Double Glazed Window Repair

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

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

Broken Panes

A stray baseball or a flying pebble from your lawnmowers, or even a storm that is heavy can break the double panes of your windows, leaving your home exposed to the elements. While a damaged window may be difficult to fix but you don't need to replace it completely. In fact the insulated glass between the two panes is in good condition, and you can fix your double-pane window using a little DIY effort.

First, you'll need to take any broken glass from the frame. You'll need to be careful to prevent glass shards from falling to the floor or falling from the frame. Make sure you wear work gloves to protect your hands, and a rag to cover the area around the broken glass to prevent further cuts or breakage. After removing the broken pane take care to clean the entire frame of the window to get rid of any remaining sealant or debris. It's important to sand rough areas of your frame to create a smooth surface for the new glazing.

After the frame has been cleaned, you can apply a fresh layer of glazing to the seam where the damaged pane was removed. This is the best way to keep your window secure and sealed and save you money by preventing drafts and water from getting into your home. Next, you will need to select your glazing material. There are several options including clear tape which is more durable than regular tape, and can prevent further cracking of your window or glazing film which is similar to clear plastic wrap. The advantage of this choice is that it can be painted to match your existing frame, and it will keep out snow and rain as well.

Whatever material you use it's essential to press the glazier's points into that place where the putty joins your frame. They will help keep the glass in place and help it adhere to the frame. The glazier's point can be found in hardware stores, and they come in pre-made ropes that you roll out onto the frame rabbets.

Condensation

Double glazing can be susceptible to condensation issues. If you experience this issue, it is best to call the company that provided the window. Many have warranties and guarantees that cover these problems. Condensation and fogging between panes of glass is an obvious indication that the seals between your windows are damaged and must be repaired by an expert who will repair both panes.

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

Wear safety gloves and glasses if opt to do it yourself. You may be exposed to flying glass fragments. It is essential to remove all putty or metal glazing 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 you'll have to purchase another piece of glass that is 1/8" shorter in both directions than the existing window. Check the glass's fit into the grooves.

Based on the frames you have depending on your frames, you'll need to apply the caulk on the grooves to ensure that the new pane is securely in place. Once the silicone caulk has dried, you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding will then be reinstalled.

If the weather suddenly changes, double-glazed windows could become difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures may cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, causing them to slide and become stuck. Try wiping the frames with water and then lubricating them if this is the case however, it's better to consult the company who installed your windows.

Misunderstood

Misted Double Glazing is a problem with windows that develops when moisture gets trapped between the glass panes of double glazed windows. double glazed window repairs glazing consists of two panes of glass which are separated by an insulating space, typically filled with argon gas for improved thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm room air inside and cold air outside and allows you to keep the temperature comfortable in your home.

Over time however, this seal will begin to break down and moisture will start to build up between the window panes, causing them to become misty. This happens because the space between the panes is heated by the sun, which causes water vapour to build up in it.

This is a normal thing to happen however, if it occurs between the window panes, it can be a problem since it is no longer able to regulate the temperature of the room and allow the outside temperature to influence the indoor temperature. If you notice your double glazed windows are becoming cloudy, contact the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.

We can replace a single blown sealed unit without needing to replace the entire window. This is less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty window repair involves removing the glass, cleaning it, then replacing it with a fresh one to make an airtight seal.

There are companies within the industry that claim to drill holes in your windows that are misting and inject chemicals into them that they claim will eliminate the condensation and fog however, we do not recommend this method. This is not only unsightly but could also damage your toughened glass, leaving you with a window that does not function properly.

If you don't fix the issue quickly it could cause mould, which could not only harm the window, but also risk health issues for your family members. The condensation in the window could also lead to other problems in your home such as damp or rot. In some cases it is possible to replace the entire window.

Failed or Blown

Modern double glazed windows have two glass panes, with an inert gas or air in between them. This helps to improve their thermal efficiency, allowing the cold out and heat in. Over time the gas will be depressurized and cause a variety of issues.

One of the most common is condensation that forms between the panes. It's not an indication of a window failure however it could be a sign you should replace the panes. Condensation may be an indication that your double glazing has broken in which case it should be replaced completely.

You should also look out for draughts coming from the double-glazed windows. This could be due to the seal being damaged or a damaged handle or a broken lock. A draught can be quite obvious and result in more expensive heating bills, so it is important to fix it sooner rather than later. You can test the seals by feeling around the edges of the window frame to see if you feel any cold air.

Another sign that your window seals have failed is when you begin to notice water beading on the inside of your windows. This is a sign that you should re-seal your double glazed windows.

The frames of your windows are designed to move a little bit as they have to do in order to keep the glass sheets in their place. However, over time, this particular packaging material will become compacted and this will break the all-important seal. This will allow air to circulate between the panes, which will reduce the efficiency of your window's energy consumption.

Double glazing that has ruptured seals is an indication of a failure and needs to be repaired as soon as is possible. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary purpose of keeping cold out and warm inside. A blown seal could let moisture into your home, which can result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is important to contact a double glazing repair specialist immediately if you discover a blowing seal in your double glazed windows, as they are able to replace the entire unit.