Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is a fantastic investment in energy efficiency. It prevents loss of heat during winter months and helps to keep your home cool in the summer. Having your double glazed windows fixed when they need to is an excellent way to keep them working correctly.
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 shut.
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 and leave your home vulnerable to the elements. While a damaged glass window is difficult to repair but it doesn't have to be replaced. In fact the insulated glass between the two panes remains in good shape and you can repair your double-pane windows 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 avoid any glass shards falling to the floor or slipping out of the frame. Make sure you wear work gloves to protect your hands, and a rag to cover the area around the broken glass to prevent further breakage or cuts. After removing the broken glass and cleaning the entire frame of the window to remove any sealant residue and debris. It's important to sand rough areas of the frame to ensure a smooth surface for the new glazing.
After cleaning the frame after cleaning, you can apply a second layer of glass to the seam where you removed the broken pane. This is the most effective method to seal and protect your window. It can also save you energy costs by preventing drafts and water from entering the home. The next step is to select your glazing material. There are several options available, including clear tape that is more robust than regular tape and will help keep your window from further cracking, as well as 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.
Whatever material you choose, it's important to press the glazier's points into that gap where the putty meets your frame. These will hold the new glass in place and assist it adhere to the frame. The glazier's point can be found in hardware stores, and 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 problem it is recommended to contact the company that supplied the window. Many have warranties and guarantees to address these issues. Condensation and fogging between panes of glass is an obvious sign that the seals between your windows have been damaged and can only be repaired by an expert who will fix both panes.
This procedure is a bit tricky and requires special tools to take off the old one and replace the new one, however it can be accomplished by an expert who will provide the necessary equipment. Making use of these tools can be dangerous, however it is best to leave this type of work to an expert.
Wear safety glasses and gloves if you decide to do it yourself. You may be exposed to glass fragments flying around. It is essential to remove any putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will receive the new window. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming a damp cloth is also recommended. Once the frame is clean and dry, you will need to get a replacement glass which is 1/8 inch less in each direction than the window that you have and then fit it in the grooves.
Depending on your frames, you will then need to apply a layer of silicone caulk to the grooves in order to ensure that the new pane is secured in the right place. After the silicone caulk has dried and cured, you can smooth it out and make any adjustments. The wood molding will then be put back in place.
If the weather abruptly changes, double-glazed windows may become difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures may cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, which causes them to become sagging and stick. Try wiping the frames with water and lubricating them if this is the case however it is better to seek help from the company who installed your windows.
Misunderstood
Misted Double Glazing is a window issue that develops when moisture gets trapped between the glass panes of double glazed windows. Double glazing is comprised of two glass panes that are separated by an insulating space, typically filled with argon gas to provide improved thermal efficiency. This creates a airtight seal that keeps warm indoor air in, and cold air outside.
This seal can be damaged over time, and moisture can build up between the glass panes which can cause them to turn misty. This happens because the space between the panes gets heated by the sun, causing water vapour to form in it.
This is a natural process however, if it happens between the windows' panes it can be a problem since it will no longer be able control the temperature within the room. Instead the temperature outside the window will affect the temperature inside. If you notice that your double-glazed windows are turning blurred, call the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can replace the individual blown sealed unit without needing to replace the entire window, which is a lot less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty window repair involves removing the glass unit, washing it, and replacing it with a fresh one to create a watertight seal again.
There are companies in the industry which claim to cut holes into your windows with mist and inject chemicals into them which they say removes the fog & condensation but we do not recommend this procedure. This method isn't just ugly, but it could also harm your toughened glass and leave you with a window which does not function properly.
It is important to fix the issue as quickly as you can, because if left untreated, it can cause mould growth that not only damages the window, but also poses health risks for your family members. Moisture in the window can also lead to other problems with your property like damp or rot. In some cases windows, they may have to be completely replaced.
Blown or failed
Double-glazed windows consist of two panes of glass with an inert or air between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. As time passes the gas will be depressurized and cause various problems.
One of the most frequent is condensation between the panes. Although it's a normal occurrence and doesn't mean that your window is failing but it could be an indication that you need to seal your windows. Condensation could be a sign your double glazing has broken in which case it's time to get it replaced completely.
It is also important to look for draughts coming from the double-glazed windows. This could be caused by the seal being damaged or a damaged handle lock. window repairs is evident and can result in higher heating costs, so it is important that you get this fixed sooner rather than later. You can test the seals by rubbing around the edges of the window frame to see if you feel any cold air.
There will also be water beads on the inside of windows if the window seals aren't performing as they should. This is an indication that you have to reseal the double glazed windows.
The frames of your windows are designed to move a little bit as they have to do to keep the glass sheets in place. However, over time this particular packaging material will get compacted, and this could crack the crucial seal. This will allow air to circulate between the panes and reduce the energy efficiency of your window.
Double glazing that has broken seals is an indication of failure and should be fixed as soon as possible. A blown seal will prevent your double glazing from performing its primary job of keeping cold out and warm inside. A blown seal can also let moisture in your home, which can result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. Contact a double-glazing specialist as soon you notice a blowing window seal. They can fix the entire unit.