Double Glazed Window Repair

Double glazing is a great investment in energy efficiency. It helps prevent loss of heat during winter months and helps to keep your home cool during summer. Restoring your double-glazed windows as needed is a great way to ensure they remain in good condition.

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

Broken Panes

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

First, you'll need to remove any broken glass from the frame. You'll need to be careful to avoid any glass shards falling to the floor or slipping off the frame. Use work gloves to protect your hands, and place a rag around the broken glass area to prevent further damage or cuts. After removing the broken glass, carefully clean the entire frame of the window to get rid of any remaining sealant or debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth surface on which to put in your new glass.

After cleaning the frame and removing the dust, you can apply another layer of glass to the area where you removed the broken pane. This is the best way to seal and protect your window. It will also save you energy costs by preventing drafts and water from entering your home. The next step is to select your glazing material. Some options include clear tape, which is a bit more robust than regular tape and will keep your window from further cracking, and glazing film that resembles clear plastic wrap. The benefit of this option is that it can be painted to match the frame you have and will also keep out snow and rain as well.

No matter what material you use it is important to press the glaziers points into that seam where the putty meets your frame. These will hold the newly-formed glass in place and help it to adhere to the frame. Glazier's points can be found in hardware stores, and they come in pre-made ropes which you roll over the frame rabbets.

Condensation

If you are experiencing issues with condensation, it's best to call your window manufacturer. Many have warranties and guarantees that cover these problems. Fogging or condensation on the panes of your windows is a sign that your seals are damaged. Only an expert can fix this issue by replacing the panes.

This procedure is a bit complicated and requires special tools to take off the old pane and install the new one, but it can be done 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 kind task to a professional.

Wear safety gloves and glasses if choose to do it yourself. You may be exposed to flying glass fragments. It is important to remove any putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will receive the new window. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming a damp cloth is also recommended. When the frame is clean and dry, you will need to get a replacement glass that is 1/8 inch smaller in each direction than your window, and then test it into the grooves.

Depending on your frames, you will then need to apply a layer of silicone caulk to the grooves in order to ensure that the new pane is securely in place. After the silicone caulk is dried, you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. Then the wood molding can be put back in place.

Double-glazed windows may be difficult to open or close if the weather changes dramatically. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames to expand or shrink and this can make them fall or stick. If this is the issue try wiping the frames down with water and lubricating the joints. However, it might be best to ask the company who installed your windows for help.

Misunderstood

When moisture gets trapped in between the glass panes, it can cause misted double glazing. Double glazing is comprised of two glass panes that are separated by an insulating area, typically filled with argon gas for better thermal efficiency. This results in an airtight seal that keeps warm air in, and cold outdoor air out.

Over time however, this seal can break down and moisture can begin to build up between the window panes, causing them to turn misty. This occurs because the sun's rays heat the space between the window panes, causing water to vapourize.

This is a natural occurrence however if it occurs between the windows' panes it could cause problems because it will no longer be able control the temperature within the room. Instead the temperature outside of the window will affect the temperature indoors. Northfield Glass can help you when your double-glazed windows begin to fog.

We can repair the individual blown sealed unit without needing to replace the entire window and is less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty window repair involves taking off the glass, cleaning it, and replacing it with a new one to create an watertight seal.

Certain companies in the business claim that they can inject chemicals through holes drilled into windows that have been misty to eliminate the fog and condensation. We don't recommend using this method. This is not only ugly, but it can also harm the toughened glass and can result in windows that don't fully perform its function.

If you don't take care to fix the issue immediately it could result in mold, which could not only harm the window, but also risk health issues for your loved ones. Moisture in the window can cause other problems within your home like damp or rot. In certain situations it is possible to replace the entire window.

Blown or Failed

Modern double glazed window repairs glazed windows have two glass panes with an inert gas or air between them. This increases their thermal efficiency, allowing the cold out and heat in. As time passes the gas may become depressurized, causing many issues.

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

You should also look out for draughts coming from your double-glazed windows. This could be because of a failed seal or a damaged handle or a damaged lock. A draught can be evident and can result in more expensive heating bills, so it is important to get it fixed sooner rather than later. Check the seals around the window frame by feeling for cold air.

You will also notice water beads on the outside of windows if your window seals are failing. This is a sign that you should replace the seals on your double-glazed windows.

The window frames you have purchased were designed to move slightly and this is essential to keep the glass sheets in their place. As time passes, this particular packaging material could become compacted. This will result in the seal being broken. This will allow the air to flow between the panes, reducing the energy efficiency of your window.

A blown seal is a clear sign that your double glazing has failed and must be fixed as soon as possible. A blown seal will stop your double glazing performing its primary purpose that is to keep cold air out and warm air in. A blown seal could let moisture into your home, which could result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. Call a double glazing specialist as soon you notice a blowing window seal. They can repair or replace the entire unit.