Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that prevents loss of heat during winter months and helps keep your home cooler during the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows when necessary is a great way to ensure they remain in good working order.
Over time, your double-glazed windows may suffer from issues such as condensation and misting. Double glazed windows can be difficult to open and close.
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, leaving your home exposed to the elements. While a cracked window can be difficult to repair but you don't need to replace it entirely. The insulated glass that is between two panes of glass is in good condition and you can fix your double-paned window yourself.
To begin, you'll need remove the broken glass from the frame. This can be messy work, and you'll want to be careful to stop any glass fragments from falling onto the floor or falling out of the frame. Wear gloves for your hands and use a rag around the broken glass to avoid further damage or cuts. After removing the broken piece take care to clean the entire frame of the window to get rid of any remaining sealant and debris. It is important to sand rough areas of your frame to create an even surface for the new glazing.
After the frame has been cleaned then you can apply a new layer of glazing to the place where the broken pane was removed. This is the best method to ensure your window stays sealed and protected, and it will save you money by preventing drafts and water from entering the house. Next, you will need to choose your glazing material. There are many options available including clear tape which is more durable than regular tape and helps prevent further cracking of your window, or glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. This choice has the benefit that it can be painted to match the frame of your window and can also shield your windows from snow and ice.
Regardless of the material you pick regardless of the material you choose, it is essential to press the glazier's points into the seam where the putty meets the frame. These will hold the new glass in place and aid it stick to the frame. You can find glazier's points in hardware stores, and they come in pre-made ropes that you simply roll over the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you're experiencing problems with condensation, it is best to call your window manufacturer. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees to will cover the issues. Condensation and fogging between panes of glass is an obvious indication that the seals between your windows have been damaged and can only be repaired by a professional who will repair both panes.
This process is a little complicated and requires the use of special tools to take off the old pane and then install the new one, however it can be done by a professional who will provide the required equipment. Making use of these tools can be risky, so it is always recommended to leave this kind task to an expert.
If you do decide to undertake this yourself, be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from broken pieces of glass that could fly off during the process. It is also important to remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves where the new window will go. You will also want to wire-brush the frame and vacuum or wipe it with a damp cloth. After the frame has dried it is time to order a replacement piece of glass that's 1/8" shorter in both directions than your existing window. Make sure the glass fits into the grooves.
Based on the frame you have depending on your frames, you'll need to apply a layer of silicone caulk to the grooves to ensure that the new pane is securely in position. After the silicone caulk has dried you can smooth it out and make any adjustments. The wood molding can be put back in place.
If the weather suddenly 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 lubricating them when this happens, but it may be better to seek advice from the company that installed your windows.
Misunderstood
Misted Double Glazing is a window problem that occurs when moisture gets trapped between the glass panes of your double glazed windows. Double glazing consists of two glass panes that are separated by an insulating area, typically filled with argon gas to provide improved thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm air inside and cold outdoor air outside which allows you to keep your temperature in your home comfortable.
As time passes, the seal can break down and moisture will start to accumulate between the windows, causing them to turn misty. This occurs because the sun heats the space between the window panes, which causes water to evaporate.
This is a normal thing to happen, but when it occurs between the window panes, it can be a problem since it is no longer able to control the temperature in the room and allow the outside temperature to influence the indoor temperature. If you notice that your double-glazed windows are turning misty, call in the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can replace the sealed blown unit without having to replace the whole window, which is a lot less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty glass repair involves removing and cleaning the glass unit before replacing it with a brand new one. This creates a watertight seal again.
There are companies in the industry who claim to drill holes in your existing misted windows and inject chemicals into them which they say removes the condensation and fog however, we do not recommend this method. This method is not only unattractive, but it could also harm the toughened glass and leave you with a window that does not completely perform the function it was intended to.
It is crucial to resolve the issue as soon as you can, because if left untreated, it could cause mould growth which can not only damage the window but can also pose health risks to your family. Moisture can also cause other problems in your home, like dampness or rot. In some instances windows, they may have to be completely replaced.
Failed or Blown
Double-glazed windows are made up of two panes of glass with an inert or air between them. This improves their thermal efficiency by keeping the cold out and heat in. As time passes the gas will become depressurised and cause various issues.
One of the most common is condensation that forms between the panes. It's not a sign of a window failure, but it could indicate that you should replace the windows. Condensation can be a sign your double glazing has failed in which case it will need to be replaced completely.
Double-glazed windows may also cause drafts. This could be due to a failure of the seal or a damaged handle lock. A draught is obvious and result in higher heating bills It is therefore essential that you get this fixed sooner rather than later. Check the seals around the window frame by smelling 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 reseal glass repairs the double glazed windows.
Your window frames are made to move slightly in order to do to keep the glass sheets in the right place. As time passes, this particular packaging material can become compressed. This could cause the seal to become broken. This will allow air to circulate between the panes, and decrease the energy efficiency of your window.
A seal that is blown is an obvious sign that your double glazing has failed and should be repaired immediately. A blown seal will stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary function which is to keep cold air out and warm air in. In addition, a blown seal can let moisture in, which could cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. Call a double glazing specialist when you notice a blown window seal. They can repair or replace the entire unit.