Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that reduces loss of heat during winter and keeps your home cooler during the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows whenever necessary is a great way to ensure they are in good condition.
Over time condensation and misting could impact your double-glazed windows. Double glazed windows can become difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A stray ball or a stray pebble from your lawnmower, or even a storm that is heavy could break the double panes of your windows and expose your home to the elements. While a damaged window may be difficult to repair however, you don't have to replace it completely. In fact the insulated glass that is between the two panes remains in good shape, and you can fix your double-pane windows with a little DIY effort.
To start, you'll need to take the broken glass out of the frame. You'll need to be cautious to avoid any glass shards falling to the floor or slipping out of the frame. Wear gloves for your hands and use an abrasive cloth around the damaged glass area to prevent any further injury or cuts. After removing the broken glass and cleaning the entire frame of the window to get rid of any remaining sealant or debris. It is important to sand rough areas of your frame to ensure an even surface for your new glass.
Once the frame is cleaned then you can apply a fresh layer of glass to the place where the broken pane was removed. This is the most effective way to ensure that your window is secure and sealed and will aid in reducing energy costs by keeping water and drafts from entering your home. The next step is to choose the glazing material. There are many options available including 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 wrapping. The benefit of this type of material is that it can be painted to match your existing frame and will keep out snow and rain as well.
Whatever material you select regardless of the material you choose, it is essential to press glazier's facets into the seam where the putty meets the frame. They will help keep the glass in place and help it adhere to the frame. The glazier's point can be found in hardware stores, and are available in pre-made ropes that you roll out onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you have a problem with condensation, it is recommended to contact your window manufacturer. A lot of windows come with warranties and guarantees to cover these problems. Fogging and condensation between panes of glass is a clear indication that the seals between your windows have been damaged and can only be repaired by an expert who will replace both panes.
This process is a little tricky and requires the use of special tools to remove the old pane and install the new one, however it can be done by a professional who will provide the required equipment. It is best to leave the job to an expert. These tools could be dangerous.
Wear safety gloves and glasses if you decide to do it yourself. You could be exposed to glass fragments flying around. It is also important to remove all the putty and metal glazing points from the grooves that the new window will be. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming it with a damp cloth are also recommended. After the frame is clean and dry, you will need to purchase a replacement glass which is 1/8 inch less in each direction than your window that you have and then fit it into the grooves.
Depending on your frames, you will then need to apply a thin layer of silicone caulk on the grooves to ensure that your new pane is secure in position. Once the caulk has dried and is dry, you must smooth it out and make any needed adjustments. The wood molding will then be reinstalled.
Double-glazed windows can be difficult to open and close if the weather changes dramatically. Extreme temperatures may cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or shrink, causing them to sag and stick. Try wiping the frames with water and then lubricating them when this happens however it is better to consult the company who installed your windows.
Misted
When moisture gets trapped between the glass panes it can cause misted double glazing. Double glazing is comprised of two panes which are separated by a space that is 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 comfortable in your home.
As time passes, the seal may break and moisture can begin to build up between the windows, causing them to turn misty. This happens because the sun heats the space between the panes of windows, causing water to vapourize.
It is a natural phenomenon, but if it occurs between the windows' panes it could be a problem because it won't be able to control the temperature in the room. Instead the temperature outside of the window will affect the temperature indoors. If you notice that your double-glazed windows are turning misty, call in the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can repair the individual blown sealed unit without needing to replace the whole window, which is a lot less disruptive than a total replacement. Our misty glass repair involves removing and cleaning the unit of glass before replacing it with a new one. This will result in a seal that is watertight again.
Some companies in the industry claim that they can inject chemicals through holes into windows with mist to remove the condensation and fog. We do not suggest this method. This method isn't just unattractive, but could also damage your toughened glass and leave you with a window which does not function properly.
If you don't address the issue quickly, it could lead to mould, which can not only damage the window, but also pose health risks to your loved ones. Moisture can also cause other issues in your home, such as dampness or rot. In some instances the window might need to be completely replaced.
Failed or blown
Modern double-glazed windows come with two glass panes, with an inert gas or air 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 issues.
One of the most common is condensation occurring between the panes. Although it's a normal event, it doesn't necessarily mean that your window has failed however it could be an indication that you need to re-seal your windows. Condensation could be an indication that your double glazing has failed and, in that case, it will need to be replaced completely.
Double-glazed windows can also create drafts. It could be due to a failure of the seal or a broken handle or lock. A draught can be quite noticeable and will lead to more expensive heating bills, so it is important to get it fixed sooner rather than later. window repair near me can test the seals by placing your finger around the edges of the window frame to see whether you feel cold air.
There will also be water beads on the interior of windows if your window seals aren't performing as they should. This is a good indicator that you will need to re-seal your double glazed windows.
Your window frames have been designed to move a bit in order to keep the glass sheets in place. However, with time, this particular packaging material will get compacted, and this could crack the crucial seal. This will allow the air to circulate between the panes, reducing the efficiency of your window's energy consumption.
Double glazing that has broken seals is a sign of failure and should be fixed immediately. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from performing its primary purpose which is to keep the cold out and warm air in. In addition, a blown seal can let moisture in, which can result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. Contact a double-glazing specialist as soon you notice a blowing window seal. They can replace the entire unit.