Double Glazed Window Repair

Double glazing is an excellent investment in energy efficiency. It prevents loss of heat in the winter months and helps keep your home cool in summer. The ability to have your double-glazed windows repaired when needed is an excellent method to ensure they are operating correctly.

Over time, condensation and misting can affect your double-glazed windows. Double glazed windows may be difficult to open and close.

Broken Panes

A rogue baseball or a stray pebble from your lawnmowers, or even a severe storm can shatter the double panes of your windows and expose your home to the elements. While a cracked window can be difficult to fix but you don't need to replace it entirely. In fact, the insulated glass between the two panes is in good shape, and you can fix your double-pane window with a little DIY effort.

First, you'll need to remove any broken glass from the frame. This will be messy work and you'll need to be careful to stop glass shards from falling on the floor or sliding out of the frame. Wear gloves for your hands, and place a rag around the broken glass area to prevent further cuts or damage. After taking out the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly, removing any sealant or other debris. It is important to sand rough areas of your frame to ensure an even surface for the new glazing.

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 ensure your window stays secure and sealed, and it will help you save energy costs by preventing drafts and water from getting into your home. The next step is to choose your glazing material. There are several options available, including clear tape which is more durable than regular tape and will help keep your window secure from further cracking, and glazing film that resembles clear plastic wrap. This type of wrap has the advantage that it can be painted to match the frame of your window and will also block out rain and ice.

Whatever material you choose, it's important to press the glaziers points into that gap where the putty meets your frame. These will keep the glass in place and help it adhere to the frame. Glazier's points can be found in hardware stores, and are available in pre-made ropes that you simply roll over the frame rabbets.

Condensation

If you're experiencing problems with condensation, it is recommended to contact the window manufacturer. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees that cover the problems. Fogging and condensation between panes of glass is a clear sign that the seals between your windows are broken and can only be repaired by an expert who will repair both panes.

This procedure is a bit complicated and requires special tools to take off the old pane and then install the new one, however it is possible to do this by an expert who will supply the required equipment. Making use of these tools can be risky, so it is always best to leave this type task to a professional.

If you decide to do this yourself, ensure you wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from any broken pieces of glass that could fly off during the process. It is also crucial to carefully remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves where the new window will go. You will also want to wire-brush the frame and vacuum or double glazing repair wipe it clean with a damp cloth. After the frame has dried, you'll need to order a replacement piece of glass that is 1/8" shorter in both directions than the existing window. Make sure the glass fits into the grooves.

Depending on your frames You will then have to apply a layer of silicone caulk on the grooves to ensure that your new pane is secured in position. Once the caulk has dried, you will need to smooth it and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding will then be put back in place.

If the weather suddenly changes, double-glazed windows could be difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames to shrink or expand and, as a result, they can fall or stick. You can try wiping the frames with water and lubricating them if this is the case, but it may be better to seek help from the company who installed your windows.

Misted

If moisture is trapped between the glass panes it can cause misted double glazing. Double glazing is comprised of two panes, which are separated by a space that is filled with argon to improve thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm air inside and cold air outside and allows you to keep the temperature comfortable in your home.

The seal may fail over time, and moisture may build up between the panes of glass, causing them misty. This happens because the sun's rays heat the gap between window panes, which causes 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 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 replace a single sealed unit without having to replace the entire window replacement. This is less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty window repair involves taking off the glass unit, washing it, and then replacing it with a new one to create an watertight seal.

Some companies in the field claim that they can inject chemicals through holes into windows with mist to remove the condensation and fog. We don't recommend using this method. This method is not just unattractive, but could also damage your toughened glass and leave you with a window which does not function properly.

It is crucial to resolve the issue as quickly as you can, because if left untreated, it could cause mould growth that not only damages the window, but can also pose health risks to your family. Moisture in the window can cause other issues within your home, such as damp or rot. In some instances it might be necessary to replace the entire window.

Failed or blown

Modern double-glazed windows come with two glass panes, with an inert gas or air between them. This helps to improve their thermal efficiency, keeping heat in and cold out. Over time, the gas can become depressurised, leading to a number of problems.

Condensation between the panes is among the most common. It's not an indication of a window failing, but it could be a sign that you should reseal the windows. Condensation could be an indication that your double glazing is damaged and, in that case, it will need to be replaced completely.

You should also look out for draughts that are coming from your double-glazed windows. It could be due to a failure of the seal or a damaged handle or lock. It is important to fix this problem as soon as you can. A draught will cause you to spend more on heating. Test the seals around the window frame by feeling the cold air.

Another indication that your window seals are failing is when you begin to notice water beads on the inside of your windows. This is a good indicator that you need to re-seal your double glazed windows.

The frames of your windows are designed to move slightly as they have to do in order to keep the glass sheets in the right place. However, over time, this particular packaging material will become compacted and this will break the all-important seal. This will allow air to flow between the panes and reduce the efficiency of your window doctor.

Double glazing that has broken an air seal is an indication of a failure and should be fixed immediately. A blown seal will stop your double glazing from performing its primary function, which is to keep cold air 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 immediately if you notice a blown seal in your double-glazed windows, since they could replace the whole unit.