Double Glazed Window Repair

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

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

Broken Panes

A unruly ball, a flying stone from your lawnmowers or a strong storm can shatter your double-pane windows, leaving you home vulnerable to the elements. Although a cracked glass window is difficult to repair, it doesn't need to be replaced. In fact the insulated glass that is between the two panes is still in good condition and you can fix your double-pane window with a little DIY effort.

To begin, you'll need remove the broken glass from the frame. You'll need to be careful to prevent glass shards from falling to the floor or falling out of the frame. Use a pair of gloves to protect your hands, and a cloth to cover the area around the broken glass to avoid further breakage or cuts. After removing the broken piece and cleaning the entire frame of the window to eliminate any sealant residue and debris. Sand rough areas of the frame to create a smooth surface on which to install your new window.

After cleaning the frame after cleaning, you can apply a second layer of glass to the seam where you removed the broken pane. This is the best method to keep your window sealed and protected and will save you money by keeping water and drafts from getting into your home. The next step is to select your 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 your frame and will also keep out rain and ice.

Regardless of the material you pick regardless of the material you choose, it is essential to press glazier's points into the place where the putty joins the frame. They will help hold the new 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 that you simply roll onto the frame rabbets.

Condensation

Double glazing can be susceptible to condensation issues and if you encounter this issue, it is best to contact the company that provided the window. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees to cover the issues. Fogging and condensation between panes of glass is an obvious sign that the seals between your windows have been damaged and must be repaired by an expert who will replace both panes.

It is a tricky process that requires special tools to remove and replace the window. A professional can do this task and provide the equipment. It is best to leave the job to an expert. These tools could be dangerous.

Wear safety glasses and gloves if you opt to do it yourself. You could be exposed to glass fragments flying around. It is also essential to remove all the putty and Double glazed window repair metal glazing points from the grooves where the new window will go. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming a damp cloth is also recommended. Once the frame has dried it is time to order a replacement piece of glass that's 1/8" shorter in both directions than your existing window. Test-fit the glass into the grooves.

You will have to apply a layer of silicone caulk to the grooves of frames to ensure your glass is securely installed. After the caulk is dry it is time to smooth it out and make any adjustments needed. The wood molding will then be put back in place.

Double glazed windows can be difficult to open and close if the weather changes dramatically. Extreme temperatures can cause frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, which causes them to sag and stick. You can try wiping the frames with water and lubricating them if this is the case however, it's better to consult the company that installed your windows.

Misted

If moisture is trapped between the glass panes it can cause misty double glazing. Double glazing is comprised of two glass panes which are separated by an insulating space, typically filled with argon gas for better thermal efficiency. This results in an airtight seal that keeps warm indoor air inside and cold outside air out.

Over time however, this seal will begin to break down and moisture will start to build up between the window panes, causing them to become cloudy. This occurs because the sun heats the gap between panes of windows, causing the water to evaporate.

This is a normal occurrence but if it happens between the window panes it can cause a problem as it will no longer be able to regulate the temperature of the room and will allow the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. If you notice that your double glazed windows are becoming misty, call in the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.

We can replace a single sealed unit, without having to replace the entire window. This is much less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty window repair involves removing the glass unit, cleaning it, and then replacing it with a fresh one to create an airtight seal.

There are companies in the field who claim to drill holes into your windows with mist and inject chemicals into them, which they say removes the condensation and fog but we don't recommend this method. This method isn't just unsightly but could also damage your toughened glass leaving you with a window that does not function properly.

It is crucial to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, as left untreated, it could result in the growth of mould, which not only damages the window, but also poses health risks to your family. The condensation in the window could cause other problems within your home, such as damp or rot. In some cases, the window may need to be replaced completely.

Blown or failed

Modern double glazed windows have two glass panes that have an inert gas or air in between them. This improves their thermal efficiency, keeping heat in and cold out. As time passes, the gas can become depressurised and cause a variety of issues.

One of the most frequent is condensation between the panes. It's not a sign of a window failing however it could indicate that you need to reseal them. Condensation could also be a sign that your double glazing has broken, in which case it should be replaced completely.

Double-glazed windows can also cause draughts. This could be due to an issue with the seal or a damaged handle or lock. A draught is evident and can result in higher heating costs, so it is important to get it fixed sooner rather than later. Test the seals around the window frame by smelling cold air.

There will also be water beads on the interior of windows if the window seals aren't performing as they should. This is a sign that you need to replace the seals on your double-glazed windows.

Your window frames have been designed to move a bit in order to keep the glass sheets in position. Over time, this special packaging material could be compressed. This will result in the seal being broken. This will allow air to flow between the panes and reduce the energy efficiency of your window repair near.

A damaged seal is a clear indication that your double glazing has failed and must be fixed as soon as possible. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary job of keeping the cold out and warm inside. In addition, a blown seal will let your home's moisture in, which can cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. You should call a double glazing repair expert as soon as you spot a damaged seal in your double glazed windows, as they are able to replace the entire unit.