Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent investment in energy efficiency. It prevents heat loss during the winter months and helps to keep your home cool in summer. Having your double glazed windows repaired as needed is a great method to ensure they are operating effectively.
Over time condensation and misting may impact your double-glazed windows. Double glazed windows may become difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A rogue ball or a stone flying from your lawnmowers or a strong storm can shatter your double-pane windows, leaving you home vulnerable to the elements. While a cracked window can be difficult to repair, you don't have to replace it completely. The insulated glass between two panes of glass is in good condition, so you can repair your double-paned windows yourself.
To begin, you'll need to remove the broken glass from the frame. This will be messy work, and you'll want to take care to prevent any glass shards from falling on the floor or falling out of the frame. Make sure to wear a pair of gloves to protect your hands, and a cloth to protect the area around the broken glass to prevent further cuts or breakage. After removing the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly to get rid of any sealant or debris. It's important to sand rough areas of your frame to create a smooth surface for the new glazing.
After the frame has been cleaned then you can apply a fresh layer of glazing to the area in which the broken pane was removed. This is the most effective way to ensure your window stays sealed and protected and help you save energy costs by preventing drafts and water from entering the house. The next step is to select your glazing material. There are a variety of options, including clear tape, which is a bit more robust than regular tape and can keep your window secure from further cracking, as well as glazing film that resembles clear plastic wrap. The benefit of this type of material is that it can be painted over to match your existing frame and will keep out snow and rain too.
No matter what material you use it is important to press the glazier's points into that seam where the putty meets your frame. They will help hold the new glass in place and assist it stick to the frame. The glazier's point can be found in hardware stores, and they come in pre-made ropes that you roll over the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you have a problem with condensation, it's best to call the window manufacturer. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees that cover these issues. Condensation and fogging 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's a difficult process that requires special tools to remove and replace the old window. A professional can do this task and provide the tools. It is recommended to leave the task to a professional. These tools could be risky.
If you do decide to do this yourself, ensure you wear gloves and safety glasses to shield yourself from any broken glass pieces that could fly off during the process. It is crucial to take out all putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will be receiving the new window. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming a damp cloth is recommended. Once the frame is dry and clean, you will need to order a piece of replacement glass which is 1/8 inch less in each direction than the existing window and test-fit it into the grooves.
Based on the frames you have, you will then need to apply a thin layer of silicone caulk to the grooves to ensure that the new pane is secured in the right place. After the silicone caulk has dried and cured, you can smooth it out and make any adjustments. The wood molding will then be reinstalled.
If the weather abruptly changes, double-glazed windows could become difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures can cause frames to shrink or expand and cause them to fall or stick. If this is the problem, you can try wiping the frames down with water and lubricating the joints. However, it might be best to contact the company who installed your windows for assistance.
Misted
When moisture gets trapped between the glass panes it can cause misty double glazing. Double glazing consists of two panes, which are separated by a space filled with argon to improve thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm air inside and cold air outside which allows you to keep your temperature at a comfortable level in your home.
In time, however, this seal may break and moisture can begin to build up between the window panes, causing them to become cloudy. This happens because the gap between the panes gets heated by the sun, which causes water vapour to form within it.
This is a normal occurrence however, if it occurs between the window panes it could cause problems as it is no longer able to control the temperature in the room and allow the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. If you notice your double-glazed windows are turning blurred, call the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can replace the individual sealed blown 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 unit, cleaning it, and then replacing it with a new one to make an airtight seal.
There are companies within the industry who claim to cut holes into your windows that are misting and inject chemicals into them that they say removes the condensation and fog, however, we don't recommend this method. This method isn't just unattractive, but could also damage the toughened glass, leaving you with a window that doesn't function properly.
If you don't take care to fix the issue quickly it could result in mould, which could not only cause damage to the window, but also cause health risks for your family members. The moisture in the window may cause other issues within your home such as damp or rot. In certain situations it is possible to replace the entire window.
Blown or failed
Double-glazed windows are made up of two glass panes with an inert or air between them. This helps to improve their thermal efficiency, allowing warm air in and cold air out. As time passes the gas may be depressurized and cause many problems.
Condensation between panes is among the most common. While it is a natural phenomenon, it doesn't mean your window is damaged, it can be an indication that you have to re-seal your windows. Condensation can also be a sign that your double glazing is damaged and, in that case, it will need to be replaced completely.
You should also look out for draughts coming from your double-glazed windows. This could be caused by an issue with the seal or a broken handle or lock. It is important to fix the issue as quickly as possible. A draft will force you to pay more for heating. Check the seals around the window frame by feeling the cold air.
Another sign that the seals on your windows have failed is when you start to notice water beading on the inside of your windows. This is a sign that you need to reseal the double glazed windows.
The window frames you have purchased were designed to move a bit, which is necessary to keep the glass sheets in their place. However, over time this particular packaging material will become compacted and this will crack the crucial seal. This will allow air to circulate between the panes, reducing the efficiency of your window's energy consumption.
A blown seal is a clear indication that your double glazing is damaged and must be fixed as soon as possible. A damaged seal will stop your double glazing from performing its primary job of keeping the cold out and warm in. Furthermore, a blow-off seal can let moisture in, which can result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is recommended to contact a double glazing repair expert as soon as you spot a damaged seal in your double-glazed windows, since they could replace the entire unit.