Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is a fantastic investment in energy efficiency. It helps prevent heat loss during the winter months and keeps your home cool in summer. Having your double glazed windows repaired when needed is an excellent way to ensure that they function properly.
Over time condensation and misting could impact your double-glazed windows. Double glazed windows can become difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A stray ball or a flying pebble from your lawnmowers or even a storm that is heavy can break the double panes of your windows, leaving your home exposed to the elements. While a damaged window may be difficult to repair but you don't need to replace it completely. The insulated glass that is between two panes of glass is still in good shape, so you can repair your double-paned windows yourself.
First, you'll need to take any broken glass from the frame. This can be messy work, and you'll want to be careful to stop any glass shards from falling onto the floor or slipping out of the frame. Use a pair of work gloves to protect your hands, and a cloth to cover the area around the broken glass to prevent further damage or breaks. After removing the broken pane and cleaning the entire frame of the window to eliminate any remaining sealant or debris. Sand rough areas of the frame to create a smooth surface to put in your new glass.
After cleaning the frame and dried, you can apply a new layer of glass to the area in which the broken pane was removed. This is the best way to keep your window sealed and protected and will help you save energy costs by keeping water and drafts from entering your home. The next step is to select the material for your glazing. There are a variety of options, including clear tape that is more robust than regular tape and can keep your window safe from further cracking, as well as glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. This option has the advantage that it can be painted to match your frame, and will also block out snow and ice.
No matter what material you use, it's 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. Hardware stores carry glazier's point ropes, which can be rolled out on the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you have a problem with condensation, it is best to contact your window manufacturer. A lot of windows come with warranties and guarantees that cover these issues. Condensation and fogging in the panes of glass is a clear sign that the seals between your windows have been damaged and must be repaired by a professional who will replace both panes.
This procedure is a bit difficult and requires the use of special tools to remove the old pane and install the new one, however it can be accomplished by an expert who will provide the required equipment. It is best to leave the job to an expert. These tools can be hazardous.
Wear safety gloves and glasses if you choose to do it yourself. You may be exposed to flying glass fragments. It is also important to remove all the putty and metal glazing points from the grooves where the new window will go. You will also want to wire-brush the frame and vacuum or wipe it clean with a damp cloth. Once the frame is clean and dry then you'll need get a replacement glass that is 1/8 inch shorter in each direction than the window that you have and then fit it in the grooves.
You will require a layer of silicone caulk in the grooves of your frames to ensure that your glass is properly installed. After the silicone caulk has dried and cured, you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. Then the wood molding can be put back in place.
If the weather abruptly changes, double-glazed windows can become difficult to open or close. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or shrink, causing them to slide and become stuck. You can try wiping the frames with water and then lubricating them if this is the case however it is better to seek help from the company who installed your windows.
Misted
When moisture gets trapped in between the glass panes, it can cause misted double glazing. Double glazing is comprised of two panes which are separated by a gap filled with argon to improve thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight sealing that keeps warm air inside, and cold outside air out.
The seal may become damaged over time and moisture may build up between the glass panes which can cause them to turn misty. This happens because the sun heats the space between the window panes, causing the 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 allows the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. If you notice that your double glazed windows are becoming cloudy, contact the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can replace a single sealed unit, without needing to replace the entire window. This is more streamlined than a total replacement. Our misty window repair involves removing the glass unit, washing it, and then replacing it with a fresh one to create a watertight seal again.
There are companies in the industry that claim to cut holes into your windows with mist and inject chemicals into them that claim to eliminate condensation and fog, however, we do not recommend this method. This is not only unsightly, but it could cause damage to the toughened glass and leave you with windows that do not fully perform the function it was intended to.
It is crucial to resolve the problem as soon as possible, as left untreated it can result in the growth of mould that not only damages the window but also poses health risks for your family members. The condensation in the window could cause other problems in your home such as damp or rot. In certain situations it is possible to replace the entire window.
Blown or Failed
Double-glazed windows are made up of two glass panes with an inert or air between them. This improves their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. As time passes, the gas can become depressurised and cause a variety of problems.
Condensation between the panes is among the most frequent. Although it's a normal occurrence and doesn't mean that your window is damaged, it can be an indication that you need to seal your windows. Condensation is also a sign of a broken double glazing, which will need to be replaced.
It is also important to look for draughts coming from your double glazed windows. This could be caused by a failure of the seal or a damaged handle or lock. It is essential to fix this problem as soon as you can. A draught will cause you to spend more on heating. Check the seals around the window frame by feeling for cold air.
Another indication that your window seals have failed click here is when you begin to notice water beading on the inside of your windows. This is a sign that you should re-seal your double glazed windows.
Your window frames are designed to move slightly as they have to do in order to keep the glass sheets in their place. In time, this special packaging material may become compressed. This can cause the seal to become broken. This will allow the air to move between the panes, decreasing the efficiency of your window's energy consumption.
A damaged seal is an obvious sign that your double glazing has failed and needs to be fixed immediately. A damaged seal will stop your double glazing from performing its primary job of keeping cold out and warm in. In addition, a blown seal will let your home's moisture in, which could result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is recommended to contact a double glazing repair specialist when you spot a damaged seal in your double-glazed windows, since they could replace the entire unit.