Double Glazed Window Repair

Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that stops heat loss in the winter months and helps keep your home cooler in the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows whenever needed is a great way to ensure they remain in good working order.

Over time, condensation and misting can impact your double-glazed windows. Double glazed windows can become difficult to open and close.

Broken Panes

A unruly ball, a flying stone from your lawnmower or even a strong storm can shatter your double pane windows which can 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 entirely. In fact the insulated glass between the two panes is in good condition and you can fix your double-pane windows with a bit of DIY effort.

First, you'll need to remove any broken glass from the frame. This will be messy work, and you'll want to be careful to stop glass shards from falling on the floor or sliding out of the frame. Use work gloves to protect your hands and use an abrasive cloth around the damaged glass area to prevent further cuts or damage. After removing the broken piece and cleaning the entire frame of the window to remove any remaining sealant or debris. Sand rough areas of the frame to create a smooth surface on which to put in 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 most effective method to protect and seal your window. It will also save you energy costs by preventing drafts and water from entering your home. The next step is to select the glazing material. There are many options available, 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. This option has the advantage that it can be painted to match the frame of your window and will also keep out rain and ice.

Whatever material you use it's essential to press the glazier's points into the gap where the putty meets your frame. These will keep the glass in place and aid in adhering to the frame. Glazier's points can be found in hardware stores, and they come in pre-made ropes which you roll onto the frame rabbets.

Condensation

If you're experiencing problems with condensation, it's best to contact your window manufacturer. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees that cover these problems. Condensation and fogging in the panes of glass is an obvious sign that the seals between your windows are damaged and must be repaired by a professional who will fix both panes.

The process is difficult and requires special tools to remove the old pane and install the new one, but it can be done by an expert who will provide the necessary equipment. It is recommended to leave the job to an expert. These tools can be dangerous.

Wear safety gloves and glasses if you choose to do it yourself. You may be exposed to flying glass fragments. It is also crucial to remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves in which the new window will go. You should also brush the frame with wire and vacuum or wipe with a damp cloth. After the frame is clean and dry, you will need to order a piece of replacement glass which is 1/8 inch less in each direction than your window that you have and then fit it into the grooves.

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

Double glazed windows can become difficult to open or close when the weather is extremely changing. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, which causes them to become sagging and stick. You can try wiping down the frames with water and lubricating them when this happens, but it may be better to seek advice from the company that installed your windows.

Misted

Misted Double Glazing is a problem with windows that occurs when moisture gets trapped between the glass panes of double glazed windows. Double glazing is comprised of two panes which are separated by a gap filled with argon for better thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm room air inside and cold air outside and allows you to keep your temperature comfortable in your home.

This seal can become damaged over time and moisture may build up between the glass panes which can cause them to turn misty. This happens because the gap between the panes gets heated by the sun, which causes 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 can no longer regulate the temperature of the room, and allows the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. If you notice that your double glazed windows are becoming cloudy, contact the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.

We can repair the individual blow-sealed unit without having to replace the whole window and is less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty glass repair involves removing and cleaning the glass unit, then replacing it with a brand new one. This creates a watertight seal again.

There are companies in the field who claim to drill holes in your existing misted windows and inject chemicals into them, which they claim will eliminate the condensation and fog, however, we do not recommend this procedure. This is not just unsightly, but it could also damage the toughened glass and can result in windows that do not completely perform the function it was intended to.

If you don't address the problem immediately it could cause mould, which could not only harm the window, but risk health issues for your loved ones. Moisture can also cause other issues within your home, including dampness or rot. In some instances it is possible to replace the entire window.

Blown or Failed

Double-glazed windows are made up of two panes of glass with an inert or air between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping the cold out and heat in. Over time, the gas can become depressurised and cause many issues.

One of the most frequent is condensation between the panes. Although it's a normal event, it doesn't necessarily mean that your window is damaged but it could be an indication that you have to re-seal your windows. Condensation may also be a sign that your double glazing has broken and, in that case, it will need to be replaced completely.

Double-glazed windows can also create drafts. This could be due to the seal being damaged or a damaged handle lock. A draught is evident and can result in higher heating costs Therefore, it is essential to fix it sooner rather than later. Test the seals on the window frame by smelling cold air.

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

Your window frames are made to move a little bit in order to do to keep the glass sheets in their place. However, with time, this special packaging material may be compressed and cause the seal to break. This allows air to circulate between the panes and reduce the energy efficiency of your window.

A seal that is blown is a clear sign that your double glazing is damaged and should be repaired immediately. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing repair glazing performing its primary purpose that is to keep cold air out and warm air in. A blown seal could let moisture into your home, which can cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. Call a double glazing specialist immediately you notice a blown window seal. They can replace the entire unit.