Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that reduces loss of heat during winter and helps to keep your home cooler in the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows when necessary is a great way to ensure they remain in good working order.
Over time your double glazed windows may experience issues such as condensation and misting. This can cause your double-glazed windows to be difficult to open or shut.
Broken Panes
A rogue baseball or a stray pebble from your lawnmower, or even a heavy 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 but you don't need to replace it completely. The insulated glass between two panes of glass is in good condition and you can fix your double-paned windows yourself.
To begin, you'll need to remove the broken glass from the frame. This will be an unpleasant task and you'll need to be careful to stop glass shards from falling on the floor or sliding out of the frame. Use a pair of gloves to protect your hands, and a cloth to protect the area around the broken glass to avoid further damage or breaks. After removing the broken glass and cleaning the entire frame of the window to eliminate any sealant residue and debris. Sand rough areas of the frame to create a smooth surface to put in your new glass.
After cleaning the frame, you can apply a new layer of glazing to the area where the broken pane was removed. This is the best way 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 your glazing material. Some options include clear tape which is more durable than regular tape and will help keep your window from further cracking, as well as glazing film that resembles clear plastic wrap. This type of wrap has the advantage that it can be painted to match your frame and will also block out rain and ice.
Whatever material you select regardless of the material you choose, it is essential to press glazier's facets into the place where the putty joins the frame. They will help hold the glass in place, and will help it stick to the frame. Hardware stores sell glazier's point ropes that you can use onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you are experiencing issues with condensation, it is best to call your window manufacturer. Many have warranties and guarantees to cover the issues. Fogging or condensation on the panes of your windows is a sign that your seals aren't working properly. Only an expert can fix this issue by replacing both panes.
It's a complicated process that requires special tools to remove and replace the window. A professional can do this task and provide the tools. Making use of these tools can be risky, so it is always best to leave this kind task to a professional.
If you do decide to undertake this yourself, make sure you wear gloves and safety glasses to shield yourself from any broken pieces of glass that could fly off during the process. It is important to remove all metal or putty points from the grooves that will hold the new window. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming a damp cloth are also recommended. Once the frame has dried, you'll need to order a replacement 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 the glass you are installing is securely installed. After the silicone caulk has dried and cured, you can smooth it out and make any adjustments. The wood molding can then be put back in place.
Double-glazed windows can be difficult to open and close when the weather is extremely changing. Extreme temperatures can cause frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, which causes them to sag and stick. If this is the case try wiping the frames with water and then lubricating the joints. However, it might be a good idea to call the company that installed your windows for help.
Misted
Misted Double Glazing is a window issue that occurs when moisture gets trapped between the glass panes of your double-glazed windows. Double glazing is comprised of two panes of glass which are separated by an insulating area, typically filled with argon gas to provide increased thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm room air inside and cold air outside, allowing you to keep the temperature comfortable in your home.
In time, however, this seal will begin to break down and moisture will start to build up between the windows, causing them to become cloudy. This occurs because the sun's heat causes the gap between the panes of windows, causing water to vapourize.
This is a normal occurrence however, if it occurs between the window panes, it could cause problems as it can no longer regulate the temperature of the room, and allows the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. Northfield Glass can help you when your double-glazed windows begin to mist.
We can repair the individual blow-sealed unit without having to replace the whole window, which is a lot less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty window repair involves removing the glass, cleaning it, then replacing it with a fresh one to create an airtight seal.
There are some companies in the field which claim to drill holes in your existing misted windows and inject chemicals into them which they say removes the condensation and fog, however, we do not recommend this method. This method is not only ugly, but it can also harm the toughened glass and can result in windows that do not fully perform the function it was intended to.
It is essential to address check here the issue as quickly as you can, because if left untreated it can result in the growth of mould which can not only damage the window, but also poses health risks to your family members. Moisture can also cause issues within your home, including dampness or rot. In some instances it is possible to replace the entire window.
Blown or failed
Modern double-glazed windows come with two glass panes, with an inert gas or air in between them. This helps to improve their thermal efficiency, keeping the cold out and heat in. Over time, this gas can become depressurised, leading to a number of issues.
One of the most frequently encountered is condensation between the panes. It's not an indication of a window failing, but it could be a sign that you need to reseal them. Condensation can be an indication that your double glazing has failed and, in that case, it will need to be replaced completely.
It is also important to look for draughts that are coming from your double glazed windows. This could be caused by a failure of the seal or a broken handle or lock. It is important to fix this issue as soon as you can. A draft can cause you to pay more for heating. Check the seals around the window frame by feeling for cold air.
You may also see water beads on the outside of windows if your window seals aren't performing as they should. This is a sign that you need to seal your double-glazed windows.
Your window frames have been designed to move a bit in order to keep the glass sheets in their place. Over time, this special packaging material could become compacted. This can cause the seal to become broken. This allows air to circulate between the panes and reduce the energy efficiency of your window.
Double glazing that has broken an air seal is an indication of a failure and should be fixed as soon as possible. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from performing its primary purpose of keeping the cold out and warm in. In addition, a blown seal can let moisture in, which could cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. Call a double glazing specialist as soon you notice a blown window seal. They can replace the entire unit.