Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent investment in energy efficiency. It stops loss of heat in the winter months and helps keep your home cool during summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows whenever required is a great method to ensure they remain in good condition.
Over time condensation and misting may affect your double-glazed windows. 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 a strong storm can shatter your double-pane windows and leave your home vulnerable to the elements. While a damaged window may be difficult to fix however, you don't have to replace it entirely. In fact the insulated glass between the two panes remains in good shape and you can repair your double-pane windows with some DIY effort.
To begin, you'll need take the broken glass out of the frame. This can be messy work, and you'll want to take care to prevent any glass shards from falling onto the floor or slipping out of the frame. Make sure you wear gloves to protect your hands, and a rag to cover the area surrounding the broken glass to avoid further cuts or breakage. After removing the broken piece and cleaning the entire frame of the window to eliminate any remaining sealant or debris. Sand rough areas of the frame to create a smooth and even surface to install your new glazing.
After cleaning the frame after cleaning, you can apply a second layer of glass to the area where you removed the broken pane. This is the most effective method to protect and seal your window. It will also save you money by preventing drafts and water from entering the home. The next step is to select the glazing material. There are a variety of options, including clear tape that is more durable than regular tape and will help keep your window from further cracking, and glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. This option has the advantage that it can be painted to match the frame of your window and can also shield your windows from snow and ice.
No matter what material you use, it's important to press the glazier's points into that gap where the putty meets your frame. They will help keep the glass in place and will help it stick to the frame. Glazier's points can be found in hardware stores, and they are available in pre-made ropes that you simply roll out onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing can be susceptible to condensation issues and if you encounter this issue, it is best to contact the company that installed the window. Many companies provide warranties and guarantees that will cover these issues. Condensation and fogging between panes of glass is an obvious sign that the seals between your windows have been damaged and can only be repaired by a professional who will fix both panes.
This process is a little difficult and requires the use of special tools to remove the old pane and install the new one, but it can be done by an expert who will supply the necessary equipment. Making use of these tools can be risky, so it is always best to leave this type task to professionals.
Wear safety glasses and gloves if you opt to do it yourself. You could be exposed to glass fragments flying around. It is also essential to carefully 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 are also recommended. When the frame is dry and clean you'll need to get a replacement glass which is 1/8 inch less in each direction than the existing window and test-fit it in the grooves.
Based on the frames you have, you will then need to apply a layer of silicone caulk to the grooves in order to ensure that the new pane is secured in position. After the caulk dries it is time to smooth it out and make any needed adjustments. The wood molding will then be reinstalled.
If the weather suddenly changes, double-glazed windows could become difficult to open or close. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames to shrink or expand and cause them to sag or stick. If this is the problem you could try wiping down the frames with water and lubricating the joints. However, it may be best to contact the company who installed your windows to help.
Misunderstood
When moisture gets trapped in between the glass panes it can cause misted double glazing. Double glazing is comprised of two panes of glass that are separated by an insulating space, typically filled with argon gas for better thermal efficiency. This creates a airtight seal that keeps warm indoor air inside, and cold air outside.
The seal may fail over time, and water can accumulate between the panes of glass and cause them to become to appear misty. This happens because the space between the panes is heated by the sun, which causes water vapour to form within it.
This is a natural process however if it occurs between the windows' panes it could be a problem because it will no longer be able to regulate the temperature within the room. Instead the temperature outside the window will affect the temperature indoors. Northfield Glass can help you when your double-glazed windows begin to fog.
We can replace a single blow sealed unit, without the need to replace the entire window. This is less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty glass repair involves removing and cleaning the glass and replacing it with a new one. This creates an airtight seal again.
Some companies in the industry claim to inject chemicals through holes drilled into misted windows to remove the condensation and fog. We do not suggest this method. This is not just unsightly, but it could also harm the toughened glass and can leave you with windows that don't fully perform the function it was intended to.
It is essential to address the issue as quickly as you can, as if untreated, it can lead to mould growth, which not only damages the window but also poses health risks to your family members. Moisture can also cause other issues in your home, like dampness or rot. In certain situations, it may be necessary to replace the entire window.
Blown or Failed
Double-glazed windows are comprised of two glass panes with an inert or air between them. This helps to improve their thermal efficiency, allowing heat in and cold out. As time passes the gas may become depressurised and cause many problems.
One of the most common is condensation between the panes. While it is a natural phenomenon, it doesn't mean your window has failed but it could be a sign that you need to re-seal your windows. Condensation may be an indication that your double glazing has failed and, in that case, it should be replaced completely.
Also, look out for draughts that are coming from your double-glazed windows. It could be due to the seal being damaged or a damaged handle lock. It is important to fix this issue as soon as you can. A draft can cause you to spend more on heating. Test the seals on the window frame by feeling for cold air.
You may also see water beads on the inside of windows if your window seals aren't working. This is an indication that you need to replace the seals on your double-glazed windows.
Your window frames are designed to move a bit, which is necessary to keep the glass sheets in their place. In window repair , this special packaging material can become compacted. This can cause the seal to become broken. This will allow air to flow between the panes and reduce the efficiency of your window.
A blown seal is a clear sign that your double glazing has failed and must be fixed as soon as possible. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing performing its primary purpose, which is to keep the cold out and warm air in. A blown seal could let moisture into your home, which could result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. Contact a double-glazing specialist when you notice a blowing window seal. They can fix the entire unit.