Double Glazed Window Repair

Double glazing is a great investment in energy efficiency. It stops heat loss during 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 condensation and misting may affect your double-glazed windows. This can cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open or shut.

Broken Panes

A rogue ball or a stone flying from your lawnmowers, or a strong storm can shatter the double pane windows of your home and leave your home vulnerable to the elements. Even though a glass window that has been damaged isn't easy to fix, it doesn't need to be replaced. In fact the insulated glass between the two panes remains in good shape and you can fix your double-pane window with a bit of DIY effort.

To begin, you'll need take the broken glass out of the frame. This will be an unpleasant task, and you'll want to be cautious to prevent glass shards from falling on the floor or sliding out of the frame. Use a pair of gloves to protect your hands and a rag to protect the area surrounding the broken glass to prevent further damage or breaks. After removing the broken pane and cleaning the entire frame of the window to remove any sealant residue and debris. It is essential to sand rough areas of your frame to create a smooth surface for the new glazing.

After cleaning the frame, you can apply a new layer of glass to the place where the broken pane was removed. This is the best method to protect and seal your window. It can also reduce your energy bills by preventing drafts and water from entering the home. The next step is to choose the right glazing material. There are several options available, including clear tape which is more robust than regular tape and will help keep your window from further cracking, and glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. This choice has the benefit that it can be painted to match the frame of your window and will also block out rain and ice.

Whatever material you decide to use it is important to press the glaziers points into that seam where the putty meets your frame. These will hold the glass in place, and will help it stick to the frame. Hardware stores carry glazier's point ropes that you can roll out on the frame rabbets.

Condensation

If you have a problem with condensation, it's best to call the window manufacturer. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees to cover these problems. Condensation and fogging in the panes of glass is an obvious sign that the seals between your windows have been damaged and must be repaired by a professional who will fix both panes.

It is a tricky procedure that requires specialized tools to remove and replace the old window. A professional can complete this job and provide the tools. It is best to leave the task to a professional. These tools could be risky.

If you decide to do it yourself, ensure you wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from broken glass pieces that might fly away during the process. It is crucial to remove any putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will be receiving the new window. You should also brush the frame with wire, and then vacuum or wipe it clean with a damp cloth. After the frame has dried it is time to order another piece of glass that's 1/8" shorter in both directions than the existing window. Test-fit the glass into the grooves.

Based on the frames you have, you will then need to apply a layer of silicone caulk to the grooves to ensure that your new pane is secured in position. After the silicone caulk is dried and cured, you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. Then the wood molding can be reinstalled.

Double glazed windows can be difficult to open and close in the event of extreme weather. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames to expand or shrink and, as a result, they can slide or become stuck. If this is the issue try wiping the frames with water and then lubricating the joints. However, it might be best to ask the company that installed your windows for assistance.

Misted

When moisture gets trapped between the glass panes it can cause misty double glazing. Double glazing is made up of two panes that 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.

This seal can become damaged over time and water can accumulate between the panes of glass and cause them to become to become cloudy. This happens because the gap between the panes gets heated by the sun, causing water vapour to develop in it.

This is a normal process however, if it window repair occurs between the window panes it could cause problems as it will no longer be able to control the temperature in the room and allow the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. Northfield Glass can help you if your double-glazed windows start to fog.

We can replace a single sealed unit, without the need to replace the entire window. This is more streamlined than a total replacement. Our misty glass repair involves removing and cleaning the glass before replacing it with a brand new one. This creates an airtight seal again.

There are companies within the industry who claim to drill holes in your windows that are misting and inject chemicals into them that they claim will eliminate the condensation and fog but we do not recommend this method. This is not only unsightly, but it could also damage the toughened glass and leave you with a window that does not fully perform the function it was intended to.

If you don't take care to fix the issue quickly it could result in mould, which can not only harm the window, but cause health risks for your family members. Moisture can cause other issues within your home, including dampness or rot. In some instances, it may be necessary to replace the entire window.

Failed or Blown

Modern double-glazed windows feature two glass panes that have an inert gas or air in between them. This improves their thermal efficiency by keeping warm air in and cold air out. Over time the gas will become depressurised and cause a variety of problems.

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

You should also look out for draughts that are coming from the double-glazed windows. This could be caused by the seal being damaged or a broken handle or lock. A draught can be obvious and result in more expensive heating bills Therefore, it is essential that you get this fixed sooner rather than later. You can test the seals by placing your finger around the edges of your window frame to see if you feel any cold air.

Another sign that your window seals are failing is when you begin to notice water beading on the inside of your windows. This is a sign that you need to replace the seals on your double-glazed windows.

Your window frames are designed to move a bit and this is essential to keep the glass sheets in place. However, over time, this special packaging material may get compacted, and this could break the all-important seal. This will allow the air to flow between the panes, decreasing the energy efficiency of your window.

Double glazing that has blown an air seal is a sign of failure and needs to be repaired immediately. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing performing its primary function that is to keep cold air out and warm air in. A blown 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 notice a blown seal in your double-glazed windows, as they are able to replace the whole unit.