Why We Love Double Glazed Window Repair (And You Should Also!)

Double Glazed Window Repair

Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that prevents loss of heat in winter months and helps keep your home cooler in the summer. Restoring your double-glazed windows as required is a great method to ensure they remain in good working order.

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

Broken Panes

A stray baseball, a flying pebble from your lawnmower, or even a storm that is heavy could break the double panes of your windows, leaving your home exposed to the elements. Even though a glass window that has been damaged isn't easy to fix but it doesn't have to be replaced. In fact, the insulated glass between the two panes is in good shape and you can repair your double-pane window with some DIY effort.

To start, you'll need to remove the broken glass from the frame. You'll need to be cautious to keep glass shards from falling to the floor or slipping out of the frame. Use work gloves to protect your hands, and place a rag around the broken glass to avoid any further injury or cuts. After removing the broken pane, carefully clean the entire frame of the window to eliminate any remaining sealant or debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth surface to install your new glazing.

After cleaning the frame and removing the dust, you can apply another layer of glass to the area where you removed the broken pane. This is the most effective way to keep your window sealed and protected, and it will aid in reducing energy costs by preventing drafts and water from entering your home. Next, you will need to choose your glazing material. There are many options available such as clear tape, which is more durable than regular tape and helps prevent further cracking of your window, or glazing film which is similar to clear plastic wrapping. This type of wrap has the advantage that it can be painted to match the frame of your window and can also shield your windows from rain and ice.

Whatever material you use it's essential to press the glazier's points into the seam where the putty meets your frame. These will hold the new glass in place and help it stick to the frame. Glazier's points can be found in hardware stores, and they are available in pre-made ropes which you roll onto the frame rabbets.

Condensation

Double glazing is susceptible to condensation issues and if you encounter this issue, it is best to call the company that provided the window. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees that cover the issues. Fogging or condensation on the panes of your windows is a sign that the seals are damaged. Only a professional can fix this problem by replacing the panes.

The process is complicated and requires the use of special tools to take off the old pane and then install the new one, however it can be accomplished by a professional who will provide the required equipment. It is best to delegate the work to professionals. These tools can be risky.

If you choose to do this yourself, ensure you wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from any broken glass pieces that may fly off during the process. It is also essential to remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves in which the new window will be. Wire-brushing the frame, vacuuming or wiping with a damp cloth are also recommended. Once the frame has dried, you'll need to order another piece of glass that is 1/8" shorter in both directions than the existing window. Test-fit the glass into the grooves.

You'll require a layer of silicone caulk into the grooves of your frames to ensure that your new glass is properly installed. After the silicone caulk has dried you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding will then be reinstalled.

Double-glazed windows may be difficult to open and close if the weather changes dramatically. Extreme temperatures may cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, causing them to slide and become stuck. You can try wiping the frames with water and lubricating them if this is the case however, it's better to seek help from the company that installed your windows.

Misunderstood

If moisture is trapped between the glass panes it can cause misted double glazing. Double glazing consists of two panes of glass which are separated by an insulating area, typically filled with argon gas for increased thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight sealing that keeps warm indoor air in, and cold air outside.

As time passes, the seal may break and moisture will begin to accumulate between the window panes, causing them to become cloudy. This happens because the sun heats the gap between window panes, which causes water to evaporate.

This is a normal thing to happen however, if it occurs between the window panes it can cause a problem as it will no longer be able to regulate the temperature of the room and allow the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. If you notice your double-glazed windows are turning blurred, call the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.

We can replace a single sealed unit without needing to replace the entire window replacement. This is much more streamlined than a total replacement. Our misty glass repair involves removing and cleaning the glass and replacing it with a new one. This creates a watertight seal again.

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

It is important to fix the issue as quickly as you can, because if left untreated, it could cause mould growth, which not only damages the window but also poses health risks for your family members. Moisture can also cause issues within your home, such as dampness or rot. In some instances the window might need to be completely replaced.

Blown or Failed

Modern double glazed windows have two glass panes with an inert gas or air between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping warm air in and cold air out. Over time the gas will become depressurised and cause many issues.

One of the most common is condensation that forms between the panes. While it is a natural phenomenon, it doesn't mean your window is damaged, it can be an indication that you need to re-seal your windows. Condensation is also a sign of a broken double glazing, which will require re-installation.

Double-glazed windows can also cause drafts. This could be due to an issue with the seal or a damaged handle or lock. It is crucial to address this issue as soon as you can. A draught will cause you to spend more on heating. Test the seals on the window frame by smelling cold air.

Another sign that your window seals are failing is when you start to notice water beads on the inside of your windows. This is a clear indication that you 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 place. Over time, this special packaging material can become compacted. This will cause the seal to become broken. This allows air to flow between the panes and reduce the energy efficiency of your window.

A blown seal is an obvious sign that your double glazing is damaged and must be fixed as soon as possible. A damaged seal will stop your double glazing from performing its primary job of keeping cold out and warm in. Additionally, a blown seal will let your home's moisture in, which can cause mold and other uncomfortable conditions. Contact a double-glazing specialist immediately you notice a blown Window doctor seal. They can fix the entire unit.