Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is a fantastic investment in energy efficiency. It helps prevent 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 condensation and misting may impact your double-glazed windows. This can cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open or shut.
Broken Panes
A rogue ball, a flying stone from your lawnmower or even an intense storm could shatter the double pane windows of your home, leaving you home vulnerable to the elements. Even though a glass window that has been damaged is difficult to repair however, it does not need to be replaced. In fact the insulated glass between the two panes remains in good condition and you can repair your double-pane window with some DIY effort.
You'll first need to remove any broken glass from the frame. You'll need to be careful to prevent glass shards from falling to the floor or falling off the frame. Wear gloves for you hands, and an abrasive cloth around the damaged glass area to prevent any further injury or cuts. After removing the broken piece and cleaning the entire frame of the window to eliminate any remaining sealant or debris. Sand rough areas of the frame to create a smooth surface to put in your new glass.
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 method to seal and protect your window. It will also save you energy costs by preventing water and drafts from entering the home. The next step is to choose the right glazing material. There are several options available, including clear tape which is more durable than regular tape and will keep your window secure from further cracking, and glazing film that resembles 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.
No matter what material you choose it is important to press the glazier's points into the seam where the putty meets your frame. These will hold the glass in place, and aid in adhering to the frame. Hardware stores sell glazier's point ropes, which can be rolled out on the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing is susceptible to condensation issues and if you experience this issue, it is best to contact the company that installed the window. Many companies provide warranties and guarantees that cover these issues. Condensation and fogging between panes of glass is an obvious sign that the seals between your windows are broken and can only be fixed by an expert who will fix both panes.
The process is tricky and requires special tools to remove the old one and replace the new one, however it is possible to do this by a professional who will provide the necessary equipment. Using these tools can be dangerous, so it is always recommended to leave this kind of work to a professional.
If you do decide to do this yourself, ensure you wear gloves and safety glasses to shield yourself from any broken pieces of glass that may fly off during the process. It is important to take out all metal or putty points from the grooves that will receive the new window. Wire-brushing the frame, vacuuming or wiping with a damp cloth are also recommended. Once the frame has dried, you'll need to order an additional piece of glass that is 1/8" shorter in both directions than the existing window. Make sure the glass fits into the grooves.
You'll require a layer of silicone caulk to the grooves of your frames to ensure the glass you are installing is securely installed. After the silicone caulk has dried and cured, you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding will then be put back in place.
Double-glazed windows may become difficult to open or close in the event of extreme weather. Extreme temperatures can cause frames to expand or shrink and cause them to fall or stick. Try wiping the frames with water and then lubricating them when this happens however it is better to consult the company who installed your windows.
Misunderstood
If moisture is trapped between the glass panes it can cause misted double glazing. window repair glazing consists of two panes, which are separated by a space that is filled with argon for greater thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight sealing that keeps warm indoor air in, and cold outside air out.
This seal can fail over time, and moisture may build up between the glass panes, causing them to become cloudy. This happens because the space between the panes is heated by the sun, causing water vapour to form in it.
It is a natural phenomenon, but if it occurs between the panes of the window it can be a problem since it will no longer be able control the temperature within the room. Instead, the temperature outside the window will influence the temperature inside. If you notice that your double-glazed windows are turning misty, call in the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can replace the individual blown sealed unit without needing to replace the whole window which is less disruptive than a total replacement. Our misty glass repair involves taking off and cleaning the unit of glass and replacing it with a brand new one. This will result in an airtight seal again.
There are companies in the industry who claim to cut holes into your existing misted windows and inject chemicals into them that they claim will eliminate the condensation and fog however, we don't recommend this method. This method isn't just unsightly but could also damage the toughened glass, leaving you with a window that doesn't function properly.
It is crucial to resolve the issue as soon as you can, because if left untreated, it can lead to mould growth, which not only damages the window, but also poses health risks to your family. Moisture can cause other issues within your home, including dampness or rot. In some instances, it may be necessary to replace the entire window.
Failed or Blown
Double-glazed windows are comprised of two glass panes with an air or inert between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and the cold out. Over time, the gas may depressurize, leading to a number of problems.
One of the most frequent is condensation that forms between the panes. Although it's a normal occurrence and doesn't mean that your window has failed however it could be a sign that you need to re-seal your windows. Condensation is also an indication of broken double glazing that will need to be replaced.
Double-glazed windows may also cause draughts. This could be caused by an issue with the seal or a broken handle or lock. It is essential to fix this issue as soon as possible. A draught will cause you to pay more for heating. You can test the seals by placing your finger around the edges of your window frame to determine whether you feel cold air.
There will also be water beads on the interior of windows if your window seals are failing. This is a good indicator that you should seal your double-glazed windows.
The window frames you have purchased were designed to move a bit in order to keep the glass sheets in place. However, over time, this particular packaging material will get compacted, and this could break the all-important seal. This allows air to circulate between the panes and reduce the efficiency of your window.
Double glazing that has broken seals is an indication of a failure and needs to be repaired as soon as is possible. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary function, which is to keep the cold out and warm air in. A damaged seal could let moisture into your home, which can lead to mold and other unpleasant conditions. You should call a double glazing repair specialist immediately if you spot a damaged seal in your double-glazed windows, as they can replace the whole unit.