Double Glazed Window Repair

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

Over time, your double-glazed windows can suffer from issues such as condensation and misting. This could cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open or shut.

Broken Panes

A stray baseball or a flying pebble from your lawnmowers or even a severe storm could break the double panes of your windows and expose your home 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 is in good shape and you can repair your double-pane window with some DIY effort.

You'll first need to remove any broken glass from the frame. This can be an unpleasant task and you'll need to take care to prevent glass shards from falling onto the floor or falling out of the frame. Use work gloves to protect your hands, and place an abrasive cloth around the damaged glass area to prevent further damage or cuts. After taking out the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly to get rid of any sealant or other debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth surface on which to put in your new glass.

After the frame has been cleaned and dried, you can apply a new layer of glass to the seam where the broken pane was removed. This is the best method to keep your window sealed and protected and save you money by keeping water and drafts from entering your home. The next step is to select the material for your glazing. There are many options available, including clear tape that is more durable than regular tape and helps prevent further cracking of your window, lock or glazing film which is similar to clear plastic wrap. The benefit of this type of material is that it can be painted over to match your frame, and it will keep out rain and snow as well.

No matter what material you choose it's essential to press the glazier's points into the place where the putty joins your frame. They will help hold the new glass in place and help it stick to the frame. Glazier's points can be found in hardware stores, and are available in pre-made ropes which you roll over the frame rabbets.

Condensation

If you are experiencing issues with condensation, it is best to call your window manufacturer. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees that will cover the problems. Condensation and fogging between panes of glass is an obvious sign that the seals between your windows have been damaged and can only be fixed by a professional who will fix both panes.

It is a tricky procedure that requires special tools to remove and replace the old window. A professional can complete this task and provide the tools. Using these tools can be risky it is best to leave this kind task to professionals.

If you do decide to do this yourself, ensure you wear gloves and safety glasses to shield yourself from any broken pieces of glass that could fly off during the process. It is also crucial to remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves where the new upvc window repairs will go. You should also wire-brush the frame and vacuum or lock wipe it with a damp cloth. After the frame is dry it is time to order another piece of glass that's 1/8" shorter in both directions than your existing window. Test-fit the glass into the grooves.

You'll require a layer of silicone caulk into the grooves of frames to ensure the glass you are installing is securely installed. After the silicone caulk is dried, you can smooth it out and make any adjustments. Then the wood molding can be reinstalled.

If the weather suddenly changes, double-glazed windows can become difficult to open or close. Extreme temperatures may cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, causing them to become sagging and stick. If this is the case you could try wiping the frames down with water and lubricating the joints. However, it may be best to contact the company that installed your windows to help.

Misted

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

The seal could become damaged over time and water can accumulate between the glass panes and cause them to become to appear misty. This occurs because the sun's heat causes the space between the window panes, causing water to vapourize.

This is a normal thing to happen however, if it occurs between the window panes it can be a problem since it is no longer able to control the temperature in the room and allow the outside temperature to influence the indoor temperature. If you notice that your double-glazed windows are turning blurred, call the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.

We can replace the individual sealed blown unit without having to replace the entire window, which is a lot less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty glass repair consists of removing and cleaning the glass unit, then replacing it with a brand new one. This will create a seal that is watertight again.

Certain companies in the business claim that they can inject chemicals through holes drilled into misted windows to remove the fog and condensation. We do not recommend this method. This is not just ugly, but it can cause damage to the toughened glass and can leave you with a window that does not completely function.

If you don't address the problem immediately it could cause mould, which could not only damage the window, but also pose health risks to your loved ones. Moisture can also cause issues in your home, like dampness or rot. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the entire window.

Blown or Failed

Modern double-glazed windows come with two glass panes that have an inert gas or air in between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and the cold out. Over time, the gas can become depressurized, causing a variety of problems.

One of the most common is condensation that forms between the panes. Although it's a normal phenomenon, it doesn't mean your window is failing, it can be a sign that you need to seal your windows. Condensation is also an indication of broken double glazing that will require re-installation.

It is also important to look for draughts that are coming from your double glazed windows. This could be due to the seal being damaged or a damaged handle or a damaged lock. A draught can be obvious and result in more expensive heating bills Therefore, it is essential to get it fixed sooner rather than later. Test the seals on the window frame by feeling the cold air.

Another indication that the seals on your windows have failed is when you begin to notice water beading on the inside of your windows. This is a good indicator that you should re-seal your double glazed windows.

Your window frames are made to move slightly as they have to do to keep the glass sheets in place. However, over time this special packaging material may become compacted and this will break the all-important seal. This will allow air to flow between the panes, and decrease the efficiency of your window.

A damaged seal is a clear indication that your double glazing has failed and should be repaired immediately. A blown seal will prevent your double glazing from performing its primary function of keeping the cold out and warm in. In addition, a blown seal will let your home's moisture in, which could result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. You should call a double glazing repair expert as soon as you discover a blowing seal in your double glazed windows, as they can replace the entire unit.