Double Glazed Window Repair

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

Over time, your double glazed windows may experience issues like condensation and misting. This could cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open or close.

Broken Panes

A ball that is rogue or a stone flying from your lawnmowers, or an intense storm could shatter your double-pane windows, leaving you home vulnerable to the elements. Although a window that is cracked can be difficult to repair but you don't need to replace it completely. In fact the insulated glass that is between the two panes remains in good condition and you can fix your double-pane window using a bit of DIY effort.

To start, you'll need to remove the broken glass from the frame. You'll need to be careful to prevent glass shards from falling onto the floor or sliding from the frame. Use work gloves to protect you hands, and an abrasive cloth around the damaged glass to avoid further cuts or damage. After removing the broken piece and cleaning the entire frame of the window to get rid of any sealant residue and debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth surface on which to install your new window.

After cleaning the frame and dried, you can apply a new layer of glass to the seam where the damaged pane was removed. This is the best method to protect and seal your window. It will also reduce your energy bills by preventing water and drafts from entering the home. The next step is to select the material for your glazing. Some options include clear tape which is more durable than regular tape and will help keep your window safe 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 your frame, and can also shield your windows from the elements like ice and rain.

Whatever material you choose it is important to press the glazier's points into that seam where the putty meets your frame. These will hold the new glass in place and aid it adhere to the frame. The glazier's point can be found in hardware stores, and they are available in pre-made ropes that you simply roll out onto the frame rabbets.

Condensation

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

It is a tricky process that requires special tools to remove and replace the window. A professional can handle this task and supply the equipment. It is best to leave the job to an expert. These tools can be risky.

If you decide to do this yourself, be sure to wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from broken glass pieces that might fly away during the process. It is crucial to take out all metal or putty points from the grooves that will receive the new window. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming it with a damp cloth are also recommended. After the frame is dry and clean, you will need to get a replacement glass that is 1/8 inch shorter in each direction than the window that you have and then fit it into the grooves.

You'll have to apply a layer of silicone caulk to the grooves of frames to ensure your new glass is secure in its installation. Once the silicone caulk has dried and cured, you can smooth it out and make any adjustments. The wood molding will then be put back in place.

Double-glazed windows can become difficult to open or close if the weather changes dramatically. Extreme temperatures can cause frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, which causes them to become sagging and stick. 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 who installed your windows.

Misunderstood

If moisture is trapped between the glass panes, it can cause misty double glazing. Double glazing is comprised of two panes which are separated by a gap filled with argon for better thermal efficiency. This creates a airtight seal that keeps warm indoor air inside, and double glazing cold outdoor air out.

Over time however, this seal will begin to break down and moisture will start to build up between the window panes, which causes them to become cloudy. This occurs because the sun's rays heat the gap between the window panes, which causes water to evaporate.

This is a normal thing to happen however, if it occurs between the window panes, it can cause a problem as it is no longer able to control the temperature in the room and will allow the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. If you notice your double-glazed windows are turning blurred, call the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.

We can repair the individual blow-sealed unit without having to replace the whole window and is less disruptive than a total 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 suggest this method. This method is not only unattractive, but it could also damage the toughened glass and leave you with a window that does not completely perform its function.

It is crucial to resolve the issue as quickly as you can, because if left untreated it can result in the growth of mould, which not only damages the window but also poses health risks to your family. The condensation in the window could cause other problems within your home, such as damp or rot. In certain situations it might be necessary to replace the entire window.

Blown or Failed

Double-glazed windows consist of two glass panes with an air or inert between them. This improves their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. Over time, the gas may depressurize and cause a variety of problems.

One of the most common is condensation between the panes. While it is a natural 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 has broken, in which case it should be replaced completely.

Double-glazed windows may also cause draughts. This could be due to the seal being damaged or a damaged handle or lock. A draught is evident and can result in more expensive heating bills, so it is important to fix it sooner rather than later. You can test the seals by placing your finger around the edges of the window frame to see whether you feel cold air.

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

Your window frames have been designed to move a bit in order to keep the glass sheets in their place. In time, this special packaging material could be compressed. This will cause the seal to become broken. This will allow air to flow between the panes and reduce the energy efficiency of your window.

A damaged seal is an obvious sign that your double glazing is damaged and needs to be fixed immediately. A blown seal will stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary function, which 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. It is recommended to contact a double glazing repair specialist when you spot a damaged seal in your double-glazed windows, as they can replace the whole unit.