Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that reduces loss of heat during winter months and helps keep your home cooler during the summer. The ability to have your double-glazed windows repaired when needed is a great method to ensure they are operating correctly.
Over time, your double glazed windows may experience problems like condensation and misting. This can cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open or shut.
Broken Panes
A stray ball or a flying pebble from your lawnmowers or even a severe storm can shatter 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 have it replaced entirely. The insulated glass between two panes of glass is still in good shape, so you can repair your double-paned windows yourself.
First, you'll need to take any broken glass from the frame. This will be messy work and you'll need to be careful to stop glass shards from falling on the floor or sliding out of the frame. Wear gloves for you hands, and a rag around the broken glass area to prevent further damage or cuts. After removing the broken piece, carefully clean the entire frame of the window to remove any remaining sealant or debris. Sand rough areas of the frame to create a smooth and even surface to put in your new glass.
After cleaning the frame and removing the dust, you can apply another layer of glass on the seam where you removed the broken pane. This is the most effective way to ensure that your window is sealed and protected and save you money by preventing drafts and water from entering the house. Next, you will need to choose your glazing material. There are a variety of options, including clear tape that is more robust than regular tape and will keep your window safe from further cracking, and glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. This option has the advantage that it can be painted to match the frame of your window and can also shield your windows from snow and ice.
Whatever the material you pick regardless of the material you choose, it is essential to press glazier's points into the place where the putty joins the frame. These will hold the new glass in place and aid it to adhere to the frame. Hardware stores sell glazier's point ropes, which can be rolled out onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing is susceptible to condensation issues and if you experience this problem it is best to contact the company that installed the window. Many companies provide warranties and guarantees that provide coverage for these issues. Fogging or condensation between the panes of your windows is a sign that your seals are damaged. Only a professional can fix this problem by replacing both panes.
This process is a little difficult and requires the use of specific tools to remove the old pane and install the new one, but it is possible to do this by a professional who will provide the required equipment. Utilizing these tools could be risky, so it is always best to leave this kind task to professionals.
If you choose to do it yourself, be sure to wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from any broken glass pieces that could fly off during the process. It is important to remove any putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will receive the new window. Wire-brushing the frame, vacuuming or wiping with a damp cloth are also recommended. When the frame is clean and dry you'll need to order a piece of replacement glass that is 1/8 inch shorter in each direction than the existing window and test-fit it into the grooves.
Based on the frames you have depending on your frames, you'll need to apply a thin layer of silicone caulk to the grooves to ensure that the new pane is secure in the right place. Once the silicone caulk has dried you can smooth it out and make any adjustments. Then the wood molding can be put back in place.
If the weather abruptly changes, double-glazed windows can become difficult to open or close. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or shrink, causing them to become sagging and stick. You can try wiping the frames with water and then lubricating them in the event that this happens, but it may be better to seek help from the company that installed your windows.
Misted
When moisture gets trapped between the glass panes, it can cause misted double glazing. Double glazing consists of two panes of glass that are separated by an insulating space, typically filled with argon gas to provide increased thermal efficiency. This creates a airtight seal that keeps warm air inside and cold outdoor air out.
The seal may become damaged over time and moisture can build up between the glass panes which can cause them to turn to become cloudy. This happens because the gap between the panes is heated by sun, causing water vapour to develop in it.
This is a natural occurrence, but if it occurs between the panes of the window it can be a problem because it will no longer be able to control the temperature within the room. Instead the temperature outside of the window will affect the temperature indoors. Northfield Glass can help you if your double-glazed windows start to fog.
We can replace the blown sealed unit without needing to replace the whole window and is less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty window repair involves removing the glass unit, cleaning it, and replacing it with a new one to make an airtight seal.
There are companies in the field which claim to cut holes into your windows that are misting and inject chemicals into them, which they say removes the fog & condensation however, we do not recommend this procedure. This is not only unattractive, but it could cause damage to the toughened glass and leave you with a window that does not fully perform the function it was intended to.
If you don't address the issue quickly it could cause mould, which can not only damage the window, but cause health risks for your family members. Moisture can also cause other issues in your home, such as dampness or rot. In some instances windows, they may have to be replaced completely.
Failed or blown
Modern double-glazed windows feature two glass click here panes, with an inert gas or air between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. As time passes the gas may be depressurized and cause various problems.
Condensation between the panes is one of the most frequent. It is not a sign of a failure in the window however it could be a sign that you should reseal them. Condensation may also be a sign that your double glazing has broken in which case it will need to be replaced completely.
Double-glazed windows can also create draughts. It could be due to an issue with 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 spend more on heating. You can test the seals by rubbing around the edges of your window frame to determine if you feel any cold air.
Another indication that your window seals have failed is when you start to notice water beads on the inside of your windows. This is an indication that you have to replace the seals on your double-glazed windows.
Your window frames are made to move a bit in order to do in order to keep the glass sheets in place. However, with time, this particular packaging material will be compressed and break the all-important seal. This will allow air to circulate between the panes and reduce the energy efficiency of your window.
A seal that is blown is a clear sign that your double glazing has failed and should be repaired immediately. A blown seal will stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary purpose, which is to keep cold air out and warm air in. A blown seal can also let moisture into your home, which could cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is recommended to contact a double glazing repair expert when you notice a blown seal in your double-glazed windows, since they could replace the whole unit.