Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that stops loss of heat during winter months and helps keep your home cooler in the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows when required is a great method to ensure they remain 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 stray ball or a flying pebble from your lawnmowers or even a severe storm could break the double panes of your windows and expose your home to the elements. While a cracked window can be difficult to fix however, you don't have to have it replaced entirely. In fact, the insulated glass between the two panes is in good condition, and you can fix your double-pane windows with some DIY effort.
To begin, you'll need to remove the broken glass from the frame. You'll need to be careful to keep glass shards from falling onto the floor or sliding from the frame. Wear gloves for your hands and use a rag around the broken glass to avoid further damage or cuts. After removing the broken piece, carefully clean the entire frame of the window to get rid of any remaining sealant or debris. Sand rough areas of the frame to create a smooth surface to install your new glazing.
After the frame has been cleaned then you can apply a new layer of glass to the area in which the broken pane was removed. This is the most effective method to seal and protect your window. It will also save you energy costs by preventing water and drafts from entering your home. The next step is to select the material for your glazing. There are a variety of options, including clear tape, which is a bit more robust than regular tape and will keep your window secure from further cracking, as well as glazing film that resembles clear plastic wrap. This option has the advantage that it can be painted to match your frame and will also keep out rain and ice.
Whatever material you use it is important to press the glazier's points into the gap where the putty meets your frame. They will help keep the glass in place and will help it stick to the frame. Hardware stores carry glazier's point ropes, which can be rolled out on the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing can be prone to condensation issues and if you encounter this issue, it is best to contact the company that supplied the window. A lot of windows come with warranties and guarantees to cover these problems. Fogging and condensation between panes of glass is a clear indication that the seals between your windows are damaged and must be repaired by a professional who will repair both panes.
It is a tricky procedure that requires specialized tools to remove and replace the old window. A professional can handle this task and supply the tools. Using these tools can be dangerous, however it is best to leave this type task to an expert.
Wear safety glasses and gloves if you choose to do it yourself. You may be exposed to glass fragments flying around. It is crucial to take out all putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will hold the new window. You will also want to wire-brush the frame and vacuum or wipe with a damp cloth. When the frame is clean and dry, you will need to get a replacement glass that is 1/8 inch shorter in each direction than your window that you have and then fit it in the grooves.
You'll have to apply a layer of silicone caulk in the grooves of frames to ensure your new glass is properly installed. After the silicone caulk has dried, you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding will then be reinstalled.
If the weather abruptly changes, double-glazed windows may become difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures can cause frames website to expand or shrink and, as a result, they can slide or become stuck. Try wiping the frames with water and then lubricating them in the event that this happens however it is better to seek help from the company that installed your windows.
Misted
Misted Double Glazing is a problem with windows that develops when moisture gets trapped between the glass panes of double glazed windows. Double glazing is comprised of two panes that are separated by a space that is filled with argon for greater thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm room air inside and cold air outside and allows you to keep the temperature in your home comfortable.
This seal can fail over time, and water can accumulate between the glass panes and cause them to become misty. This happens because the sun heats the gap between window panes, causing water to vapourize.
It is a natural phenomenon however, if it happens between the windows' panes it can be a problem because it won't be able to regulate the temperature inside the room. Instead, the temperature outside the window will influence the temperature indoors. Northfield Glass can help you if your double-glazed windows start to mist.
We can replace the sealed blown unit without having to replace the entire window, which is a lot less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty window repair involves removing the glass, cleaning it, then replacing it with a fresh one to make an airtight seal.
Some companies in the industry claim that they can inject chemicals through holes into windows with mist to remove the fog and condensation. We don't recommend using this method. This method isn't just unattractive, but could also damage your toughened glass, leaving you with a window which doesn't function properly.
It is essential to address the issue as quickly as you can, because if left untreated, it can lead to mould growth that not only damages the window but also poses health risks for your family. Moisture in the window can cause other problems within your home like damp or rot. In certain situations, it may be necessary to replace the entire window.
Blown or Failed
Double-glazed windows consist of two glass panes with an air or inert between them. This improves their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. As time passes the gas may be depressurized and cause many issues.
One of the most frequent is condensation that forms between the panes. It's not a sign of a window failure, but it could indicate that you should reseal the panes. Condensation may be an indication that your double glazing has broken, in which case it should be replaced completely.
You should also look out for drafts coming through your double-glazed windows. It could be due to the seal being damaged or a broken handle or lock. A draught can be evident and can result in higher heating bills Therefore, it is essential 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 whether you feel cold air.
There will also be water beads on the interior of windows if your window seals are failing. This is an indication that you need to reseal the double glazed windows.
The window frames you have purchased were designed to move slightly, which is necessary to keep the glass sheets in place. However, with time, this special packaging material may get compacted, and this could crack the crucial seal. This allows air to flow between the panes, and decrease the energy efficiency of your window.
A seal that is blown is an obvious sign that your double glazing is damaged and needs to be fixed immediately. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from performing its primary purpose, which is to keep cold air out and warm air in. A damaged seal could let moisture in your home, which could cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is important to contact a double glazing repair specialist when you spot a damaged seal on your double-glazed windows, since they could replace the entire unit.