11 Methods To Refresh Your Double Glazed Window Repair

Double Glazed Window Repair

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

Over time your double glazed windows can suffer from issues such as condensation and misty misting. This can cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open and misty close.

Broken Panes

A ball that is rogue or a stone flying from your lawnmower or even a strong storm can shatter your double pane windows which can expose your home to the elements. While a damaged glass window is difficult to repair, it doesn't need to be replaced. The insulated glass that is between two panes of glass is still in good shape and you can fix your double-paned window on your own.

First, you'll need to remove any broken glass from the frame. This is a messy job and you'll need to be careful to stop any glass shards from falling onto the floor or falling out of the frame. Make sure to wear a pair of work gloves to protect your hands and a cloth to protect the area surrounding the broken glass to avoid further damage or breaks. 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 frame to create a smooth and even surface to install your new window.

After cleaning the frame after cleaning, you can apply a second layer of glass to the area where you removed the broken pane. This is the most effective way to keep your window secure and sealed and will help you save energy costs by preventing drafts and water from getting into your home. The next step is to select the glazing material. There are a variety of options, including clear tape, which is a bit more robust than regular tape and will keep your window safe from further cracking, and glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. The benefit of this type of material is that it can be painted to match the frame you have and will keep out rain and snow too.

Whatever material you use it is important to press the glazier's points into the place where the putty joins your frame. These will hold the newly-formed glass in place and assist it to adhere to the frame. Glazier's points can be found in hardware stores, and they come in pre-made ropes that you simply roll onto the frame rabbets.

Condensation

If you're experiencing problems with condensation, it's recommended to contact your window manufacturer. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees that will cover these problems. Fogging or condensation between the windows' panes is a sign that your seals aren't working properly. Only a professional can resolve this issue by replacing the panes.

This process is a little complicated and requires specific tools to remove the old one and replace the new one, but it can be accomplished by an expert who will supply the required equipment. Using these tools can be dangerous it is best to leave this kind task to professionals.

If you choose to do this yourself, be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from any broken glass pieces that might fly away during the process. It is essential to take out any putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will be receiving the new window. It is also recommended to wire-brush the frame and vacuum or wipe with a damp cloth. After the frame has dried it is time to order a replacement piece of glass that's 1/8" shorter in both directions than your existing window. Check the glass's fit into the grooves.

Based on the frame you have, you will then need to apply a layer of silicone caulk to the grooves to ensure that your new pane is securely in place. Once the caulk has dried it is time to smooth it and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding will then be reinstalled.

If the weather abruptly changes, double-glazed windows may become difficult to open or close. Extreme temperatures can cause the 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 when this happens however, it's 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 that is filled with argon for greater thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight sealing that keeps warm air inside, and cold air outside.

In time, however, this seal may break and moisture will begin to build up between the window panes, which causes them to become misty. This happens because the sun's rays heat the space between the window panes, causing water to evaporate.

This is a natural occurrence, but if it occurs between the panes of the window it can be a problem because it won't be able to control the temperature within the room. Instead the temperature outside of the window will affect the temperature inside. If you notice your double-glazed windows have become misty, call in the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.

We can replace a single sealed unit without the need to replace the entire window. This is far less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty window door repair involves taking off the glass, cleaning it, and then replacing it with a new one to create an watertight seal.

Some companies in the industry claim to inject chemicals through holes drilled into windows that have been misty to eliminate the condensation and fog. We don't recommend using this method. This is not only unsightly, but it could cause damage to the toughened glass and can result in a window that does not completely perform its function.

If you don't take care to fix the issue immediately it could cause mould, which could not only damage the window, but could also pose health risks to 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.

Blown or Failed

Double-glazed windows are comprised of two glass panes with an inert or air between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and the cold out. Over time, the gas can be depressurized and cause many issues.

One of the most frequently encountered is condensation between the panes. It is not a sign of a window failing however it could be a sign you should replace the windows. Condensation can be an indication that your double glazing has broken in which case it will need to be replaced completely.

You should also look out for drafts coming through the double-glazed windows. This could be due to a failure of the seal or a broken handle or lock. A draught is evident and can result in higher heating bills, so it is important that you get this fixed sooner rather than later. Check the seals around the window frame by feeling the cold air.

Another indication 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 should re-seal your double glazed windows.

Your window frames are made to move slightly in order to do to keep the glass sheets in place. In time, this special packaging material can become compressed. This could cause the seal to become broken. This will allow air to circulate between the panes and reduce the efficiency of your window.

A blown seal is a clear sign that your double glazing is damaged and must be fixed as soon as possible. A blown seal stops your double glazing performing its primary function that is to keep the cold out and warm air in. A blown seal could let moisture into your home, which can lead to mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is recommended to contact a specialist in double glazing repair as soon as you spot a damaged seal in your double-glazed windows, since they could replace the entire unit.