Double Glazed Window Repair

Double glazing is a great investment in energy efficiency. It helps prevent heat loss during the winter months and keeps your home cool in summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows whenever necessary is a great way to ensure they are in good working order.

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

Broken Panes

A stray ball or a stray pebble from your lawnmowers, or even a severe storm can break the double panes of your windows, leaving your home exposed to the elements. While a damaged glass window isn't easy to fix, it doesn't need to be replaced. In fact, the insulated glass between the two panes is still in good shape, and you can fix your double-pane window with some DIY effort.

First, you'll need to take any broken glass from the frame. This will be an unpleasant task and you'll need to be careful to stop any glass shards from falling on the floor or glaziers slipping out of the frame. Wear gloves for your hands, and place a rag around the broken glass to avoid further cuts or damage. After removing the broken piece and cleaning the entire frame of the window to eliminate any sealant residue and debris. It is essential to sand rough areas of your frame to ensure an even surface for your 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 most effective method to seal and protect your window, and will save you energy costs by preventing water and drafts from entering the home. The next step is to choose the glazing material. Some options include clear tape which is more robust than regular tape and will help keep your window safe from further cracking, and glazing film that resembles clear plastic wrap. The benefit of this type of material is that it can be painted over to match the frame you have and will keep out rain and snow too.

Whatever material you choose it's essential to press the glaziers points into that place where the putty joins your frame. These will hold the new glass in place and assist it stick to the frame. Hardware stores sell glazier's point ropes, which you can use onto the frame rabbets.

Condensation

Double glazing can be susceptible to condensation issues and if you experience this problem it is best to contact the company that installed the window. Many companies provide warranties and guarantees that cover these issues. Fogging or condensation on the panes of your windows is a sign that the seals aren't working properly. Only an expert can fix this issue by replacing the panes.

This procedure is a bit complicated and requires specific tools to remove the old one and replace the new one, but it is possible to do this by an expert who will provide the necessary equipment. It is recommended to leave the job to a professional. These tools could be dangerous.

Wear safety gloves and glasses if you opt to do it yourself. You could be exposed to glass fragments flying around. It is also important to remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves where the new window will be. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming a damp cloth are also recommended. After the frame has dried you'll have to purchase another piece of glass that's 1/8" shorter in both directions than the existing window. Make sure the glass fits into the grooves.

You will require a layer of silicone caulk into the grooves of your frames to ensure that your new glass is securely installed. After the caulk is dry, you will need to smooth it and make any needed adjustments. The wood molding can then be reinstalled.

Double-glazed windows can become difficult to open or close in the event of extreme weather. Extreme temperatures may cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or shrink, causing them to become sagging and stick. If this is the issue try wiping down the frames with water and lubricating the joints. However, it might be a good idea to call the company who installed your windows to help.

Misted

Misted Double Glazing is a window issue that develops when moisture gets trapped between the glass panes of double glazed windows. Double glazing consists of two glass panes that are separated by an insulating space, typically filled with argon gas for improved 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.

In time, however, this seal will begin to break down and moisture will begin to accumulate between the window panes, which causes them to become cloudy. This happens because the gap between the panes gets heated by the sun, which causes water vapour to form within it.

This is a natural process, but if it occurs between the panes of the window it could cause problems since it will no longer be able control the temperature inside the room. Instead the temperature outside of the window will influence the temperature indoors. Northfield Glass can help you when your double-glazed windows begin to mist.

We can repair the individual sealed blown unit without having to replace the whole window which is less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty glass repair involves taking off and cleaning the glass unit and replacing it with a brand new one. This will result in a watertight seal again.

There are some companies in the industry which claim to drill holes in your windows with mist and inject chemicals into them, which they say removes the fog & condensation, however, we do not recommend this procedure. This is not just unattractive, but it could also harm the toughened glass and leave you with a window that does not completely perform its function.

If you don't address the issue immediately it could result in mould, which can not only damage the window, but risk health issues for your loved ones. The condensation in the window could cause other problems within your home like damp or rot. In some cases windows, they may have to be replaced entirely.

Blown or failed

Double-glazed windows consist of two panes of glass with an air or inert between them. This improves their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. Over time, the gas can depressurize which can lead to a range of issues.

Condensation in between the panes is one of the most common. Although it's a normal phenomenon, it doesn't mean your window is failing however it could be a sign that you need to re-seal your windows. Condensation can also be an indication of broken double glazing, which will need to be replaced.

Double-glazed windows can also create draughts. This could be due to an issue with the seal or a damaged handle lock. A draught can be noticeable and will lead to more expensive heating bills It is therefore 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 interior of windows if your window seals aren't performing as they should. This is an indication that you need to seal your double-glazed windows.

Your window frames have been designed to move a bit, which is necessary to keep the glass sheets in position. However, with time, this special packaging material may become compacted and this will break the all-important seal. This will allow air to circulate between the panes, and decrease the efficiency of your window.

A seal that is blown is an obvious sign that your double glazing has failed and must be fixed as soon as possible. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary purpose of keeping cold out and warm in. A damaged seal could let moisture in your home, which can cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. Call a double glazing specialist immediately you notice a blown window seal. They can fix the entire unit.