Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is a great investment in energy efficiency. It stops loss of heat in the winter months and helps keep your home cool during summer. Restoring your double-glazed windows as needed is a great way to keep them in good working order.
Over time your double glazed windows may experience issues like condensation and misting. This can cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A stray baseball or a flying pebble from your lawnmower, or even a severe storm could break the double panes of your windows, leaving your home exposed to the elements. While a damaged glass window is difficult to repair, it doesn't need to be replaced. The insulated glass that is between two glass panes is still in good shape So you can repair your double-paned window on your own.
To start, you'll need to remove the broken glass from the frame. You'll need to be cautious to avoid any glass shards falling onto the floor or sliding out of the frame. Make sure you wear gloves to protect your hands and a cloth to cover the area around the broken glass to prevent further breakage or cuts. After you have removed the broken glass clean the frame of the window thoroughly to remove any sealant or other debris. It is important to sand rough areas of the frame to create a smooth surface for the new glazing.
After cleaning the frame, you can apply another layer of glass to the area where you removed the broken pane. This is the most effective way to ensure your window stays secure and sealed and will save you money by stopping drafts and water from getting into your home. The next step is to choose the material for your glazing. There are many options available such as clear tape, which is more durable than regular tape, and can prevent further cracking of your window, or glazing film which is similar to clear plastic wrapping. The advantage of this choice is that it can be painted over to match your frame and will also keep snow and rain out too.
No matter what material you choose it's essential to press the glazier's points into the gap where the putty meets your frame. These will hold the glass in place and will help it stick to the frame. Hardware stores carry glazier's point ropes, which you can roll out onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you have a problem with condensation, it's recommended to contact your window manufacturer. Many companies provide warranties and guarantees that will cover these problems. Fogging or condensation on the windows' panes is a sign that the seals aren't working properly. Only a professional can resolve this issue by replacing both panes.
It is a tricky procedure that requires specialized tools to remove and replace the window. A professional can complete this task and provide the tools. It is recommended to leave the work to professionals. These tools could be risky.
Wear safety gloves and glasses if opt to do it yourself. You may be exposed to glass fragments flying around. It is important to remove all putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will receive the new window. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming it with a damp cloth are also recommended. Once the frame is clean and dry then you'll need get a replacement glass which is 1/8 inch less in each direction than your window, and then test it in the grooves.
You'll have to apply a layer of silicone caulk into the grooves of frames to ensure your new glass is securely installed. Once the caulk has dried, you will need to smooth it and make any adjustments needed. The wood molding can be reinstalled.
If the weather abruptly changes, double-glazed windows could become difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, causing them to become sagging and stick. You can try wiping down the frames with water and then lubricating them when this happens however it is better to seek help from the company who installed your windows.
Misunderstood
When moisture gets trapped in between the glass panes it can cause misted double glazing. Double glazing consists of two panes which are separated by a space filled with argon for better thermal efficiency. This results in an airtight seal that keeps warm air in, and cold outside air out.
As time passes, the seal will begin to break down and moisture can begin to accumulate between the window panes, which causes them to become cloudy. This occurs because the sun heats the space between the panes of windows, causing water to evaporate.
It is a natural phenomenon however, if it happens between the windows' panes it could cause problems because it will no longer be able to regulate the temperature within the room. Instead the temperature outside the window will influence the temperature inside. If you notice that your double-glazed windows have become cloudy, contact the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can replace a single blown sealed unit without having to replace the entire window. This is much less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty window repair involves removing the glass unit, cleaning it, and replacing it with a fresh one to make an watertight seal.
There are some companies in the field that claim to cut holes into your existing misted windows and inject chemicals into them which claim to eliminate fog & condensation, however, we don't recommend this method. This method is not just unattractive, but could also damage the toughened glass leaving you with a window which does not function properly.
If you don't take care to fix the problem immediately it could cause mould, which could not only damage the window, but could also pose health risks to your family members. Moisture can cause other issues in your home, like dampness or rot. In certain situations it might be necessary to replace the entire window.
Failed or blown
Double-glazed windows are made up of two panes of glass with an air or inert between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. Over time, the gas can become depressurised and cause a variety of problems.
One of the most frequently encountered is condensation occurring between the panes. It's not a sign of a window failure however it could be a sign that you need to reseal them. Condensation can also be a sign that your double glazing has failed, in which case it should be replaced completely.
It is also important to look for draughts coming from the double-glazed windows. This could be due to a failure of the seal or a damaged handle lock. It is crucial to address this problem as soon as possible. A draught will cause you to pay more for heating. Test the seals on the window frame by feeling the cold air.
Another indication that your window seals have failed is when you begin to see water dripping on the inside of your windows. This is a sign that you need to seal your double-glazed windows.
Your window frames are designed to move a bit in order to keep the glass sheets in position. In time, this special packaging material can become compressed. This can result in the seal being broken. This allows air to circulate between the panes, decreasing the efficiency of your window's energy consumption.
A damaged seal is a clear sign that your double glazing is damaged and should be repaired immediately. A damaged seal will stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary job of keeping the cold out and warm in. A blown seal could let moisture in your home, which could cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. Call a double glazing specialist immediately you notice a blowing window seal. They can fix the entire unit.