Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that stops loss of heat during winter and keeps your home cool in the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows when needed is a great way to ensure they are in good working order.
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 and close.
Broken Panes
A stray ball, a flying 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 damaged glass window isn't easy to fix but it doesn't have to be replaced. The insulated glass between two glass panes is in good condition, so you can repair your double-paned windows yourself.
To begin, you'll need to remove the broken glass from the frame. You'll need to be cautious to prevent glass shards from falling to the floor or slipping from the frame. Make sure to wear a pair of work gloves to protect your hands and a cloth to protect the area around the broken glass to avoid further cuts or breakage. After removing the broken pane, carefully clean the entire frame of the window to get rid of any remaining sealant or debris. It is essential to sand rough areas of the frame to ensure an even surface for your new glass.
After cleaning the frame then you can apply a new layer of glass to the area where the damaged pane was removed. This is the best way to ensure that your window is sealed and protected and save you money by keeping water and drafts from getting into your home. The next step is to choose the right glazing material. Some options include clear tape which is more durable than regular tape and will help keep your window from further cracking, as well as glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. The benefit of this option is that it can be painted to match your existing frame and will also keep snow and rain out as well.
Whatever the material you pick regardless of the material you select, it is crucial to press the glazier's points into the place where the putty joins the frame. These will hold the newly-formed glass in place and assist it to adhere to the frame. You can find glazier's points in hardware stores, and are available in pre-made ropes which you roll over the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing is susceptible to condensation issues. If you encounter this issue, it is best to contact the company that installed the window. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees to cover the problems. Condensation or fogging between the windows' panes is a sign that your seals are broken. Only a professional can fix this problem by replacing the panes.
This process is a little difficult and requires special tools to remove the old pane and then install the new one, however it can be accomplished by an expert who will supply the necessary equipment. It is best to leave the task to a professional. These tools can be risky.
Wear safety glasses and gloves if you decide to do it yourself. You may be exposed to glass fragments flying around. It is also essential to carefully remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves where the new window will be. It is also recommended to wire-brush the frame and vacuum or wipe it clean with a damp cloth. Once the frame has dried, you'll need to order an additional piece of glass that's 1/8" shorter in both directions than your existing window. Check the glass's fit into the grooves.
You will have to apply a layer of silicone caulk in the grooves of frames to ensure your new glass is secure in its installation. After the silicone caulk is dried and cured, you can smooth it out and make any adjustments. The wood molding can then be put back in place.
Double glazed windows can become difficult to open or close in the event of extreme weather. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames to expand or shrink and cause them to slide or become stuck. Try wiping the frames with water and lubricating them if this is the case, but it may be better to seek help from the company that installed your windows.
Misted
If moisture is trapped between the glass panes, it can cause misted double glazing. Double glazing is comprised 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 and allows you to keep the temperature in your home comfortable.
This seal can fail over time, and water can accumulate between the panes of glass which can cause them to turn misty. This happens because the gap between the panes is heated by sun, which causes water vapour to form within it.
This is a natural process however if it occurs between the panes of the window it can be a problem since it will no longer be able to control the temperature in the room. Instead, the temperature outside the window will influence the temperature indoors. If you notice your double glazed windows are becoming misty, call in the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can replace the sealed blown unit without having to replace the entire window, which is a lot less disruptive than a total replacement. Our misty window repair involves removing the glass unit, cleaning it, and then replacing it with a new one to make an airtight seal.
Some companies in the industry claim that they can inject chemicals through holes into windows that have been misty to eliminate the condensation and fog. We don't recommend using this method. This is not just unsightly, but it could also harm the toughened glass and can leave you with a window that does not fully perform the function it was intended to.
If you don't address the issue immediately, it could lead to mould, which could not only harm the window, but also pose health risks to your loved ones. The moisture in the window may cause other problems in your home, such as damp or rot. In some instances the window might need to be completely replaced.
Blown or failed
Modern double-glazed windows feature two glass panes that have an inert gas or air between them. This improves their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. As time passes the gas may be depressurized and cause various issues.
Condensation in between the panes is among the most frequent. It's not a sign of a failure in the window however it could be a sign you should replace the windows. Condensation may be a sign your double glazing has failed in which case it should be replaced completely.
Also, look out for draughts that are coming from the double-glazed windows. It could be due to an issue with the seal or a damaged handle lock. It is essential to fix this problem as soon as you can. A draft will force you to pay more for heating. Test the seals around the window frame by smelling cold air.
Another sign that the seals on your windows have failed is when you start to notice water beads on the inside of your windows. This is an indication that you need to replace the seals on your double-glazed windows.
Your window frames are made to move slightly, as they need to do 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 reduce the energy efficiency of your window.
A blown seal is a clear sign that your double glazing has failed and should be repaired immediately. A damaged seal will stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary function of keeping cold out and warm inside. window repair near me can also let moisture into your home, which could cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. Contact a double-glazing specialist when you notice a blown window seal. They can fix the entire unit.