Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is a fantastic investment in energy efficiency. It helps prevent heat loss during the winter months and keeps your home cool during summer. Having your double glazed windows repaired as needed is an excellent way to ensure that they function properly.
Over time, your double-glazed windows may suffer from issues such as condensation and misting. This could cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open or close.
Broken Panes
A ball that is rogue or a flying stone from your lawnmowers or an intense storm could shatter the double pane windows of your home, leaving you home vulnerable to the elements. While a cracked window can be difficult to fix but you don't need to replace it entirely. In fact the insulated glass between the two panes is in good shape, and you can fix your double-pane window using some DIY effort.
To begin, you'll need to take the broken glass out of the frame. This is an unpleasant task, and you'll want to be careful to stop any glass shards from falling onto the floor or falling out of the frame. Wear gloves for you hands, and an abrasive cloth around the damaged glass to avoid further cuts or damage. After removing the broken piece, carefully clean the entire frame of the window to remove any remaining sealant or debris. It's important to sand rough areas of the frame to create an even surface for your new glass.
After the frame has been cleaned and dried, you can apply a new layer of glass to the place where the broken pane was removed. This is the best method to keep your window secure and sealed and will aid in reducing energy costs by stopping drafts and water from entering the house. The next step is to choose your glazing material. There are a variety of options, including clear tape which is more durable than regular tape and will help keep your window safe from further cracking, as well as glazing film that resembles clear plastic wrap. The benefit of this option is that it can be painted over to match your frame, and it will keep out rain and snow too.
No matter what material you use, it's important to press the glazier's points into that place where the putty joins your frame. They will help hold the new glass in place and help it adhere to the frame. The glazier's point can be found in hardware stores, and they are available in pre-made ropes which you roll over the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing is susceptible to condensation issues. If you experience this issue, it is best to contact the company that supplied the window. Many have warranties and guarantees to cover these issues. Condensation and fogging in the panes of glass is an obvious sign that the seals between your windows are broken and can only be repaired by an expert who will replace both panes.
This process is a little tricky and requires special tools to remove the old one and replace the new one, but it is possible to do this by an expert who will provide the necessary equipment. Utilizing these tools could be dangerous it is best to leave this type of work to professionals.
If you decide to do it yourself, make sure you wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from broken pieces of glass that may fly off during the process. It is also crucial to remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves in which the new window will go. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming it with a damp cloth is also recommended. When the frame is dry and clean, you will need to order a piece of replacement glass that is 1/8 inch smaller in each direction than the existing window and test-fit it into the grooves.
Depending on your frames depending on your frames, you'll need to apply the caulk on the grooves to ensure that the new pane is secure in the right place. After the caulk dries, you will need to smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. Then the wood molding can be reinstalled.
Double-glazed windows may be difficult to open or close in the event of extreme weather. Extreme temperatures can cause frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, causing them to slide and become stuck. You can try wiping the frames with water and lubricating them when this happens, but it may be better to consult the company that installed your windows.
Misted
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 of glass which are separated by an insulating space, typically filled with argon gas for increased thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm room air inside and cold air outside, allowing you to keep the 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, which causes them to turn misty. This happens because the space between the panes gets heated by the sun, which causes water vapour to develop within it.
This is a normal thing to happen but if it happens between the window panes it can cause a problem as it can no longer control the temperature in the room and allow the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. If you notice your double glazed windows are becoming blurred, call the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can replace the individual sealed blown unit without having to replace the entire window which is less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty glass repair involves removing and cleaning the glass, then replacing it with a brand new one. This creates an airtight seal again.
There are companies within the industry that claim to cut holes into your windows with mist and inject chemicals into them that they say removes the condensation and fog, however, we don't recommend this method. This method is not only ugly, but it can also damage the toughened glass and can leave you with windows that do not fully perform the function it was intended to.
If you don't address the issue quickly, it could lead to mould, which could not only damage the window, but could also risk health issues for your family members. The moisture in the window may cause other problems within your home such as damp or rot. In window repairs , it may be necessary to replace the entire window.
Failed or Blown
Double-glazed windows are made up of two glass panes with an air or inert between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. Over time, this gas can become depressurised, leading to a number of problems.
Condensation between the panes is one of the most common. Although it's a normal phenomenon, it doesn't mean your window is failing but it could be an indication that you need to re-seal your windows. Condensation could be an indication that your double glazing has broken and, in that case, it should be replaced completely.
Also, look out for draughts coming from your double glazed windows. This could be due to a failure of the seal or a damaged handle or lock. It is important to fix the issue as quickly as you can. A draft can cause you to spend more on heating. You can test the seals by placing your finger around the edges of the window frame to see whether you feel cold air.
You will also notice water beads on the inside of windows if your window seals are failing. This is an indication that you need to seal your double-glazed windows.
Your window frames are designed to move slightly as they have to do in order to keep the glass sheets in place. However, over time, this special packaging material may get compacted, and this could break the all-important seal. This allows air to circulate between the panes, and decrease the efficiency of your window.
Double glazing that has ruptured an air seal is an indication of a failure and should be repaired immediately. A blown seal will prevent your double glazing from performing its primary function of keeping the cold out and warm in. Additionally, a blown seal can let moisture in, which can result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. Call a double glazing specialist when you notice a blown window seal. They can repair or replace the entire unit.