Double Glazed Window Repair

Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that prevents loss of heat during winter months and helps keep your home cool in the summer. Restoring your double-glazed windows as needed is a great way to ensure they remain in good working order.

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

Broken Panes

A stray baseball or a flying pebble from your lawnmower, or even a severe storm can break the double panes of your windows, leaving your home exposed to the elements. While a cracked window can be difficult to repair however, you don't have to replace it completely. The insulated glass between two panes of glass is still in good shape and you can fix your double-paned window yourself.

To start, you'll need to take the broken glass out of the frame. You'll need to be cautious to avoid any glass shards falling onto the floor or sliding off the frame. Make sure you wear work gloves to protect your hands, and a rag to protect the area around the broken glass to prevent further breakage or cuts. After taking out the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly to remove any sealant or other debris. It's 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 way to ensure that your window is safe and sealed and will aid in reducing energy costs by preventing drafts and water from entering the house. Next, you will need to choose the right glazing material. There are several options available, including clear tape that is more robust than regular tape and will keep your window secure from further cracking, as well as glazing film that 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 snow and ice.

No matter what material you choose it is important to press the glaziers points into the gap where the putty meets your frame. They will help hold the new glass in place and help it to adhere to the frame. Hardware stores sell glazier's ropes, which you can roll out on the frame rabbets.

Condensation

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

This process is a little difficult and requires specific tools to remove the old one and replace the new one, however it can be accomplished by an expert who will provide the necessary equipment. Making use of these tools can be dangerous it is best to leave this kind of work to a professional.

If you choose to do it yourself, ensure you wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from any broken glass pieces that may fly off during the process. It is essential to take out all metal or putty points from the grooves that will be receiving the new window. Wire-brushing the frame, vacuuming or wiping with a damp cloth are also recommended. After the frame is dry and clean you'll need to order a piece of replacement glass that is 1/8 inch shorter in each direction than the window that you have and then fit it in the grooves.

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

If the weather suddenly changes, double-glazed windows may become difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures may cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, causing them to slide and become stuck. If this is the issue, you can try wiping down the frames using water and lubricating joints. However, it may be best to ask the company that installed your windows for help.

Misted

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

Over time window and door repairs however, this seal can break down and moisture can begin to build up between the window panes, causing them to become cloudy. This happens because the gap between the panes gets heated by the sun, causing water vapour to develop within it.

This is a normal thing to happen however, if it occurs between the window panes, it could cause problems as it will no longer be able to control the temperature in the room and will allow the outside temperature to influence the indoor temperature. Northfield Glass can help you in the event that your double-glazed windows begin to mist.

We can repair the individual blown sealed unit without needing to replace the entire window which is less disruptive than a total replacement. Our misty window repair involves removing the glass unit, cleaning it, and replacing it with a new one to make an airtight seal.

There are companies within the field which claim to cut holes into your existing misted windows and inject chemicals into them that claim to eliminate fog & condensation but we do not recommend this method. This method isn't just ugly, but it could also harm your toughened glass leaving you with a window that does not function properly.

If you don't take care to fix the issue quickly it could cause mold, which could not only harm the window, but also pose health risks to your loved ones. Moisture can also cause other issues in your home, like dampness or rot. In some instances, the window may need to be replaced entirely.

Blown or Failed

Double-glazed windows are comprised of two panes of glass with an inert or air between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. As time passes, the gas can depressurize, leading to a number of issues.

One of the most common is condensation between the panes. It's not an indication of a failure in the window however it could indicate that you should reseal them. Condensation is also a sign of a broken double glazing that will require a re-installation.

Double-glazed windows can also cause draughts. This could be due to an unsound seal or a damaged handle or a damaged lock. A draught can be quite evident and can 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 rubbing around the edges of your window frame to see whether you feel cold air.

There will also be water beads on the outside of windows if your window seals are failing. This is a sign that you need to reseal the double glazed windows.

Your window frames are designed to move slightly, as they need to do to keep the glass sheets in the right place. However, over time, this special packaging material can be compressed and crack the crucial seal. This will allow air to circulate between the panes and reduce the efficiency of your window.

A seal that is blown is a clear sign that your double glazing has failed and needs to be fixed immediately. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary purpose that is to keep the cold out and warm air in. A blown seal can also let moisture in your home, which can cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. Contact a double glazing expert when you spot a damaged window seal. They can repair or replace the entire unit.