into your existing misted windows and inject chemicals into them, which they claim will eliminate the condensation and fog but we do not recommend this method. This method is not only unsightly, but it could also damage the toughened glass and result in windows that do not fully perform the function it was intended to.

If you don't fix the problem immediately, it could lead to mold, which could not only harm the window, but also cause health risks for your loved ones. Moisture can also cause other issues in your home, such as dampness or rot. In certain cases the window might need to be replaced entirely.

Failed or Blown

Modern double-glazed windows feature two glass panes, with an inert gas or air between them. This improves their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. Over time, the gas may depressurize which can lead to a range of issues.

Condensation between panes is one of the most common. It's not a sign of a window failing however it could indicate that you should replace the windows. Condensation could also be an indication of a damaged double glazing that will need to be replaced.

Double-glazed windows can also cause drafts. This could be because of a failed seal or a damaged handle or a damaged lock. It is crucial to address the issue as quickly as you can. A draft will force you to spend more on heating. You can test the seals by placing your finger around the edges of your window frame to determine if you feel any cold air.

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

Your window frames have been designed to move slightly, which is necessary to keep the glass sheets in place. However, over time this special packaging material may get compacted, and this could cause the seal to break. This allows air to circulate between the panes and reduce the efficiency of your window.

Double glazing that has broken seals is a sign of failure and needs to be repaired immediately. A blown seal stops your double glazing from performing its primary function that is to keep the cold out and warm air in. A blown seal could let moisture in your home, which can lead to mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is recommended to contact a double glazing repair specialist when you discover a blowing seal in your double glazed windows, as they are able to replace the entire unit.