Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that prevents heat loss in the winter and keeps your home cooler during the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows when needed is a great way to ensure they remain in good condition.
Over time condensation and misting could affect your double-glazed windows. Double glazed windows may be difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A rogue ball or a flying stone from your lawnmower or even a strong storm can shatter your double pane windows which can expose your home to the elements. While a damaged window may be difficult to repair but you don't need to replace it entirely. In fact the insulated glass between the two panes remains in good shape, and you can fix your double-pane window with some DIY effort.
To begin, you'll need to remove the broken glass from the frame. Be careful to avoid any glass shards falling to the floor or slipping from the frame. Wear gloves for you hands, and a rag around the broken glass area to prevent any further injury or cuts. After removing the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly, removing any sealant or debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth and even surface to install your new glazing.
After cleaning the frame, you can apply another layer of glass on the seam where you removed the broken pane. This is the best way to protect and seal your window, and will save you money by preventing water and drafts from entering the home. The next step is to choose the right glazing material. Some options include clear tape, which is a bit more robust than regular tape and can keep your window safe from further cracking, as well as glazing film that resembles clear plastic wrap. This type of wrap has the advantage that it can be painted to match your frame, and can also shield your windows from rain and ice.
Whatever material you choose, it's important to press the glaziers points into that gap where the putty meets your frame. These will hold the newly-formed glass in place and help it adhere to the frame. You can find glazier's points in hardware stores, and they come in pre-made ropes that you simply roll 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. There are warranties and guarantees to cover the issues. Condensation and fogging between panes of glass is a clear sign that the seals between your windows are broken and can only be fixed by an expert who will fix both panes.
It is a tricky process that requires special tools to remove and replace the old window. A professional can do this task and provide the tools. Making use of these tools can be dangerous, so it is always best to leave this kind task to an expert.
If you do decide to undertake this yourself, make sure you wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from any broken pieces of glass that may fly off during the process. It is also essential to remove all the putty and metal glazing points from the grooves that the new window will go. It is also recommended to wire-brush the frame and vacuum or wipe it with a damp cloth. After the frame is clean and dry, you will need to order a piece of replacement glass which is 1/8 inch less in each direction than your existing window and test-fit it into the grooves.
You will require a layer of silicone caulk into the grooves of frames to ensure your glass is properly installed. After the silicone caulk has dried you can smooth it out and make any adjustments. Then the wood molding can be reinstalled.
Double glazed windows can become difficult to open or close in the event of extreme weather. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames to shrink or expand and, as a result, they can slide or become stuck. You can try wiping down the frames with water and lubricating them in the event that this happens however it is better to consult the company who installed your windows.
Misted
Misted Double Glazing is a window problem that develops when moisture gets trapped between the glass panes of your double glazed windows. Double glazing is comprised of two panes, which are separated by a gap filled with argon for better thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight sealing that keeps warm indoor air inside and cold outdoor air out.
The seal may become damaged over time and moisture may build up between the panes of glass and cause them to become to appear misty. This happens because the gap between the panes is heated by the sun, causing water vapour to build up in it.
This is a normal occurrence, but when it occurs between the window panes it can be a problem since it is no longer able to regulate the temperature of the room and allow the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. If you notice that your double-glazed windows have become blurred, call the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can repair the individual blown sealed unit without needing to replace the whole window and is less disruptive than a total replacement. Our misty glass repair involves removing and cleaning the unit of glass and replacing it with a new one. This will create an airtight seal and will be watertight.
Certain companies in the business claim that they can inject chemicals through holes drilled into windows with mist to remove the fog and condensation. We don't suggest this method. This method is not only ugly, but it can also damage the toughened glass and result in windows that do not fully function.
If you don't take care to fix the issue immediately, it could lead to mold, which could not only cause damage to the window, but cause health risks for your loved ones. Moisture can cause other issues within your home, such as dampness or rot. In some instances, the window may need to be replaced entirely.
Blown or failed
Double-glazed windows are comprised of two glass panes with an air or inert between them. This improves their door repairs near me thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and the cold out. As time passes the gas will become depressurised and cause various problems.
One of the most frequently encountered is condensation occurring between the panes. Although it's a normal occurrence and doesn't mean that your window is failing however it could be a sign that you need to seal your windows. Condensation could also be a sign of a broken double glazing that will require re-installation.
You should also look out for draughts that are coming from the double-glazed windows. It could be due to the seal being damaged or a damaged handle or a broken lock. It is important to fix the issue as quickly as you can. A draft will force you to pay more for heating. Test the seals around the window frame by feeling for cold air.
Another indication that your window seals are failing is when you start to notice water beading on the inside of your windows. This is an indication that you need to reseal the double glazed windows.
Your window frames are designed to move a bit and this is essential to keep the glass sheets in place. However, over time this special packaging material can become compacted and this will break the all-important seal. This will allow air to flow between the panes and reduce the energy efficiency of your window.
Double glazing that has blown seals is an indication of failure and should be fixed as soon as is possible. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary purpose of keeping cold out and warm inside. A blown seal can also let moisture into your home, which can cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. You should call a specialist in double glazing repair as soon as you discover a blowing seal in your double-glazed windows, since they could replace the entire unit.