Double Glazed Window Repair

Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that reduces heat loss in the winter months and helps keep your home cool in the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows when required is a great method to ensure they remain in good condition.

Over time your double glazed windows may experience problems like condensation and misting. Double glazed windows can become difficult to open and close.

Broken Panes

A ball that is rogue or a flying stone from your lawnmowers or a storm that is strong enough can break the double pane windows of your home which can expose your home to the elements. While a damaged glass window isn't easy to fix however, it does not 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 upvc window repair with some DIY effort.

To begin, you'll need to remove the broken glass from the frame. You'll need to be careful to prevent glass shards from falling to the floor or slipping off the frame. Make sure you wear gloves to protect your hands, and a rag to protect the area surrounding the broken glass to avoid further damage or breaks. After you have removed the broken glass clean the frame of the window thoroughly to get rid of any sealant or other debris. Sand rough areas of the frame to create a smooth surface to put in your new glass.

After cleaning the frame, you can apply another layer of glass on the seam where you removed the broken pane. This is the best way to ensure that your window is sealed and protected and will save you money by preventing drafts and water from entering the house. The next step is to select your glazing material. There are several options available, including clear tape which is more durable than regular tape and will help keep your window repairs from further cracking, and glazing film that resembles 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 decide to use it is important to press the glazier's points into that seam where the putty meets your frame. These will hold the glass in place, and help it adhere to the frame. The glazier's point can be found in hardware stores, and they are available in pre-made ropes that you roll over the frame rabbets.

Condensation

Double glazing can be prone to condensation issues. If you encounter this issue, it is recommended to contact the company that installed the window. Many have warranties and guarantees to address these problems. Condensation and fogging between panes of glass is an obvious sign that the seals between your windows are broken and can only be repaired by a professional who will fix both panes.

The process is difficult and requires special tools to take off the old one and replace the new one, however it can be accomplished by an expert who will supply the required equipment. It is best to leave the work to professionals. These tools can be dangerous.

If you decide 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 important to take out any putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will hold the new window. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming a damp cloth is also recommended. Once the frame is clean and dry then you'll need purchase a replacement glass that is 1/8 inch smaller in each direction than your window, and then test it in the grooves.

Based on the frames you have 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 secure in position. After 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 may become difficult to open or close. Extreme temperatures can cause frames to expand or shrink and this can make them fall or stick. You can try wiping the frames with water and then lubricating them in the event that this happens however it is better to seek advice from the company who installed your windows.

Misted

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

The seal could fail over time, and moisture may build up between the glass panes, causing them to become cloudy. This occurs because the sun heats the gap between window panes, causing the water to evaporate.

This is a normal thing to happen but if it happens between the window panes it can be a problem since it is no longer able to control the temperature in the room, and allows the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. If you notice that your double-glazed windows have become misty, call in the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.

We can repair the individual sealed blown unit without having to replace the entire window, which is a lot less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty window repair involves taking off the glass unit, washing it, and then replacing it with a fresh one to create an watertight seal.

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

If you don't address the issue immediately it could cause mold, which could not only harm the window, but cause health risks for your loved ones. The moisture in the window may also lead to other problems in your home, such as damp or rot. In some cases, the window may need to be completely replaced.

Failed or blown

Modern double-glazed windows come with two glass panes with an inert gas or air in between them. This improves their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and the cold out. As time passes, the gas can become depressurized, causing various problems.

One of the most frequent is condensation occurring between the panes. It's not an indication of a window failing however it could be a sign that you need to reseal the panes. Condensation can be an indication that your double glazing has broken in which case it's time to get it replaced completely.

Double-glazed windows may also cause drafts. It could be due to a failed seal or handle that is broken, or a broken lock. A draught can be obvious and result in higher heating costs It is therefore essential that you get this fixed sooner rather than later. Test the seals around the window frame by smelling cold air.

There will also be water beads on the outside of windows if the window seals aren't working. This is a sign that you should re-seal your double glazed windows.

The frames of your windows are designed to move slightly in order to do to keep the glass sheets in their place. However, over time this special packaging material can be compressed and break the all-important seal. This will allow air to circulate between the panes, reducing the efficiency of your window's energy consumption.

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