Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is a fantastic investment in energy efficiency. It prevents heat loss during the winter months and keeps your home cool during summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows when required is a great method to ensure they remain in good condition.
Over time, your double-glazed windows may suffer from issues such as condensation and misting. Double glazed windows may be difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A stray ball or a stray pebble from your lawnmowers, or even a severe storm can shatter the double panes of your windows and expose your home to the elements. While a cracked window can be difficult to repair however, you don't have to replace it completely. The insulated glass that is between two panes of glass is in good condition So you can repair your double-paned windows yourself.
You'll first need to remove any broken glass from the frame. This is messy work and you'll need to be careful to stop any glass fragments from falling onto the floor or slipping out of the frame. Wear gloves for your hands, and place a rag around the broken glass area to prevent further damage or cuts. After removing the broken piece, carefully clean the entire frame of the window to eliminate any remaining sealant and debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth surface on which to put in your new glass.
After cleaning the frame, you can apply a fresh layer of glass to the seam where the broken pane was removed. This is the best method to seal and protect your window, and will save you money by preventing water and drafts from entering your home. The next step is to choose the right glazing material. Some options include clear tape which is more robust than regular tape and can keep your window from further cracking, and glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. The advantage of this choice is that it can be painted to match your frame, and it will keep snow and rain out as well.
Whatever material you pick regardless of the material you select, it is crucial to press the glazier's points into the place where the putty joins the frame. They will help keep the glass in place and help it adhere to the frame. Hardware stores sell glazier's point ropes that you can roll out onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you are experiencing issues with condensation, it's best to contact your window manufacturer. A lot of windows come with warranties and guarantees to address these issues. Condensation and fogging between panes of glass is a clear sign that the seals between your windows have been damaged and must be repaired by an expert who will replace both panes.
This procedure is a bit complicated and requires the use of special tools to remove the old one and replace the new one, however it is possible to do this by an expert who will supply the required equipment. Using these tools can be risky it is best to leave this kind of job to a professional.
Wear safety glasses and gloves if you decide to do it yourself. You could be exposed to glass fragments flying around. It is also crucial to remove all the putty and metal glazing points from the grooves in which the new window will go. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming it with a damp cloth is also recommended. Once the frame has dried, you'll need to order another piece of glass that's 1/8" shorter in both directions than your existing window. Make sure the glass fits into the grooves.
Depending on your frames You will then have to apply a thin layer of silicone caulk to the grooves to ensure that your new pane is secure in position. Once the silicone caulk has dried you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding can be reinstalled.
If the weather suddenly changes, double-glazed windows may become difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames to expand or shrink and cause them to fall or stick. Try wiping the frames with water and lubricating them in the event that this happens however it is better to seek advice from the company who installed your windows.
Misunderstood
When moisture gets trapped between the glass panes, it can cause misted double glazing. 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 air inside and cold outdoor air outside which allows you to keep your temperature at a comfortable level in your home.
In time, however, this seal can break down and moisture will start to build up between the window panes, which causes them to become cloudy. This happens because the sun's heat causes the space between the panes of windows, causing water to vapourize.
It is a natural phenomenon, but if it occurs between the windows' panes it could be a problem since it will no longer be able control the temperature within the room. Instead the temperature outside the window will influence 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 blown sealed unit, without the need to replace the entire window. This is less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty glass repair involves taking off and cleaning the glass unit before replacing it with a brand new one. This will create a watertight seal again.
There are companies in the industry who claim to drill holes in your windows that are misting and inject chemicals into them that claim to eliminate condensation and fog but we do not recommend this procedure. This method isn't just ugly, but it could also harm the toughened glass leaving you with a window that doesn't function properly.
If you don't address the issue immediately it could cause mould, which can not only damage the window, but also pose health risks to your loved ones. Moisture can also cause problems in your home, like dampness or rot. In certain cases the window might need to be replaced entirely.
Failed or Blown
Double-glazed windows consist of two panes of glass with an air or inert between them. This improves their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and the cold out. Over time the gas will become depressurized, causing various issues.
One of the most common is condensation that forms between the panes. While window repairs is a natural event, it doesn't necessarily mean that your window is failing, it can be an indication that you have to re-seal your windows. Condensation can also be a sign of a broken double glazing, which could require a re-installation.
Double-glazed windows may also cause draughts. This could be due to a failed seal, a broken handle, or a broken lock. A draught is obvious and result in higher heating bills It is therefore essential to get it fixed sooner rather than later. You can test the seals by rubbing around the edges of your window frame to see if you feel any cold air.
There will also be water beads on the interior of windows when your window seals aren't performing as they should. This is an indication that you need to reseal the double glazed windows.
Your window frames have been designed to move a bit and this is essential to keep the glass sheets in place. Over time, this special packaging material may become compacted. This will cause the seal to be broken. This will allow air to circulate between the panes, decreasing the efficiency of your window's energy consumption.
Double glazing that has ruptured an air seal is an indication of a failure and should be repaired as soon as is possible. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary function of keeping the cold out and warm inside. In addition, a blown seal will let your home's moisture in, which could cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. Contact a double glazing expert when you notice a blown window seal. They can replace the entire unit.