Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent investment in energy efficiency. It stops loss of heat in the winter months and helps to keep your home cool in summer. Restoring your double-glazed windows as necessary is a great way to ensure they remain in good condition.
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 shut.
Broken Panes
A rogue baseball or a stray pebble from your lawnmowers or even a severe storm can break the double panes of your windows and expose your home to the elements. Although a cracked glass window isn't easy to fix but it doesn't have to be replaced. The insulated glass that is between two glass panes is in good condition, so you can repair your double-paned windows yourself.
First, you'll need to take any broken glass from the frame. You'll need to be cautious to prevent glass shards from falling to the floor or falling off the frame. Make sure to wear a pair of work gloves to protect your hands, and a rag to cover the area surrounding the broken glass to avoid further breakage or cuts. After removing the broken glass, carefully clean the entire frame of the window to get rid of any remaining sealant or debris. It is essential to smooth rough areas of the frame to ensure a smooth surface for your new glazing.
After cleaning the frame, you can apply another layer of glass to the seam where you removed the broken pane. This is the best method to ensure your window stays sealed and protected and save you money by preventing drafts and water from entering your home. The next step is to select your glazing material. There are a variety of options, including clear tape that is more durable than regular tape and helps prevent further cracking of your window or glazing film, which is similar to clear plastic wrapping. This choice has the benefit that it can be painted to match your frame and can also shield your windows from rain and ice.
Whatever material you decide to use it's essential to press the glaziers points into the gap where the putty meets your frame. They will help keep the glass in place and aid in adhering to the frame. Hardware stores carry glazier's point ropes that can be rolled out onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing can be susceptible to condensation issues and if you experience this issue, it is best to contact the company that provided the window. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees to cover the issues. Fogging or condensation between the windows' panes is a sign that the seals aren't working properly. Only an expert can fix this issue by replacing both panes.
It's a difficult procedure that requires special tools to remove and replace the old window. A professional can handle this task and supply the tools. It is best to leave the task to an expert. These tools can be dangerous.
If you decide to undertake this yourself, make sure you wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from broken pieces of glass that may fly off during the process. It is also important to carefully remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves where the new window will go. You should also brush the frame with wire and vacuum or wipe with a damp cloth. After the frame is clean and dry then you'll need purchase a replacement glass that is 1/8 inch smaller in each direction than your window that you have and then fit it in the grooves.
Based on the frames you have depending on your frames, you'll need to apply the caulk on the grooves to ensure that the new pane is secure in place. After the silicone caulk has dried you can smooth it out and make any adjustments. The wood molding can be reinstalled.
Double glazed windows can be difficult to open or close if the weather changes dramatically. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, which causes them to become sagging and stick. If this is the case try wiping the frames down with water and lubricating the joints. However, it might be a good idea to call the company who installed your windows for assistance.
Misted
When moisture gets trapped in between the glass panes, it can cause misty double glazing. Double glazing consists of two panes of glass that are separated by an insulating space, typically filled with argon gas to provide increased thermal efficiency. This creates a airtight seal that keeps warm air inside and cold outdoor air out.
Over time however, this seal may break and moisture can begin to build up between the window panes, which causes them to become cloudy. This happens because the gap between the panes is heated by the sun, causing water vapour to build up within it.
This is a natural process however, if it happens between the panes of the window it can be a problem because it won't be able to regulate the temperature inside the room. Instead the temperature outside of the window will influence the temperature indoors. If you notice your double-glazed windows are turning misty, call in the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can replace a single blown sealed unit without having to replace the entire window. This is less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty glass repair consists of removing and cleaning the glass unit, then replacing it with a new one. This creates a watertight seal again.
There are companies within the field who claim to drill holes into your windows with mist and inject chemicals into them which claim to eliminate fog & condensation however, we do not recommend this method. This method is not only unattractive, but it could also damage the toughened glass and can leave you with windows that do not fully perform the function it was intended to.
If you don't fix the problem immediately, it could lead to mould, which could not only damage the window, but could also cause health risks for your family members. window repair near me can also cause other issues within your home, including dampness or rot. In some instances, the window may need to be replaced entirely.
Failed or Blown
Modern double-glazed windows come with two glass panes that have an inert gas or air between them. This improves their thermal efficiency by keeping warm air in and cold air out. Over time, the gas may depressurize and cause a variety of problems.
One of the most frequent is condensation that forms between the panes. It's not a sign of a window failing, but it could indicate that you need to reseal the windows. Condensation could also be a sign that your double glazing is damaged in which case it's time to get it replaced completely.
Double-glazed windows can also create drafts. This could be due to the seal being damaged or a damaged handle lock. It is essential 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 see whether you feel cold air.
You will also notice water beads on the inside of windows if the window seals are failing. This is an indication that you have to replace the seals on 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, over time, this special packaging material can get compacted, and this could break the all-important seal. This will allow air to circulate between the panes, and decrease the energy efficiency of your window.
Double glazing that has broken a seal is a sign of failure and should be fixed immediately. A blown seal will prevent your double glazing from fulfilling its primary purpose of keeping cold out and warm in. A blown seal could let moisture into your home, which can cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. Contact a double-glazing specialist when you notice a blown window seal. They can repair or replace the entire unit.
