Double Glazed Window Repair

Double glazing is a fantastic investment in energy efficiency. It prevents loss of heat in the winter months and helps keep your home cool in the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows whenever required is a great method to ensure they remain in good condition.

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

Broken Panes

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

First, you'll need to take any broken glass from the frame. Be careful to keep glass shards from falling to the floor or slipping out of the frame. Make sure to wear a pair of gloves to protect your hands, and a cloth to cover the area surrounding the broken glass to prevent further damage or breaks. After removing the broken pane and cleaning the entire frame of the window to get rid of any sealant residue and debris. Sand rough areas of the frame to create a smooth surface to install your new window.

After cleaning the frame, you can apply another layer of glass on the seam where you removed the broken pane. This is the most effective method to protect and seal your window doctor. It can also save you energy costs by preventing drafts and water from entering the home. The next step is to choose your glazing material. There are a variety of options including clear tape which is more durable than regular tape and helps prevent further cracking of your window or glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. The benefit of this option is that it can be painted to match your existing frame and will also keep out rain and snow as well.

No matter what material you choose it is important to press the glaziers points into the gap where the putty meets your frame. These will hold the new glass in place and RepairMyWindowsAndDoors aid it adhere to the frame. Hardware stores sell glazier's point ropes, which can be rolled out on the frame rabbets.

Condensation

If you're experiencing problems with condensation, it's best to contact the window manufacturer. There are warranties and RepairMyWindowsAndDoors guarantees to address the issues. Condensation and fogging in the panes of glass is a clear indication that the seals between your windows have been damaged and can only be repaired by a professional who will repair both panes.

The process is tricky and requires the use of special tools to take off the old pane and install the new one, but it can be accomplished by an expert who will supply the necessary equipment. It is best to delegate the task to a professional. These tools could be hazardous.

If you choose to do it yourself, ensure you wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from any broken glass pieces that might fly away during the process. It is also important to remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves that the new window will be. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming a damp cloth is also recommended. After the frame is dry, you'll need to order an additional piece of glass that is 1/8" shorter in both directions than your existing window. Check the glass's fit into the grooves.

You'll have to apply a layer of silicone caulk into the grooves of your frames to ensure that the glass you are installing is securely installed. After the silicone caulk is dried you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding can 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 frames to shrink or expand and this can make them slide or become stuck. You can try wiping the frames with water and then lubricating them if this is the case, but it may be better to consult the company who installed your windows.

Misted

When moisture gets trapped between the glass panes, it can cause misty double glazing. Double glazing is comprised of two panes which are separated by a space filled with argon for better thermal efficiency. This results in an airtight seal that keeps warm air in, and cold outdoor air out.

This seal can fail over time, and moisture may build up between the panes of glass and cause them to become to appear misty. This occurs because the sun heats the gap between panes of windows, causing the water to evaporate.

This is a normal thing to happen but if it happens between the window panes it can cause a problem as it can no longer regulate the temperature of the room and will allow the outside temperature to influence the indoor temperature. If you notice your double glazed windows are becoming misty, call in the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.

We can repair the individual blown sealed unit without needing to replace the entire window which is less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty window repair involves removing the glass unit, washing it, then replacing it with a fresh one to make a watertight seal again.

There are companies in the field which claim to cut holes into your windows with mist and inject chemicals into them that they say removes the condensation and fog but we don't recommend this method. This method is not only ugly, but it can also harm the toughened glass and can leave you with windows that do not fully function.

It is crucial to resolve the issue as quickly as you can, as if untreated, it could cause mould growth, which not only damages the window, but also poses health risks to your family. Moisture can cause other issues in your home, like dampness or rot. In some instances it is possible to replace the entire window doctor.

Failed or Blown

Double-glazed windows are comprised of two glass panes with an air or inert between them. This improves their thermal efficiency, allowing warm air in and cold air out. As time passes the gas may become depressurised and cause a variety of issues.

One of the most common is condensation between the panes. It's not an indication of a window failing however it could indicate that you should replace the panes. Condensation may be an indication that your double glazing has failed and, in that case, it's time to get it replaced completely.

Double-glazed windows may also cause draughts. This could be because of the seal being damaged, a broken handle, or a damaged lock. It is essential to fix this issue as soon as you can. A draft will force you to pay more for heating. Check the seals around the window frame by feeling for cold air.

You will also notice water beads on the outside of windows if your window seals aren't performing as they should. This is a sign that you need to reseal the double glazed windows.

Your window frames have been designed to move slightly, which is necessary to keep the glass sheets in their place. In time, this special packaging material can become compressed. This will cause the seal to become broken. This allows air to circulate between the panes, which will reduce the energy efficiency of your window.

Double glazing that has broken an air seal is an indication of failure and should be repaired immediately. A damaged seal will stop your double glazing from performing its primary job of keeping the cold out and warm inside. Furthermore, a blow-off seal can let moisture in, which could cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. Contact a double glazing expert as soon you notice a blown window seal. They can replace the entire unit.