Double Glazed Window Repair

Double glazing is an energy efficient investment that stops loss of heat during winter and helps to keep your home cool in the summer. Restoring your double-glazed windows as necessary is a great way to keep them in good condition.

Over time condensation and misting may impact your double-glazed windows. This could cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open and close.

Broken Panes

A stray baseball, a flying pebble from your lawnmowers or even a heavy storm could break the double panes of your windows and expose your home to the elements. Although a window that is cracked can be difficult to repair however, you don't have to replace it entirely. In fact, the insulated glass between the two panes is still in good condition and you can fix your double-pane window using a bit of DIY effort.

First, you'll need to take any broken glass from the frame. Be careful to keep glass shards from falling onto the floor or sliding out of the frame. Make sure to wear a pair of work gloves to protect your hands and a cloth to protect the area surrounding the broken glass to avoid further damage or breaks. After removing the broken pane take care to clean the entire frame of the window to get rid of any remaining sealant and debris. It's important to sand rough areas of the frame to ensure an even surface for your new glazing.

After cleaning the frame and removing the dust, you can apply another layer of glass on the seam where you removed the broken pane. This is the most effective way to ensure your window stays secure and sealed and will aid in reducing energy costs by stopping drafts and water from entering the house. The next step is to choose the glazing material. There are a variety of options, including clear tape which is more robust than regular tape and will keep your window 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.

Whatever material you pick, double glazing it is important to press glazier's facets into the place where the putty joins the frame. They will help hold the glass in place and aid in adhering to the frame. You can find glazier's points in hardware stores, and are available in pre-made ropes that you simply roll over the frame rabbets.

Condensation

Double glazing can be susceptible to condensation issues and if you experience this issue, it is best to contact the company that supplied the window. A lot of windows come with warranties and guarantees that cover these problems. Condensation and fogging in the panes of glass is a clear indication that the seals between your windows are damaged and can only be fixed by an expert who will replace both panes.

This process is a little tricky and requires specific tools to remove the old pane and then install the new one, however it can be accomplished by an expert who will supply the necessary equipment. Using these tools can be dangerous it is recommended to leave this kind of job to an expert.

Wear safety gloves and glasses if choose to do it yourself. You could be exposed to glass fragments flying around. It is important to take out all putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will receive the new window. You will also want to brush the frame with wire and vacuum or wipe it with a damp cloth. Once the frame is clean and dry you'll need to order a piece of replacement glass that is 1/8 inch shorter in each direction than your existing window and test-fit it into the grooves.

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

If the weather suddenly changes, double-glazed windows could become difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures can cause frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, causing them to slide and become stuck. You can try wiping the frames with water and then lubricating them in the event that this happens however it is better to seek advice from the company who installed your windows.

Misted

If moisture is trapped between the glass panes it can cause misted double glazing. Double glazing is made up of two panes, which are separated by a gap filled with argon for better thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm air inside and cold outdoor air outside and allows you to keep your temperature in your home comfortable.

This seal can fail over time, and water can accumulate between the glass panes which can cause them to turn to appear misty. This happens because the space between the panes is heated by sun, which causes water vapour to build up within it.

This is a normal thing to happen but if it happens between the window panes, it could cause problems as it is no longer able to regulate the temperature of the room and will allow the outside temperature to influence the indoor temperature. Northfield Glass can help you if your double-glazed windows start to mist.

We can replace a single blown sealed unit, without needing to replace the entire window. This is far less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty window repair involves taking off the glass unit, washing it, and replacing it with a new one to create a watertight seal again.

Some companies in the field claim that they can inject chemicals through holes into misted windows to remove the condensation and fog. We don't recommend using this method. This method is not only unsightly, but it could cause damage to the toughened glass and result in windows that do not completely perform the function it was intended to.

If you don't fix the issue immediately it could cause mold, which could not only harm the window, but could also pose health risks to your family members. The moisture in the window may cause other issues in your home such as damp or rot. In some cases it is possible to replace the entire window.

Failed or Blown

Double-glazed windows are made up of two panes of glass with an air or inert between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. Over time, this gas can become depressurised which can lead to a range of issues.

Condensation in between the panes is among the most frequent. Although it's a normal phenomenon, it doesn't mean your window has failed, it can be an indication that you have to re-seal your windows. Condensation can be an indication that your Double glazing repair glazing is damaged and, in that case, it's time to get it replaced completely.

It is also important to look for drafts coming through your double-glazed windows. This could be because of an unsound seal or handle that is broken, or a broken lock. A draught can be quite evident and can result in higher heating costs It is therefore essential to fix it sooner rather than later. You can test the seals by rubbing around the edges of the window frame to see whether you feel cold air.

Another sign that the seals on your windows have failed is when you start to see water dripping on the inside of your windows. This is an indication that you need to reseal the double glazed windows.

The frames of your windows are designed to move a little bit, as they need to do to keep the glass sheets in the right place. Over time, this special packaging material can be compressed. This can result in the seal being broken. This allows air to circulate between the panes, reducing the efficiency of your window's energy consumption.

Double glazing that has broken an air seal is a sign of failure and needs to be repaired as soon as is possible. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary function of keeping cold out and warm inside. A damaged seal could let moisture in your home, double glazing which could cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is recommended to contact a specialist in double glazing repair as soon as you discover a blowing seal in your double-glazed windows, as they are able to replace the entire unit.