Double Glazed Window Repair

Double glazing is a fantastic investment in energy efficiency. It stops loss of heat during winter months and keeps your home cool during summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows whenever needed is a great way to keep them in good condition.

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

Broken Panes

A rogue ball or 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. While a damaged glass window is difficult to repair however, it does not need to be replaced. In fact the insulated glass between the two panes is in good shape and you can repair your double-pane windows with some DIY effort.

To start, you'll need to remove the broken glass from the frame. Be careful to prevent glass shards from falling onto the floor or sliding from the frame. Use work gloves to protect your hands, and place a rag around the broken glass to avoid any further injury or cuts. After removing the broken pane take care to clean the entire frame of the window to eliminate any sealant residue and debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth surface to put in your new glass.

After the frame has been cleaned then you can apply a new layer of glazing to the place in which the broken pane was removed. This is the best method to keep your window secure and sealed and save you money by keeping water and drafts from entering your home. Next, you will need to choose your glazing material. There are many options available including clear tape which is more durable than regular tape, and can prevent further cracking of your window, or glazing film which is similar to clear plastic wrap. The advantage of this choice is that it can be painted to match your existing frame and will keep snow and rain out too.

Regardless of the material you pick, it is important to press glazier's points into the seam where the putty meets the frame. These will hold the newly-formed glass in place and aid it stick to the frame. You can find glazier's points in hardware stores, and they come in pre-made ropes which you roll out onto the frame rabbets.

Condensation

Double glazing can be susceptible to condensation issues. If you experience this issue, it is recommended to contact the company that installed the window. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees that cover the problems. Condensation and fogging in the panes of glass is a clear indication that the seals between your windows are broken and can only be repaired by an expert who will replace both panes.

This procedure is a bit tricky and double glazing repair requires special tools to take off the old one and replace the new one, but it is possible to do this by a professional who will provide the required equipment. Utilizing these tools could be dangerous, so it is always recommended to leave this kind of work to an expert.

Wear safety gloves and glasses if decide to do it yourself. You may be exposed to glass fragments flying around. It is essential to remove all metal or putty points from the grooves that will receive the new window. You should also wire-brush the frame and vacuum or double glazing repair wipe with a damp cloth. After the frame is dry, you'll need to order a replacement piece of glass that's 1/8" shorter in both directions than the existing window. Make sure the glass fits into the grooves.

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

Double glazed windows can become difficult to open or close if the weather changes dramatically. Extreme temperatures can cause frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, causing them to sag and stick. If this is the problem you could try wiping the frames down using water and lubricating joints. However, it might be a good idea to call 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 comprised of two glass panes which are separated by an insulating space typically filled with argon gas for improved thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm air inside and cold outdoor air outside which allows you to keep the temperature in your home comfortable.

Over time however, this seal will begin to break down and moisture will begin to accumulate between the windows, causing them to become misty. This happens because the gap between the panes gets heated by the sun, which causes water vapour to form in it.

This is a natural process, but if it occurs between the windows' panes it could be a problem because it will no longer be able to control the temperature inside the room. Instead the temperature outside the window will influence the temperature inside. If you notice your double-glazed windows are turning blurred, call the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.

We can replace the sealed blown unit without having to replace the whole window which is less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty upvc window repairs repair involves removing the glass, cleaning it, and replacing it with a fresh one to create a watertight seal again.

Some companies in the field claim that they can inject chemicals through holes into windows that have been misty to eliminate the fog and condensation. We don't recommend this method. This is not just ugly, but it can cause damage to 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 result in mould, which could not only cause damage to the window, but also cause health risks for your family members. Moisture can cause other issues in your home, like dampness or rot. In some instances it might be necessary to replace the entire window.

Blown or Failed

Modern double-glazed windows feature two glass panes that have an inert gas or air in between them. This helps to improve their thermal efficiency by keeping the cold out and heat in. As time passes the gas will become depressurized, causing various issues.

Condensation between the panes is one of the most common. Although it's a normal phenomenon, it doesn't mean your window is damaged but it could be a sign that you need to seal your windows. Condensation can be an indication that your double glazing is damaged, in which case it's time to get it replaced completely.

It is also important to look for draughts coming from the double-glazed windows. It could be due to a failed seal, a broken handle, or a broken lock. It is essential to fix the issue as quickly as you can. A draft can cause you to spend more on heating. You can test the seals by feeling around the edges of your window frame to determine if you feel any cold air.

You may also see water beads on the interior of windows if the window seals are failing. This is a sign that you need to seal your double-glazed windows.

Your window frames are made to move slightly in order to do to keep the glass sheets in the right place. However, over time this special packaging material can become compacted and this will break the all-important seal. This will allow air to circulate between the panes, reducing your window's energy efficiency.

Double glazing that has blown a seal is an indication of failure and needs to be repaired as soon as is possible. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from performing its primary job of keeping cold out and warm inside. A damaged seal could let moisture in your home, which could cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. You should call a double glazing repair specialist immediately if you spot a damaged seal in your double glazed windows, since they could replace the whole unit.