Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an energy efficient investment that prevents loss of heat during winter and helps to keep your home cooler in the summer. The ability to have your double-glazed windows repaired when needed is an excellent way to keep them working correctly.
Over time condensation and misting could impact your double-glazed windows. Double glazed windows can be difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A rogue ball, a flying stone from your lawnmowers, or an intense storm could shatter the double pane windows of your home and leave your home vulnerable to the elements. Although a window that is cracked can be difficult to repair but you don't need to replace it entirely. The insulated glass between two panes of glass is in good condition and you can fix your double-paned window yourself.
You'll first need to remove any broken glass from the frame. This can be a messy job, and you'll want to be careful to stop glass shards from falling onto the floor or falling out of the frame. Wear gloves for your hands, and place a rag to cover the broken glass area to prevent further damage or cuts. After removing the broken piece, carefully clean the entire frame of the window to get rid of any sealant residue and debris. It is essential to sand rough areas of the frame to create an even surface for your new glazing.
After the frame has been cleaned then you can apply a fresh layer of glass to the seam where the damaged pane was removed. This is the best way to keep your window sealed and protected and will aid in reducing energy costs by stopping drafts and water from getting into your home. The next step is to choose the right glazing material. Some options include clear tape, which is a bit more durable than regular tape and can 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 keep out rain and ice.
No matter what material you decide to use, it's important to press the glaziers points into that gap where the putty meets your frame. These will hold the glass in place and aid in adhering to the frame. The glazier's point can be found in hardware stores, and they are available in pre-made ropes that you simply roll out onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you have a problem with condensation, it is best to contact your window manufacturer. A lot of windows come with warranties and guarantees to address the issues. Condensation and fogging between panes of glass is a clear sign that the seals between your windows are damaged and must be repaired by an expert who will replace both panes.
This process is a little tricky and requires specific tools to remove the old pane and install the new one, however it can be accomplished by an expert who will provide the required equipment. It is recommended to leave the work to a professional. These tools could be dangerous.
If you choose to undertake this yourself, ensure you wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from broken glass pieces that may fly off during the process. It is also important to carefully remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves that the new window will go. You should also brush the frame with wire, and then vacuum or wipe it clean with a damp cloth. Once the frame has dried it is time to order a replacement piece of glass that is 1/8" shorter in both directions than your existing window. Make sure the glass fits into the grooves.
You'll require a layer of silicone caulk in the grooves of frames to ensure your new glass is properly installed. After the silicone caulk is dried and cured, you can smooth it out and make any adjustments. The wood molding will then be reinstalled.
Double-glazed windows can become difficult to open or close if the weather changes dramatically. Extreme temperatures can cause frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, which causes them to slide and become stuck. If this is the issue you could try wiping the frames with water and lubricating the joints. However, it might be a good idea to call the company that installed your windows to help.
Misunderstood
When moisture gets trapped in between the glass panes it can cause misted double glazing. Double glazing consists of two panes that are separated by a space filled with argon for better thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm room air inside and cold outdoor air outside which allows you to keep your temperature at a comfortable level in your home.
In time, however, this seal can break down and moisture can begin to accumulate between the window panes, which causes them to become cloudy. This happens because the sun heats the gap between window panes, which causes the water to evaporate.
This is a normal process, but when it occurs between the window panes, it can be a problem since it is no longer able to regulate the temperature of the room and will allow the outside temperature to influence the indoor temperature. Northfield Glass can help you in the event that your double-glazed windows begin to mist.
We can repair the individual sealed blown unit without having 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 seal that is watertight again.
Some companies in the industry claim to inject chemicals through holes into misted windows to remove the condensation and fog. We don't recommend using this method. window repair is not only unsightly, but it could also damage the toughened glass and can leave you with windows that do not completely perform its function.
It is essential to address the problem as soon as you can, as if untreated, it could result in the growth of mould, which not only damages the window, but can also pose health risks to your family members. Moisture in the window can also lead to other problems within your home, such as damp or rot. In some cases the window might need to be completely replaced.
Blown or Failed
Modern double glazed windows have two glass panes, with an inert gas or air between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. Over time the gas will become depressurised and cause many issues.
Condensation in between the panes is among the most frequent. It's not a sign of a window failure however it could be a sign that you should replace the windows. Condensation could also be a sign of a broken double glazing that will need to be replaced.
Double-glazed windows can also create drafts. This could be caused by an issue with the seal or a damaged handle lock. A draught can be quite obvious and result in more expensive heating bills It is therefore essential to fix it sooner rather than later. You can test the seals by rubbing around the edges of your window frame to see whether you feel cold air.
You will also notice water beads on the outside of windows when your window seals are failing. This is a clear indication that you need to seal your double-glazed windows.
Your window frames are made to move a little bit as they have to do to keep the glass sheets in the right place. However, over time, this particular packaging material will be compressed and crack the crucial seal. This will allow air to flow between the panes and reduce the efficiency of your window.
A seal that is blown is an obvious sign that your double glazing is damaged and must be fixed as soon as possible. A blown seal will prevent your double glazing from performing its primary function of keeping the cold out and warm in. A blown seal can also let moisture into your home, which could lead to mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is recommended to contact a double glazing repair expert immediately if you spot a damaged seal in your double-glazed windows, as they can replace the entire unit.