Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is a great investment in energy efficiency. It prevents loss of heat in the winter months and helps to keep your home cool in summer. Double glazing windows repaired when needed is a great method to ensure they are operating effectively.
Over time condensation and misting could affect your double-glazed windows. This could cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open or shut.
Broken Panes
A stray ball or a stray pebble from your lawnmower, or even a heavy storm can break the double panes of your windows and expose your home to the elements. While a cracked window can be difficult to repair however, you don't have to have it replaced entirely. In fact, the insulated glass between the two panes is still in good condition and you can fix your double-pane window using a bit of DIY effort.
To begin, you'll need take the broken glass out of the frame. Be careful to prevent glass shards from falling to the floor or falling out of the frame. Use work gloves to protect you hands, and a rag to cover the broken glass to avoid further cuts or damage. After removing the broken glass take care to clean the entire frame of the window to eliminate any remaining sealant and debris. It's important to smooth rough areas of the frame to create an even surface for your new glass.
After the frame has been cleaned then you can apply a fresh layer of glass to the area where the broken pane was removed. This is the best way to seal and protect your window. It can also reduce your energy bills by preventing water and drafts from entering your home. The next step is to choose the glazing material. There are a variety of options, including clear tape that is more robust than regular tape and will keep your window secure from further cracking, and glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. This choice has the benefit that it can be painted to match your frame, and will also block out rain and ice.
Whatever material you use it is important to press the glaziers points into that gap where the putty meets your frame. They will help keep the glass in place and help it adhere to the frame. Hardware stores sell glazier's ropes that you can roll out on the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you have a problem with condensation, it's recommended to contact your window manufacturer. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees that cover the problems. Condensation and fogging between panes of glass is a clear sign that the seals between your windows are damaged and must be repaired by an expert who will replace both panes.
This process is a little tricky and requires special tools to remove the old pane and then install the new one, however it can be accomplished by an expert who will provide the required equipment. Using these tools can be dangerous, however, so it is always recommended to leave this kind of work to professionals.
If you choose to undertake this yourself, ensure you wear gloves and safety glasses to shield yourself from any broken pieces of glass that might fly away during the process. It is crucial to remove all metal or putty points from the grooves that will hold the new window. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming a damp cloth is also recommended. When the frame is clean and dry you'll need to order a piece of replacement glass that is 1/8 inch smaller in each direction than the window that you have and then fit it into the grooves.
Based on the frame you have depending on your frames, you'll need to apply a thin layer of silicone caulk to the grooves in order to ensure that your new pane is secured in the right place. After the silicone caulk has dried you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding will then be put back in place.
If the weather abruptly changes, double-glazed windows may become difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures can cause frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, which causes them to slide and become stuck. You can try wiping down the frames with water and then lubricating them when this happens however, it's better to consult the company who installed your windows.
Misunderstood
When moisture gets trapped in between the glass panes, it can cause misty double glazing. Double glazing consists of two glass panes which are separated by an insulating area, typically filled with argon gas to provide improved thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm room air inside and cold outdoor air outside which allows you to keep your temperature at a comfortable level in your home.
As time passes, the seal may break and moisture will start to build up between the window panes, causing them to turn misty. This happens because the gap between the panes is heated by the sun, which causes water vapour to develop in it.
This is a normal process but if it happens between the window panes, it can cause a problem as it is no longer able to regulate the temperature of the room, and allows the outside temperature to influence the indoor temperature. Northfield Glass can help you in the event that your double-glazed windows begin to mist.
We can replace a single blow sealed unit, without the need to replace the entire window. This is far less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty glass repair involves taking off and cleaning the glass unit before replacing it with a new one. This creates a watertight seal again.
There are some companies in the industry which claim to drill holes into your windows that are misting and inject chemicals into them, which they say removes the condensation and fog but we do not recommend this method. This method is not only unattractive, but it could cause damage to the toughened glass and result in windows that do not fully perform its function.
It is crucial to resolve the issue as soon as possible, as left untreated, it can cause mould growth, which not only damages the window, but also poses health risks to your family members. Moisture in the window can cause other issues with your property like damp or rot. In some more info instances it is possible to replace the entire window.
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 heat in and the cold out. Over time, the gas can become depressurised which can lead to a range of issues.
Condensation in between the panes is one of the most frequent. It is not a sign of a window failure, but it could be a sign you should replace the windows. Condensation can also be a sign that your double glazing has failed and, in that case, it will need to be replaced completely.
You should also look out for draughts coming from the double-glazed windows. It could be due to the seal being damaged or handle that is broken, or a broken lock. It is crucial to address this problem as soon as possible. A draft can cause you to pay more for heating. You can test the seals by feeling around the edges of the window frame to see if you feel any cold air.
You may also see water beads on the outside of windows when your window seals aren't performing as they should. This is an indication that you need to seal your double-glazed windows.
Your window frames are designed to move a little bit in order to do to keep the glass sheets in their place. However, with time, this special packaging material can get compacted, and this could cause the seal to break. This allows air to flow between the panes, decreasing the efficiency of your window's energy consumption.
A seal that is blown is an obvious sign that your double glazing has failed and should be repaired immediately. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing performing its primary purpose, which is to keep cold air out and warm air in. Furthermore, a blow-off seal can let moisture in, which could cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. You should call a specialist in double glazing repair as soon as you discover a blowing seal in your double-glazed windows, as they can replace the whole unit.