Double Glazed Window Repair

Double glazing is a great investment in energy efficiency. It stops loss of heat during winter months and helps to keep your home cool in summer. The ability to have your double-glazed windows repaired as needed is a great way to ensure that they function correctly.

Over time condensation and misting could affect your double-glazed windows. This can cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open or shut.

Broken Panes

A rogue baseball, a flying pebble from your lawnmowers, or even a storm that is heavy can shatter the double panes of your windows and expose your home to the elements. While a damaged window repairman may be difficult to repair however, you don't have to replace it completely. The insulated glass that is between two panes of glass is still in good shape So you can repair a window your double-paned window on your own.

First, you'll need to take any broken glass from the frame. You'll need to be cautious to avoid any glass shards falling to the floor or falling off the frame. Wear gloves for you hands, and an abrasive cloth around the damaged glass area to prevent further damage or cuts. After removing the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly to get rid of any sealant or debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth surface to put in your new glass.

After cleaning the frame, you can apply another layer of glass to the seam where you removed the broken pane. This is the best way to ensure your window stays safe and sealed and aid in reducing energy costs by keeping water and drafts from entering the house. Next, you will need to select your glazing material. There are several options including clear tape which is more durable than regular tape and prevents further cracking of your window, or glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrapping. This choice has the benefit that it can be painted to match the frame of your window and will also keep out rain and ice.

Whatever material you choose it is important to press the glazier's points into the place where the putty joins your frame. These will hold the newly-formed glass in place and assist it to adhere to the frame. You can find glazier's points in hardware stores, and they are available in pre-made ropes that you simply roll over the frame rabbets.

Condensation

If you have a problem with condensation, it is recommended to contact the window manufacturer. There are warranties and guarantees to address these issues. Fogging or condensation on the panes of your windows is a sign that your seals aren't working properly. Only a professional can resolve this problem by replacing both panes.

It's a complicated process that requires special tools to remove and replace the window. A professional can complete this task and supply the equipment. It is recommended to leave the work to professionals. These tools can be dangerous.

If you choose to undertake this yourself, ensure you wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from broken pieces of glass that could fly off during the process. It is also essential to remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves where the new window will be. Wire-brushing the frame, vacuuming or wiping with a damp cloth is recommended. After the frame is clean and dry, you will need to get a replacement glass which is 1/8 inch less in each direction than the window that you have and then fit it in the grooves.

You will have to apply a layer of silicone caulk into the grooves of your frames to ensure that your glass is properly installed. Once the silicone caulk has dried and cured, you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. Then the wood molding can be put back in place.

If the weather abruptly changes, double-glazed windows may be difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures may cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or shrink, causing them to become sagging and stick. You can try wiping the frames with water and lubricating them if this is the case however it is better to seek help from the company that installed your windows.

Misted

When moisture gets trapped in between the glass panes, it can cause misted double glazing. Double glazing is comprised of two panes which are separated by a space that is filled with argon to improve thermal efficiency. This creates a airtight seal that keeps warm air in, and cold outside air out.

This seal can become damaged over time and moisture can build up between the glass panes and cause them to become to become cloudy. This happens because the space between the panes is heated by sun, causing water vapour to build up within it.

It is a natural phenomenon however, if it happens between the panes of the window it could cause problems because it will no longer be able control the temperature in the room. Instead the temperature outside the window will influence the temperature indoors. If you notice your double-glazed windows are turning blurred, call the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.

We can replace the individual blown sealed unit without needing to replace the whole window, which is a lot less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty glass repair (his explanation) involves taking off and cleaning the glass unit before replacing it with a brand new one. This will result in an airtight seal and will be watertight.

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

If you don't take care to fix the problem immediately it could result in mould, which could not only harm the window, but could also risk health issues for your family members. Moisture can also cause issues in your home, including dampness or rot. In some instances, the window may need to be completely replaced.

Failed or Blown

Modern double glazed windows have two glass panes with an inert gas or air between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and the cold out. As time passes the gas will become depressurised and cause a variety of problems.

One of the most common is condensation that forms between the panes. While it is a natural occurrence and doesn't mean that your window is failing however it could be an indication that you need to seal your windows. Condensation can be an indication that your double glazing is damaged in which case it will need to be replaced completely.

You should also look out for draughts that are coming from your double glazed windows. This could be due to the seal being damaged or handle that is broken, or a damaged lock. A draught is noticeable and will lead to higher heating bills 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 if you feel any cold air.

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

Your window frames have been designed to move slightly, which is necessary to keep the glass sheets in position. As time passes, this particular packaging material may become compacted. This could cause the seal to become broken. This allows air to flow between the panes and reduce the efficiency of your emergency window repair.

Double glazing that has broken a seal is an indication of failure and should be repaired as soon as possible. A blown seal stops your double glazing from fulfilling its primary function, which is to keep the cold out and warm air in. Additionally, a blown seal can let moisture in, which can result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is recommended to contact a double glazing repair expert when you discover a blowing seal on your double-glazed windows, as they can replace the entire unit.