Double Glazed Window Repair

Double glazing is a great investment in energy efficiency. It prevents heat loss during the winter months 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 working order.

Over time, your double-glazed windows may suffer from issues like condensation and misting. Double glazed windows may become difficult to open and close.

Broken Panes

A rogue baseball or a stray pebble from your lawnmower, or even a heavy 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 have it replaced entirely. In fact the insulated glass that is between the two panes is 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. This can be messy work, and you'll want to take care to prevent any glass fragments from falling onto the floor or sliding out of the frame. Use a pair of work gloves to shield your hands from injury and a cloth to protect the area around the broken glass to avoid further damage or breaks. After removing the broken piece, carefully clean the entire frame of the window to get rid of any remaining sealant and debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth surface to put in your new glass.

After cleaning the frame then you can apply a fresh layer of glass to the seam where the damaged pane was removed. This is the best way to keep your window sealed and protected, misted and it will save you money by stopping drafts and water from entering the house. Next, you will need to select your glazing material. Some options include clear tape, which is a bit more robust than regular tape and will keep your window from further cracking, and glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. This choice has the benefit that it can be painted to match your frame and will also keep out the elements like ice and rain.

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

Condensation

If you have a problem with condensation, it's recommended to contact your window manufacturer. A lot of windows come with warranties and guarantees to address these problems. Condensation or fogging between the panes of your windows is a sign that the seals are broken. Only a professional can resolve this issue by replacing both panes.

It's a complicated procedure that requires specialized tools to remove and replace the old window. A professional can do this job and provide the tools. Using these tools can be risky, so it is always best to leave this kind of job to a professional.

Wear safety glasses and gloves if you decide to do it yourself. You may be exposed to glass fragments flying around. 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 a damp cloth is also recommended. After the frame has dried it is time to order an additional piece of glass that is 1/8" shorter in both directions than the existing window. Test-fit the glass into the grooves.

Depending on your frames depending on your frames, you'll need to apply a thin layer of silicone caulk to the grooves in order to ensure that the new pane is securely in the right place. Once the caulk has dried, you will need to smooth it out and make any needed adjustments. The wood molding will then be put back in place.

Double glazed windows can become difficult to open or close when the weather is extremely changing. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, which causes them to become sagging and stick. You can try wiping down the frames with water and lubricating them when this happens, but it may be better to consult the company who installed your windows.

Misted

Misted Double Glazing is a problem with windows that is caused by moisture getting trapped between the glass panes of your double-glazed windows. Double glazing is comprised of two panes of glass which are separated by an insulating space typically filled with argon gas to provide better thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm room air inside and cold air outside, allowing you to keep your temperature at a comfortable level in your home.

The seal may fail over time, and moisture can build up between the glass panes and cause them to become to appear misty. This happens because the gap between the panes is heated by the sun, causing water vapour to develop within it.

This is a natural process however, if it happens between the panes of the window it can be a problem since it will no longer be able to control the temperature inside the room. Instead the temperature outside the window will influence the temperature inside. If you notice that your double-glazed windows are turning misty, call in the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.

We can repair the individual blow-sealed unit without having to replace the entire window and is less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty window repair involves taking off the glass unit, cleaning it, and then replacing it with a new one to make a watertight seal again.

There are some companies in the industry that claim to cut holes into your existing misted windows and inject chemicals into them, which they claim will eliminate the fog & condensation, however, we do not recommend this method. This method is not just unsightly but could also damage your toughened glass and leave you with a window which isn't functioning properly.

It is crucial to resolve the issue as soon as possible, as left untreated it can lead to mould growth, which not only damages the window but also poses health risks to your family. The condensation in the window could cause other problems with your property such as damp or rot. In some instances it might be necessary to replace the entire window.

Blown or Failed

Modern double-glazed windows come with two glass panes, with an inert gas or air between them. This helps to improve their thermal efficiency, allowing the cold out and heat in. As time passes, the gas can depressurize and cause a variety of problems.

One of the most frequently encountered is condensation occurring between the panes. It's not a sign of a failure in the window however it could indicate that you should reseal the panes. Condensation may be an indication that your double glazing has failed, in which case it should be replaced completely.

Double-glazed windows can also create drafts. It could be due to the seal being damaged or handle that is broken, or a broken lock. It is important to fix the issue as quickly as you can. A draft will force you to spend more on heating. Check the seals around the window frame by feeling the cold air.

There will also be water beads on the inside of windows when your window seals aren't performing as they should. This is an indication that you have to replace the seals on your double-glazed windows.

The frames of your windows are designed to move slightly, as they need to do to keep the glass sheets in the right place. As time passes, this particular packaging material can be compressed. This will result in the seal being broken. This will allow the air to flow between the panes, decreasing your window's energy efficiency.

A damaged seal is a clear indication that your double glazing has failed and should be repaired immediately. A blown seal will prevent your double glazing from performing its primary function of keeping cold out and warm in. Furthermore, a blow-off seal will let your home's moisture in, which could cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is recommended to contact a specialist in double glazing repair when you notice a blown seal on your double-glazed windows, since they could replace the entire unit.