Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is a fantastic investment in energy efficiency. It stops heat loss during the winter months and keeps your home cool in summer. The ability to have your double-glazed windows fixed when they need to is an excellent method to ensure they are operating correctly.
Over time, your double-glazed windows may suffer from issues such as condensation and misting. This can cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open or shut.
Broken Panes
A unruly ball or a flying stone from your lawnmowers or a storm that is strong enough can break the double pane windows of your home, leaving you home vulnerable to the elements. Even though a glass window that has been damaged isn't easy to fix but it doesn't have to be replaced. The insulated glass between two panes of glass is in good condition and you can fix your double-paned window on your own.
To begin, you'll need take the broken glass out of the frame. You'll need to be cautious to keep glass shards from falling onto the floor or sliding out of the frame. Wear work gloves to protect your hands and use a rag around the broken glass area to prevent any further injury or cuts. After removing the broken piece, carefully clean the entire frame of the window to eliminate any sealant residue and debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth surface to put in your new glass.
After cleaning the frame and removing the dust, you can apply another layer of glass on the seam where you removed the broken pane. This is the most effective method to seal and protect your window. It will also reduce your energy bills by preventing water and drafts from entering the home. The next step is to choose the right glazing material. There are many options available such as clear tape, which is more durable than regular tape and prevents further cracking of your window, or glazing film which 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 the elements like ice and rain.
Whatever material you use it is important to press the glazier's points into that place where the putty joins your frame. These will hold the new glass in place and aid it to adhere to the frame. Hardware stores sell glazier's ropes that can be rolled out onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing can be prone to condensation issues. If you experience this problem it is best to contact the company that installed the window. Many companies provide warranties and guarantees that will cover the problems. Fogging and condensation between panes of glass is an obvious sign that the seals between your windows are damaged and can only be fixed by an expert who will replace both panes.
It's a difficult procedure that requires special tools to remove and replace the window. A professional can complete this job and provide the tools. It is recommended to leave the work to a professional. These tools could be hazardous.
Wear safety gloves and glasses if you decide to do it yourself. You may be exposed to flying glass fragments. It is also essential to remove all the putty and metal glazing points from the grooves in which the new window will be. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming it with a damp cloth are also recommended. When the frame is dry and clean, you will need to get a replacement glass that is 1/8 inch smaller in each direction than your existing window and test-fit it in the grooves.
You will need to apply a layer silicone caulk to the grooves of your frames to ensure that your glass is secure in its installation. After the caulk dries it is time to smooth it out and make any adjustments needed. The wood molding can be reinstalled.
If the weather suddenly changes, double-glazed windows can become difficult to open or close. Extreme temperatures can cause frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, which causes them to slide and become stuck. If this is the problem, you can try wiping down the frames using water and lubricating joints. However, it might be a good idea to call the company that installed your windows to help.
Misted
When moisture gets trapped between the glass panes, it can cause misty double glazing. Double glazing is made up of two panes which are separated by a gap filled with argon to improve thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm air inside and cold outdoor air outside, allowing you to keep your temperature in your home comfortable.
Over time however, this seal may break and moisture will start to build up between the windows, causing them to turn misty. This happens because the sun's rays heat the gap between window panes, which causes the water to evaporate.
This is a normal process, but when it occurs between the window panes, it can be a problem since it can no longer regulate the temperature of 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 repair the individual blow-sealed unit without having to replace the whole window, which is a lot less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty glass repair involves removing and cleaning the glass and replacing it with a brand new one. This will result in an airtight seal again.
There are some companies in the field that claim to drill holes into your windows with mist and inject chemicals into them which claim to eliminate condensation and fog however, we don't recommend this method. This method is not just ugly, but it could also harm the toughened glass and leave you with a window which isn't functioning properly.
If you don't address the problem immediately, it could lead to mould, which could not only cause damage to the window, but could also cause health risks for your loved ones. Moisture can cause other issues within your home, like dampness or rot. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the entire window.
Blown or Failed
Double-glazed windows are made up of two panes of glass with an air or inert between them. This helps to improve their thermal efficiency, keeping heat in and cold out. Over time, this gas can depressurize, leading to a number of issues.
One of the most frequently encountered is condensation that forms between the panes. It is not a sign of a window failure, but it could indicate that you should reseal the windows. Condensation could be an indication that your double glazing has failed and, in that case, it will need to be replaced completely.
Double-glazed windows may also cause drafts. It could be due to a failure of the seal or a broken handle or lock. It is essential to fix the issue as quickly as possible. A draught will cause you to pay more for heating. Test the seals on the window frame by feeling for cold air.
Another sign that more info your window seals have failed is when you begin to notice water beads on the inside of your windows. This is an indication that you need to reseal the double glazed windows.
The window frames you have purchased were designed to move slightly and this is essential to keep the glass sheets in place. In time, this special packaging material may become compressed. This can 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 is damaged and needs to be fixed immediately. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing performing its primary purpose, which is to keep cold air out and warm air in. A blown seal could let moisture in your home, which could result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is important to contact a specialist in double glazing repair when you notice a blown seal on your double-glazed windows, as they are able to replace the entire unit.