Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent investment in energy efficiency. It helps prevent loss of heat in the winter months and helps keep your home cool in the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows whenever needed is a great way to keep them in good condition.
Over time your double glazed windows can suffer from issues such as condensation and misting. This could cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open or shut.
Broken Panes
A rogue ball or a flying stone from your lawnmowers or an intense storm could shatter your double-pane windows, leaving you home vulnerable to the elements. Although a window that is cracked can be difficult to repair however, you don’t have to replace it completely. In fact the insulated glass between the two panes is still in good shape and you can fix your double-pane windows with a bit of DIY effort.
To begin, you’ll need to remove the broken glass from the frame. This will be messy work, and you’ll want to be careful to stop any glass fragments from falling onto the floor or falling out of the frame. Wear gloves for you hands, and a rag to cover the broken glass area to prevent further damage or cuts. After removing the broken pane take care to clean the entire frame of the window to eliminate any remaining sealant or debris. Sand rough areas of the frame to create a smooth and even 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 most effective method to seal and protect your window, and will save you money by preventing water and drafts from entering your home. The next step is to select your glazing material. There are a variety of options, including clear tape which is more robust than regular tape and will help keep your window secure from further cracking, and glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. This type of wrap has the advantage that it can be painted to match your frame, and can also shield your windows from rain and ice.
Whatever the material you choose, it is important to press glazier’s points 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 carry glazier’s point ropes, which can be rolled out onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing can be susceptible to condensation issues and if you encounter this issue, it is best to contact the company that supplied the window. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees that will cover the issues. Fogging and condensation 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 fix both panes.
It’s a difficult procedure that requires special tools to remove and replace the window. A professional can complete this task and provide the tools. Utilizing these tools could be risky it is best to leave this kind of work to an expert.
Wear safety gloves and glasses if you opt to do it yourself. You could be exposed to flying glass fragments. It is also essential to carefully remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves where the new window will be. Wire-brushing the frame, vacuuming or wiping with a damp cloth are also recommended. When the frame is clean and dry then you’ll need get a replacement glass that is 1/8 inch smaller in each direction than your window that you have and then fit it into the grooves.
You will need to apply a layer silicone caulk into the grooves of frames to ensure the glass you are installing is properly installed. Once the silicone caulk has dried, you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding can then be put back in place.
If the weather suddenly changes, double-glazed windows may become difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures may cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, causing them to slide and become stuck. If this is the case, you can try wiping down the frames with water and then lubricating the joints. However, it might be best to contact the company who installed your windows for window repair help.
Misunderstood
Misted Double Glazing is a window problem that is caused by moisture getting trapped between the glass panes of your double-glazed windows. Double glazing consists of two panes, which are separated by a gap filled with argon to improve thermal efficiency. This creates a airtight seal that keeps warm air inside, and cold air outside.
As time passes, the seal will begin to break down and moisture will start to accumulate between the window panes, causing them to become misty. This happens because the gap between the panes is heated by sun, causing water vapour to form in it.
This is a natural occurrence however, if it happens between the panes of the window repair near me it could be a problem because it won’t be able to control the temperature within the room. Instead the temperature outside of the window will influence the temperature inside. Northfield Glass can help you when your double-glazed windows begin to fog.
We can replace a single blown sealed unit without the need to replace the entire window. This is more streamlined than a total replacement. Our misty window repair involves removing the glass, cleaning it, and then replacing it with a new one to create an watertight seal.
There are companies in the industry which claim to cut holes into your windows that are misting and inject chemicals into them which claim to eliminate fog & condensation but we do not recommend this method. This is not only unattractive, but could also damage the toughened glass leaving you with a window which doesn’t function properly.
It is important to fix the problem as soon as you can, as if untreated, it can cause mould growth which can not only damage the window but also poses health risks for your family. Moisture can also cause issues in your home, including dampness or rot. In some instances the window might need to be completely replaced.
Failed or blown
Modern double-glazed windows feature two glass panes, with an inert gas or air in between them. This improves their thermal efficiency, allowing warm air in and cold air out. Over time, the gas can become depressurized, causing a variety of problems.
One of the most frequently encountered is condensation that forms between the panes. It is not a sign of a failure in the window, but it could be a sign that you should reseal them. Condensation could also be a sign that your double glazing has failed in which case it should be replaced completely.
Double-glazed windows can also cause drafts. It could be due to the seal being damaged or a damaged handle lock. It is essential to fix this problem as soon as possible. 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 determine if you feel any cold air.
You may also see water beads on the outside of windows if the window seals are failing. This is a sign that you need to replace the seals on your double-glazed windows.
The window frames you have purchased were designed to move a bit, which is necessary to keep the glass sheets in place. As time passes, this particular packaging material may become compressed. This will cause the seal to be broken. This will allow the air to move between the panes, which will reduce the energy efficiency of your window.
Double glazing that has broken seals is an indication of a failure and should be fixed as soon as is possible. A blown seal will 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. Contact a double glazing expert when you notice a blowing window seal. They can fix the entire unit.