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. The ability to have your double-glazed windows repaired when needed is an excellent way to keep them working effectively.
Over time, your double-glazed windows may suffer from issues such as condensation and misting. This can cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open or close.
Broken Panes
A stray baseball, a flying pebble from your lawnmowers, or even a heavy storm can shatter the double panes of your windows, leaving your home exposed to the elements. Even though a glass window that has been damaged is difficult to repair however, it does not need to be replaced. In fact, the insulated glass between the two panes remains in good condition and you can fix your double-pane windows with a little DIY effort.
To start, you'll need to take the broken glass out of the frame. This is messy work and you'll need to take care to prevent any glass shards from falling on the floor or slipping out of the frame. Wear work gloves to protect your hands and use a rag to cover the broken glass to avoid any further injury or cuts. After removing the broken pane take care to clean the entire frame of the window to eliminate any sealant residue and 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 best method to seal and protect your window. It will also reduce your energy bills by preventing drafts and water from entering your home. The next step is to select the glazing material. There are several options, including clear tape that is more durable than regular tape and helps prevent further cracking of your window or glazing film, which is similar to clear plastic wrap. This choice has the benefit that it can be painted to match the frame of your window and will also keep out the elements like ice and rain.
Regardless of the material you select regardless of the material you choose, it is essential to press the glazier's points into the place where the putty joins the frame. They will help hold the glass in place and help it adhere to the frame. Glazier's points can be found in hardware stores, and they are available in pre-made ropes which you roll out onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing can be prone to condensation issues and if you experience this issue, it is recommended to contact the company that supplied the window. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees that will cover these problems. Fogging or condensation between the panes of your windows is a sign that your seals are broken. Only an expert can fix this problem by replacing both panes.
This process is a little tricky and requires special tools to take off the old pane and then install the new one, but it is possible to do this by an expert who will supply the necessary equipment. Making use of these tools can be dangerous, so it is always best to leave this type of job to an expert.
Wear safety gloves and glasses if decide to do it yourself. You could be exposed to flying glass fragments. It is also important to carefully remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves in which the new window will go. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming a damp cloth are also recommended. Once the frame has dried, you'll need to order a replacement piece of glass that's 1/8" shorter in both directions than your 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 glass is properly installed. After the caulk dries and is dry, you must smooth it out and make any needed adjustments. The wood molding can then be put back in place.
If the weather abruptly changes, double-glazed windows can become difficult to open or close. Extreme temperatures can cause frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, causing them to slide and become stuck. If this is the problem you could try wiping the frames down with water and then lubricating the joints. However, it might be best to contact the company that installed your windows for assistance.
Misunderstood
Misted Double Glazing is a window problem that is caused by moisture getting trapped between the glass panes of your double-glazed windows. Double glazing is made up of two panes, which are separated by a space that is filled with argon to improve thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm room air inside and cold air outside which allows you to keep the temperature in your home comfortable.
As time passes, the seal may break and moisture will begin to accumulate between the window panes, which causes them to turn misty. This happens because the space between the panes is heated by sun, which causes water vapour to develop in it.
This is a normal process but if it happens between the window panes, it can be a problem since it is no longer able to regulate the temperature of the room, and allows the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. Northfield Glass can help you if your double-glazed windows start double glazing repair to fog.
We can replace a single blow sealed unit, without having to replace the entire window. This is less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty glass repair involves removing and cleaning the glass before replacing it with a brand new one. This will result in a seal that is watertight again.
There are some companies in the industry which claim to drill holes in your existing misted windows and inject chemicals into them, which claim to eliminate fog & condensation however, we don't recommend this method. This method is not just ugly, but it could also harm your toughened glass, leaving you with a window which doesn't function properly.
It is essential to address the problem as soon as possible, as left untreated it can cause mould growth that not only damages the window, but can also pose health risks to your family members. Moisture can also cause other issues within your home, like dampness or rot. In some cases it is possible to replace the entire window.
Blown or Failed
Modern double glazed windows have two glass panes with an inert gas or air in between them. This increases their thermal efficiency, keeping warm air in and cold air out. As time passes the gas may be depressurized and cause a variety of problems.
Condensation between the panes is one of the most common. It's not a sign of a window failing, but it could indicate that you need to reseal the windows. Condensation could be a sign your double glazing has failed in which case it should be replaced completely.
Double-glazed windows can also create drafts. It could be due to an unsound seal or handle that is broken, or a broken lock. It is crucial to address this problem as soon as you can. A draft will force you to pay more for heating. You can test the seals by rubbing around the edges of the window frame to see if you feel any cold air.
Another indication that your window seals have failed is when you start to see water dripping on the inside of your windows. This is an indication that you need to seal your double-glazed windows.
Your window frames are designed to move a bit as they have to do in order to keep the glass sheets in their place. In time, this special packaging material can be compressed. This will result in the seal being broken. This allows air to move between the panes, which will reduce the energy efficiency of your window.
A blown seal is a clear indication that your double glazing is damaged and should be repaired immediately. A blown seal will prevent your double glazing from fulfilling its primary purpose of keeping cold out and warm in. Additionally, a blown seal can let moisture in, which could result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is important to contact a double glazing repair expert as soon as you discover a blowing seal on your double-glazed windows, as they can replace the whole unit.