Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that reduces heat loss in the winter and keeps your home cool in the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows when necessary is a great way to keep them in good working order.
Over time your double glazed windows may experience issues such as condensation and misting. This can cause your double-glazed windows to be difficult to open or close.
Broken Panes
A rogue ball, a flying stone from your lawnmowers or a strong storm can shatter the double pane windows of your home, leaving you home vulnerable to the elements. Although a cracked glass window isn't easy to fix but it doesn't have to be replaced. The insulated glass between two panes of glass is still in good shape and you can fix your double-paned windows yourself.
To begin, you'll need remove the broken glass from the frame. Be careful to prevent glass shards from falling to the floor or slipping off the frame. Wear gloves for your hands, and place a rag to cover the broken glass to avoid any further injury or cuts. After removing the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly, removing any sealant or other debris. It is essential to sand rough areas of your frame to ensure an even surface for the new glazing.
After the frame has been cleaned, you can apply a new layer of glass to the place where the broken pane was removed. This is the most effective method to protect and seal your window, and will save you energy costs by preventing water and drafts from entering your home. The next step is to choose your glazing material. There are a variety of options such as clear tape, which is more durable than regular tape and helps prevent further cracking of your window or glazing film which is similar to 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 rain and snow as well.
Regardless of 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 glass in place and aid in adhering to the frame. Hardware stores carry glazier's point ropes, which can be rolled out onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing is susceptible to condensation issues. If you encounter this issue, it is best to call the company that supplied the window. Many companies provide warranties and guarantees that will cover these problems. Fogging or condensation on the windows' panes is a sign that the seals are broken. Only a professional can resolve this problem by replacing the panes.
The process is complicated and requires specific tools to remove the old pane and then install the new one, but it can be done by an expert who will supply the necessary equipment. Using window repairs near me can be dangerous it is best to leave this type of work to an expert.
If you do decide to do it yourself, ensure you wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from any broken pieces of glass that could fly off during the process. It is important to remove all putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will hold the new window. You should also brush the frame with wire, and then vacuum or wipe with a damp cloth. After the frame has dried you'll have to purchase a replacement piece of glass that's 1/8" shorter in both directions than the existing window. Test-fit the glass 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 securely in position. After the caulk dries it is time to smooth it and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding can be put back in place.
If the weather suddenly changes, double-glazed windows can become difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures may 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 when this happens however it is better to seek help from the company who installed your windows.
Misted
Misted Double Glazing is a window issue 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 space that is filled with argon for greater thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight sealing that keeps warm air in, and cold air outside.
This seal can become damaged over time and moisture can build up between the panes of glass, causing them to become cloudy. This occurs because the sun's heat causes the gap between panes of windows, causing water to evaporate.
It is a natural phenomenon however if it occurs between the windows' panes it could cause problems because it won't be able to regulate the temperature in the room. Instead the temperature outside the window will influence the temperature indoors. If you notice your double glazed windows are becoming misty, call in the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can repair the individual blow-sealed unit without having to replace the whole window and is less disruptive than a total replacement. Our misty glass repair consists of removing and cleaning the unit of glass and replacing it with a new one. This will result in an airtight seal and will be watertight.
Some companies in the industry claim that they can inject chemicals through holes into windows that have been misty to eliminate the condensation and fog. We do not recommend using this method. This is not only ugly, but it can cause damage to the toughened glass and leave you with a window that does not completely perform its function.
It is crucial to resolve the issue as soon as you can, as if untreated, it can result in the growth of mould that not only damages the window, but also poses health risks to your family members. Moisture can also cause other issues in your home, such as dampness or rot. In some cases, the window may need to be replaced entirely.
Blown or Failed
Modern double-glazed windows feature two glass panes with an inert gas or air in between them. This improves their thermal efficiency by keeping the cold out and heat in. Over time, this gas can become depressurised, leading to a number of issues.
Condensation in between the panes is among the most common. While it is a natural event, it doesn't necessarily mean that your window is damaged but it could be a sign that you need to re-seal your windows. Condensation is also an indication of broken double glazing, which will require re-installation.
Double-glazed windows may also cause drafts. This could be because of the seal being damaged or a damaged handle or a broken lock. A draught can be evident and can result in higher heating bills, so it is important that you get this fixed sooner rather than later. Test the seals on the window frame by smelling cold air.
Another indication that your window seals have failed is when you start to see water dripping on the inside of your windows. This is a sign that you will need to seal your double-glazed windows.
Your window frames are made to move a little bit as they have to do to keep the glass sheets in place. However, with time, this special packaging material may be compressed and cause the seal to break. This will allow air to flow between the panes and reduce the efficiency of your window.
Double glazing that has ruptured a seal is an indication of a failure and needs to be repaired as soon as possible. A blown seal will prevent your double glazing from performing its primary purpose of keeping cold out and warm in. A blown seal can also let moisture into your home, which can result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. Call a double glazing specialist as soon you notice a blown window seal. They can repair or replace the entire unit.