Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is a great investment in energy efficiency. It helps prevent loss of heat in the winter months and helps keep your home cool during summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows whenever required is a great method to ensure they are in good working order.
Over time, your double glazed windows can suffer from issues like condensation and misting. Double glazed windows can become difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A rogue baseball or a stray pebble from your lawnmowers or even a severe storm can break the double panes of your windows, leaving your home exposed to the elements. Although a cracked glass window isn't easy to fix, it doesn't need to be replaced. In fact the insulated glass that is between the two panes is still in good shape and you can repair your double-pane windows with some DIY effort.
To begin, you'll need to remove the broken glass from the frame. Be careful to avoid any glass shards falling onto the floor or sliding from the frame. Use a pair of gloves to shield your hands from injury and a cloth to cover the area around the broken glass to prevent further breakage or cuts. After taking out the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly to get rid of any sealant or debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth surface on which to install your new window.
Once the frame is cleaned, you can apply a new layer of glazing to the place where the broken pane was removed. This is the best way to protect and seal your window. It can also reduce your energy bills 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 a bit more robust than regular tape and will keep your window safe from further cracking, and glazing film that resembles clear plastic wrap. The advantage of this choice is that it can be painted to match your existing frame, and it will keep out rain and snow as well.
Whatever material you choose regardless of the material you select, it is crucial to press the glazier's points into the seam where the putty meets the frame. These will hold the newly-formed glass in place and help it to adhere to the frame. Glazier's points can be found in hardware stores, and they come in pre-made ropes that you simply roll over the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing can be prone to condensation issues. If you experience this problem it is best to call the company that provided the window. Many have warranties and guarantees to address these issues. Fogging or condensation between the windows' panes is a sign that the seals are broken. Only an expert can fix this issue 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 can be done by an expert who will supply the required equipment. Making use of these tools can be dangerous, so it is always best to leave this type of job to a professional.
If you do decide to do this yourself, make sure you wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from any broken glass pieces that might fly away during the process. It is also essential to carefully remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves in which the new window will go. It is also recommended to brush the frame with wire and vacuum or wipe it with a damp cloth. Once the frame has dried it is time to order another piece of glass that is 1/8" shorter in both directions than the existing window. Check the glass's fit into the grooves.
You'll have to apply a layer of silicone caulk into the grooves of your frames to ensure that your new glass is secure in its installation. After the silicone caulk has dried you can smooth it out and make any adjustments. The wood molding can be put back in place.
Double-glazed windows can be difficult to open or close if the weather changes dramatically. Extreme temperatures can cause frames of double-glazed windows to expand or shrink, causing them to sag and stick. Try wiping the frames with water and then lubricating them if this is the case however, it's better to seek help from the company who installed your windows.
Misunderstood
When moisture gets trapped in 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 sealing that keeps warm indoor air inside and cold outdoor air out.
As time passes, the seal can break down and moisture will begin to accumulate between the window panes, causing them to become cloudy. This occurs because the sun's heat causes the gap between the window panes, which causes the water to evaporate.
This is a normal process, 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 if your double-glazed windows start to fog.
We can repair the individual blow-sealed unit without having to replace the whole window which is less disruptive than a total replacement. Our misty window repair involves taking off the glass unit, washing it, and replacing it with a fresh one to create an watertight seal.
There are companies in the field which claim to drill holes in your windows that are misting and inject chemicals into them which claim to eliminate fog & condensation however, we do not recommend this procedure. This is not only ugly, but it can also harm the toughened glass and can leave you with windows that don't completely function.
If you don't fix the issue immediately it could result in mould, which could not only damage the window, but could also pose health risks to your family members. The moisture in the window may also lead to other problems within your home, such as damp or rot. In some instances the window might need to be replaced completely.
Blown or Failed
Modern double-glazed windows feature two glass panes that have an inert gas or air between them. This double glazing repair near me increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. Over time the gas may become depressurised and cause a variety of problems.
One of the most common is condensation occurring between the panes. Although it's a normal event, it doesn't necessarily mean that your window is failing but it could be a sign that you need to seal your windows. Condensation can also be an indication of a damaged double glazing, which will require re-installation.
Also, look out for drafts coming through the double-glazed windows. This could be because of the seal being damaged or handle that is broken, or a damaged lock. It is important to fix the issue as quickly as you can. A draught will cause you to spend more on heating. You can test the seals by feeling around the edges of your window frame to see if you feel any cold air.
You will also notice water beads on the interior of windows if the window seals aren't working. This is an indication that you have to reseal the double glazed windows.
Your window frames are made to move a bit as they have to do in order to keep the glass sheets in place. However, over time, this particular packaging material will become compacted and this will crack the crucial seal. This allows air to flow between the panes and reduce the efficiency of your window.
Double glazing that has ruptured a seal is an indication of failure and needs to be repaired as soon as is possible. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary purpose that is to keep cold air out and warm air in. A damaged seal could let moisture in your home, which can cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. You should call a double glazing repair expert as soon as you discover a blowing seal in your double-glazed windows, as they are able to replace the entire unit.