Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an energy efficient investment that prevents loss of heat in winter months and helps keep your home cooler in the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows when required is a great method to keep them in good working order.
Over time condensation and misting may be detrimental to your double-glazed windows. This can cause your double-glazed windows to be difficult to open or close.
Broken Panes
A stray baseball or a stray pebble from your lawnmower, or even a heavy storm can shatter the double panes of your windows and expose your home to the elements. While a damaged glass window isn't easy to fix however, it does not need to be replaced. The insulated glass that is between two glass panes is in good condition, so you can repair your double-paned window yourself.
You'll first need to remove any broken glass from the frame. You'll need to be cautious to avoid any glass shards falling to the floor or falling out of the frame. Use work gloves to protect your hands and use a rag to cover the broken glass to avoid any further injury or cuts. After removing the broken pane take care to clean the entire frame of the window to eliminate any remaining sealant or debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth surface on which to put in your new glass.
After the frame has been cleaned, you can apply a new layer of glazing to the seam where the damaged pane was removed. This is the best way to ensure your window stays secure and sealed, and it will help you save energy costs by preventing drafts and water from entering the house. The next step is to select your glazing material. There are several options including clear tape which is more durable than regular tape and prevents further cracking of your window, or glazing film, which is similar to clear plastic wrap. This type of wrap has the advantage that it can be painted to match your frame and can also shield your windows from the elements like ice and rain.
Regardless of the material you pick, it is important to press glazier's points into the place where the putty joins the frame. They will help hold the new glass in place and assist it adhere to the frame. You can find glazier's points in hardware stores, and they are available in pre-made ropes that you roll onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing is susceptible to condensation issues and if you experience this issue, it is recommended to contact the company that provided the window. A lot of windows come with warranties and guarantees that cover these problems. Condensation and fogging in the panes of glass is an obvious sign that the seals between your windows are broken and must be repaired by an expert who will fix both panes.
The process is difficult and requires special tools to remove the old one and replace the new one, however it can be accomplished by an expert who will provide the necessary equipment. Utilizing these tools could be dangerous, however, so it is always recommended to leave this kind task to a professional.
If you do decide to undertake this yourself, make sure you wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from any broken pieces of glass that may fly off during the process. It is also important to remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves in which the new window will be. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming a damp cloth are also recommended. Once the frame has dried, you'll need to order a replacement piece of glass that's 1/8" shorter in both directions than the existing window. Make sure the glass fits into the grooves.
You'll need to apply a layer silicone caulk to the grooves of your frames to ensure your new glass is secure in its installation. After the silicone caulk has dried you can smooth it out and make any adjustments. The wood molding will then be put back in place.
Double-glazed windows may become difficult to open or close if the weather changes dramatically. Extreme temperatures can cause frames to expand or shrink and cause them to sag or stick. Try wiping the frames with water and then lubricating them when this happens however, it's better to consult the company who installed your windows.
Misunderstood
Misted Double Glazing is a window issue that occurs when moisture gets trapped between the glass panes of your double-glazed windows. window repair near me glazing is comprised of two glass panes that are separated by an insulating area, typically filled with argon gas to provide increased thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight sealing that keeps warm indoor air inside, and cold outdoor air out.
This seal can fail over time, and moisture can build up between the glass panes and cause them to become to appear misty. This happens because the gap between the panes gets heated by the sun, which causes water vapour to build up in it.
This is a normal thing to happen however, if it occurs between the window panes it can cause a problem as it will no longer be able to regulate the temperature of the room, and allows the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. Northfield Glass can help you in the event that your double-glazed windows begin to mist.
We can repair the individual blow-sealed unit without having to replace the whole window and is less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty glass repair involves taking off and cleaning the glass and replacing it with a new one. This will create a watertight seal again.
There are some companies in the industry who claim to drill holes in your existing misted windows and inject chemicals into them that claim to eliminate condensation and fog but we do not recommend this method. This method is not just unattractive, but could also damage your toughened glass leaving you with a window which doesn't function properly.
If you don't take care to fix the problem immediately, it could lead to mould, which could not only harm the window, but could also pose health risks to your loved ones. Moisture can also cause issues within your home, including dampness or rot. In some instances it is possible to replace the entire window.
Blown or Failed
Double-glazed windows are comprised of two panes of glass with an inert or air between them. This increases their thermal efficiency, keeping heat in and cold out. Over time, the gas can become depressurised and cause many issues.
Condensation between panes is among the most common. It is not a sign of a failure in the window, but it could be a sign that you need to reseal the windows. Condensation may also be a sign that your double glazing has failed and, in that case, it should be replaced completely.
It is also important to look for draughts that are coming from your double-glazed windows. It could be due to an issue with the seal or a broken handle or lock. It is important to fix the issue as quickly as you can. A draft can cause you to pay more for 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 are failing is when you begin to notice water beads on the inside of your windows. This is a sign that you need to reseal the double glazed windows.
The frames of your windows are designed to move a bit, as they need to do to keep the glass sheets in place. In time, this special packaging material may become compacted. This could cause the seal to be broken. This will allow the air to flow between the panes, decreasing the efficiency of your window's energy consumption.
Double glazing that has broken a seal is a sign of failure and should be repaired immediately. A blown seal stops your double glazing from performing its primary purpose that is to keep the cold out and warm air in. A damaged seal could let moisture into your home, which could cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is important to contact a specialist in double glazing repair when you notice a blown seal in your double-glazed windows, since they could replace the entire unit.