Double Glazed Window Repair Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that stops loss of heat in winter and helps to keep your home cooler during the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows whenever required is a great method to ensure they are in good condition. Over time, your double glazed windows may suffer from problems like condensation and misting. Double glazed windows may be difficult to open and close. Broken Panes A rogue baseball, a flying pebble from your lawnmower, or even a severe storm can break the double panes of your windows and expose your home to the elements. Although a window that is cracked can be difficult to repair however, you don't have to replace it completely. In fact the insulated glass that is between the two panes is still in good shape and you can repair your double-pane window with a bit of DIY effort. To start, you'll need to remove the broken glass from the frame. You'll need to be cautious to prevent glass shards from falling onto the floor or sliding from the frame. Use work gloves to protect your hands and use an abrasive cloth around the damaged glass area to prevent further cuts or damage. After taking out the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly, removing any sealant or other debris. It is important to sand rough areas of your frame to ensure an even surface for your new glazing. After cleaning the frame and removing the dust, you can apply another layer of glass on the seam where you removed the broken pane. This is the most effective way to keep your window safe and sealed, and it will aid in reducing energy costs by stopping drafts and water from entering your home. The next step is to select the glazing material. Some options include clear tape, which is a bit more durable than regular tape and will keep your window from further cracking, and glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. This choice has the benefit that it can be painted to match your frame and will also block out snow and ice. No matter what material you choose it is important to press the glaziers points into the seam where the putty meets your frame. These will 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 which you roll out onto the frame rabbets. Condensation If you are experiencing issues with condensation, it is best to contact the window manufacturer. Many companies provide warranties and guarantees that provide coverage for these issues. Condensation or fogging between the panes of your windows is a sign that the seals are broken. Only an expert can fix this issue by replacing the panes. It's a complicated process that requires special tools to remove and replace the window. A professional can complete this task and provide the equipment. It is recommended to leave the work to an expert. These tools could be dangerous. If you decide to do it yourself, make sure you wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from broken pieces of glass that might fly away during the process. It is also essential to remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves that the new window will be. It is also recommended to wire-brush the frame and vacuum or wipe with a damp cloth. After the frame is dry it is time to order another piece of glass that's 1/8" shorter in both directions than the existing window. Test-fit the glass into the grooves. Based on the frames you have, you will then need to apply the caulk on the grooves to ensure that your new pane is secured in place. After the caulk dries it is time to smooth it and make any adjustments needed. The wood molding can be put back in place. If the weather suddenly changes, double-glazed windows could become difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames to shrink or expand and, as a result, they can fall or stick. If this is the case you could try wiping down the frames with water and then lubricating the joints. However, it may be best to ask the company who installed your windows for help. Misted Misted Double Glazing is a window problem that develops when moisture gets trapped between the glass panes of your double-glazed windows. Double glazing consists of two panes which are separated by a space filled with argon for greater thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm air inside and cold outdoor air outside which allows you to keep your temperature comfortable in your home. This seal can be damaged over time, and water can accumulate between the panes of glass, causing them to become cloudy. This happens because the space between the panes is heated by the sun, which causes water vapour to develop in it. This is a normal occurrence, but when it occurs between the window panes, it can cause a problem as it can no longer regulate the temperature of the room and allow the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. Northfield Glass can help you when your double-glazed windows begin to fog. We can replace the individual sealed blown unit without having to replace the whole window and is less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty window repair involves removing the glass unit, washing it, then replacing it with a new one to create an airtight seal. Certain companies in the business claim that they can inject chemicals through holes drilled into misted windows to remove the condensation and fog. We do not recommend using this method. This is not only unattractive, but it could also harm the toughened glass and result in windows that don't completely perform its function. If you don't address the issue quickly it could result in mould, which could not only harm the window, but risk health issues for your loved ones. Moisture can also cause issues in your home, including dampness or rot. In some cases it might be necessary 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 improves their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. Over time the gas will become depressurised and cause many issues. One of the most frequent is condensation between the panes. It's not an indication of a failure in the window however it could indicate that you should replace them. Condensation is also a sign of a broken double glazing, which will require a re-installation. Also, look out for drafts coming through your double-glazed windows. This could be caused by a failure of the seal or a damaged handle lock. It is essential to fix this issue as soon as you can. A draft can cause you to pay more for heating. Test the seals around the window frame by feeling the cold air. Another sign that the seals on your windows have failed is when you begin to notice water beading on the inside of your windows. This is a sign that you need to seal your double-glazed windows. Your window frames are made to move a little bit, as they need to do to keep the glass sheets in place. However, over time this particular packaging material will be compressed and break the all-important seal. This allows air to circulate between the panes, which will reduce your window's energy efficiency. Double glazing that has ruptured an air seal is an indication of failure and should be repaired as soon as possible. A blown seal will prevent your double glazing from performing its primary function of keeping the cold out and warm in. A blown seal can also let moisture in your home, which could lead to mold and other unpleasant conditions. Contact a double glazing expert immediately you spot a damaged window seal. They can repair or replace the entire unit.