Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent investment in energy efficiency. It prevents loss of heat during winter months and helps keep your home cool during summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows when required is a great method to ensure they are in good working order.
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 rogue baseball, a flying pebble from your lawnmowers, or even a severe storm could break the double panes of your windows and expose your home to the elements. Although a window that is cracked can be difficult to repair, you don't have to replace it entirely. The insulated glass between two glass panes is in good condition, so you can repair your double-paned window yourself.
To start, you'll need to take the broken glass out of the frame. This is messy work and you'll need to take care to prevent any glass shards from falling onto the floor or sliding out of the frame. Use work gloves to protect your hands, and place an abrasive cloth around the damaged glass area to prevent any further injury or cuts. After taking out the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly to remove any sealant or other debris. It's important to smooth rough areas of the frame to create a smooth surface for the new glazing.
Once the frame is cleaned then you can apply a fresh layer of glass to the seam where the damaged pane was removed. This is the best method to seal and protect your window. It can also reduce your energy bills by preventing drafts and water from entering your home. Next, you will need to choose the right glazing material. There are a variety of options such as clear tape, which is more durable than regular tape, and can prevent further cracking of your window, or glazing film which is similar to clear plastic wrapping. This type of wrap 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.
Regardless of the material you select regardless of the material you select, it is crucial to press glazier's points into the place where the putty joins the frame. These will hold the glass in place and will help 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're experiencing problems with condensation, it's recommended to contact your window manufacturer. There are warranties and guarantees to cover the issues. Fogging or condensation between the windows' panes is a sign that your seals are broken. Only a professional can fix this issue by replacing the panes.
This procedure is a bit complicated and requires the use of specific tools to remove the old one and replace the new one, however it can be done by an expert who will supply the necessary equipment. Using these tools can be risky, so it is always recommended to leave this kind task to a professional.
If you choose to do it yourself, ensure you wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from broken pieces of glass that may fly off during the process. It is essential to remove any putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will receive the new window. You will also want to brush the frame with wire, and then vacuum or wipe it clean with a damp cloth. After the frame is clean and dry then you'll need purchase a replacement glass that is 1/8 inch smaller in each direction than the window that you have and then fit it into the grooves.
You'll require a layer of silicone caulk into the grooves of your frames to ensure that the glass you are installing is properly installed. After the caulk dries it is time to smooth it out and make any needed adjustments. The wood molding can be put back in place.
Double-glazed windows can become difficult to open or close if the weather changes dramatically. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames to expand or shrink and cause them to slide or become stuck. You can try wiping down 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 who installed your windows.
Misunderstood
Misted Double Glazing is a problem with windows that occurs when moisture gets trapped between the glass panes of your double-glazed windows. Double glazing consists of two panes, which are separated by a space filled with argon for better thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight sealing that keeps warm air inside and cold outside air out.
This seal can fail over time, and window and door repairs moisture can build up between the panes of glass which can cause them to turn to become cloudy. This happens because the gap between the panes is heated by the sun, which causes water vapour to develop within it.
This is a normal process but if it happens between the window panes it can cause a problem as it can no longer regulate the temperature of the room, and allows the outside temperature to influence the indoor temperature. Northfield Glass can help you when your double-glazed windows begin to mist.
We can replace a single sealed unit without the need to replace the entire window. This is much less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty glass repair involves removing and cleaning the unit of glass before replacing it with a new one. This creates an airtight seal and will be watertight.
Certain companies in the business claim that they can inject chemicals through holes drilled into misted windows to remove the condensation and fog. We don't recommend using this method. This method is not just ugly, but it could also harm the toughened glass leaving you with a window that doesn't function properly.
It is essential to address the issue as quickly as possible, as left untreated, it could lead to mould growth which can not only damage the window, but also poses health risks for your family. Moisture can also cause other issues within your home, like dampness or rot. In certain situations, it may be necessary to replace the entire window.
Failed or Blown
Double-glazed windows are comprised of two glass panes with an air or inert between them. This improves their thermal efficiency by keeping warm air in and cold air out. As time passes the gas will become depressurized, causing various issues.
One of the most frequent is condensation that forms between the panes. It's not a sign of a failure in the window however it could be a sign that you should replace them. Condensation can also be an indication of broken double glazing, which could need to be replaced.
Also, look out for drafts coming through the double-glazed windows. This could be caused by a failure of the seal or a damaged handle or lock. A draught is noticeable and will lead to higher heating costs Therefore, it is essential that you get this fixed sooner rather than later. Test the seals around the window frame by feeling for 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 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 get compacted, and this could crack the crucial seal. This will allow the air to move between the panes, reducing your window's energy efficiency.
Double glazing that has blown an air seal is a sign of failure and should be repaired as soon as possible. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary purpose of keeping the cold out and warm inside. A blown seal can also let moisture into your home, which can result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. You should call a double glazing repair specialist when you notice a blown seal on your double-glazed windows, as they can replace the whole unit.