Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is a fantastic investment in energy efficiency. It stops loss of heat during winter months and helps keep your home cool in the summer. Having your double glazed windows repaired when needed is an excellent way to keep them working correctly.
Over time, your double-glazed windows may experience problems like condensation and misting. This can cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A unruly ball, a flying stone from your lawnmowers or a storm that is strong enough can break your double-pane windows which can expose your home to the elements. While a damaged window may be difficult to fix however, you don't have to replace it entirely. The insulated glass between two glass panes is in good condition, so you can repair your double-paned windows yourself.
To begin, you'll need remove the broken glass from the frame. This can be an unpleasant task, and you'll want to be careful to stop any glass shards from falling on the floor or sliding out of the frame. Wear gloves for you hands, and a rag to cover the broken glass area to prevent further cuts or damage. After you have removed the broken glass clean the frame of the window thoroughly to get rid of any sealant or other debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth surface to install your new glazing.
After cleaning the frame, you can apply another layer of glass to the seam where you removed the broken pane. This is the best method to ensure your window stays sealed and protected and will help you save energy costs by stopping drafts and water from getting into your home. The next step is to choose the right glazing material. There are several options available, including clear tape, which is a bit more durable than regular tape and can keep your window safe from further cracking, and glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. The benefit of this option is that it can be painted over to match the frame you have and will keep out rain and snow as well.
Whatever material you choose regardless of the material you choose, it is essential to press glazier's points into the seam where the putty meets the frame. These will hold the glass in place and help it 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
If you are experiencing issues with condensation, it's best to contact the window manufacturer. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees to will cover these problems. Fogging or condensation between the windows' panes is a sign that the seals are broken. Only a professional can resolve this issue by replacing both panes.
This procedure is a bit complicated and requires the use of special tools to remove the old pane and then install the new one, but it is possible to do this by a professional who will provide the necessary equipment. It is best to delegate the work to an expert. These tools could be risky.
Wear safety gloves and glasses if you decide to do it yourself. You could be exposed to flying glass fragments. It is also essential to remove all the putty and metal glazing points from the grooves where the new window will be. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming it with a damp cloth is also recommended. After the frame has dried, you'll need to order a replacement piece of glass that's 1/8" shorter in both directions than the existing window. Check window repairs into the grooves.
You will have to apply a layer of silicone caulk in the grooves of your frames to ensure that your new glass is securely installed. Once the silicone caulk has dried, you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. Then the wood molding can be put back in place.
Double glazed windows can be difficult to open or close when the weather is extremely changing. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames to expand or shrink and cause them to slide or become stuck. If this is the case you could try wiping the frames down with water and lubricating the joints. However, it may be best to contact the company who installed your windows for help.
Misunderstood
When moisture gets trapped between the glass panes it can cause misty double glazing. Double glazing is made up of two panes which are separated by a gap filled with argon for greater thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm room air inside and cold outdoor air outside, allowing you to keep your temperature comfortable in your home.
Over time however, this seal can break down and moisture can begin to build up between the windows, causing them to become misty. This happens because the sun's heat causes the gap between window panes, causing water to vapourize.
This is a normal occurrence but if it happens between the window panes, it could cause problems as it is no longer able to control the temperature in the room and will allow the outside temperature to influence the indoor temperature. If you notice that your double glazed windows are becoming 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 less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty glass repair involves taking off and cleaning the unit of glass, then replacing it with a brand new one. This will result in a watertight seal and will be watertight.
There are some companies in the industry who claim to drill holes in your windows with mist and inject chemicals into them that claim to eliminate fog & condensation, however, we do not recommend this method. This method is not only ugly, but it can also damage the toughened glass and result in windows that don't fully function.
If you don't address the issue immediately it could result in mould, which could not only cause damage to the window, but risk health issues for your family members. Moisture can also cause issues in your home, like dampness or rot. In some instances windows, they may have to be completely replaced.
Failed or blown
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 the cold out. Over time, this gas can become depressurised, leading to a number of issues.
One of the most frequent is condensation that forms between the panes. While it is a natural event, it doesn't necessarily mean that your window has failed, it can be a sign that you need to seal your windows. Condensation can also be a sign of a broken double glazing, which will require a re-installation.
Double-glazed windows may also cause draughts. This could be due to a failure of the seal or a damaged handle or lock. It is important to fix this issue as soon as you can. A draught will cause you to spend more on heating. You can test the seals by rubbing around the edges of your window frame to determine whether you feel cold air.
There will also be water beads on the interior of windows when your window seals aren't working. This is a clear indication that you should seal your double-glazed windows.
Your window frames have been designed to move slightly, which is necessary to keep the glass sheets in place. As time passes, this particular packaging material could become compacted. This could cause the seal to become broken. This allows air to circulate between the panes and reduce the efficiency of your window.
A seal that is blown is a clear sign that your double glazing has failed and needs to be fixed immediately. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from performing its primary function which is to keep cold air out and warm air in. A blown seal could let moisture in your home, which can cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is recommended to contact a double glazing repair expert immediately if you spot a damaged seal on your double-glazed windows, as they are able to replace the entire unit.