Double Glazed Window Repair

Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that prevents loss of heat in winter months and helps keep your home cool in the summer. The ability to have your double-glazed windows repaired when needed is a great way to keep them working correctly.

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

Broken Panes

A stray baseball or a flying pebble from your lawnmower, or even a heavy storm can break the double panes of your windows, leaving your home exposed 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 repair your double-pane windows with a bit of DIY effort.

First, you'll need to take any broken glass from the frame. This will be an unpleasant task and you'll need to be cautious to prevent glass shards from falling onto the floor or falling out of the frame. Make sure you wear work gloves to shield your hands from injury and a cloth to cover the area surrounding the broken glass to avoid further breakage or cuts. After removing the broken pane take care to clean the entire frame of the window to eliminate any remaining sealant or debris. It's important to sand rough areas of your frame to create a smooth surface for your new glazing.

After cleaning the frame after cleaning, you can apply a second layer of glass to the area where you removed the broken pane. This is the most effective method to protect and seal your window. It will also save you money by preventing drafts and water from entering your home. The next step is to select the glazing material. There are several options available, including clear tape that is more robust than regular tape and can keep your window secure from further cracking, and glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. The benefit of this type of material is that it can be painted to match your existing frame and will also keep snow and rain out too.

No matter what material you choose it's essential to press the glaziers points into the place where the putty joins your frame. These will hold the new glass in place and assist it stick to the frame. Hardware stores sell glazier's ropes, which can be rolled out on the frame rabbets.

Condensation

If you have a problem with condensation, it's best to call the window manufacturer. A lot of windows come with warranties and double glazing guarantees to address these problems. Fogging or condensation on the panes of your windows is a sign that the seals are broken. Only a professional can resolve this problem by replacing both panes.

It's a difficult procedure that requires special tools to remove and replace the old window. A professional can do this task and provide the tools. It is best to delegate the job to an expert. These tools can be risky.

Wear safety gloves and glasses if you opt to do it yourself. You may be exposed to glass fragments flying around. It is crucial to take out all putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will be receiving the new window. You will also want to brush the frame with wire, and then vacuum or wipe it clean with a damp cloth. Once the frame is clean and dry, you will need to get a replacement glass that is 1/8 inch shorter in each direction than the existing window and test-fit it in the grooves.

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

Double-glazed windows may be difficult to open and close if the weather changes dramatically. Extreme temperatures can cause frames to expand or shrink and, as a result, they can sag or stick. You can try wiping the frames with water and then lubricating them if this is the case however it is better to seek help from the company that installed your windows.

Misunderstood

If moisture is trapped between the glass panes, it can cause misted double glazing. Double glazing consists of two panes, which are separated by a gap filled with argon for greater thermal efficiency. This results in an airtight seal that keeps warm air inside and cold outside air out.

The seal could become damaged over time and water can accumulate between the panes of glass, causing them misty. This happens because the gap between the panes is heated by the sun, causing water vapour to develop within it.

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

We can replace a single blown sealed unit, without the need to replace the entire window. This is far more streamlined than a total replacement. Our misty window repair involves taking off the glass unit, cleaning it, then replacing it with a fresh one to create an airtight seal.

There are companies within the field which claim to cut holes into your existing misted windows and inject chemicals into them which claim to eliminate condensation and fog, however, we do not recommend this method. This is not only unsightly, but it could also damage the toughened glass and leave you with windows that do not fully perform the function it was intended to.

If you don't fix the problem immediately it could result in mould, which can not only damage the window, but could also pose health risks to your loved ones. Moisture can also cause problems in your home, like dampness or rot. In certain situations it is possible to replace the entire window.

Blown or Failed

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

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

It is also important to look for draughts coming from your double-glazed windows. This could be caused by an issue with the seal or a damaged handle lock. It is crucial to address the issue as quickly as possible. A draft will force you to spend more on heating. You can test the seals by rubbing around the edges of your window frame to determine whether you feel cold air.

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

Your window frames have been designed to move a bit and this is essential to keep the glass sheets in their place. However, over time, this special packaging material may be compressed and crack the crucial seal. This allows air to flow between the panes, decreasing the efficiency of your window's energy consumption.

A seal that is blown is an obvious sign that your double glazing is damaged and must be fixed as soon as possible. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from performing its primary function that is to keep the cold out and warm air in. Furthermore, a blow-off seal will let your home's moisture in, which can cause mold and other uncomfortable conditions. Call a double glazing specialist as soon you notice a blowing window seal. They can replace the entire unit.