Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that prevents loss of heat during winter and keeps your home cool in the summer. The ability to have your double-glazed windows repaired when needed is an excellent way to keep them working properly.
Over time your double glazed windows can suffer from problems like condensation and misting. Double glazed windows may be difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A stray baseball, a flying pebble from your lawnmowers or even a heavy storm can break the double panes of your windows and expose your home to the elements. While a cracked window can be difficult to repair however, you don't have to have it replaced entirely. The insulated glass between two glass panes is still in good shape and you can fix your double-paned window yourself.
First, you'll need to remove any broken glass from the frame. This is messy work and you'll need to take care to prevent any glass shards from falling onto the floor or sliding out of the frame. Make sure you wear work gloves to protect your hands and a cloth to protect the area around the broken glass to prevent further breakage or cuts. After removing the broken pane take care to clean the entire frame of the window to get rid of any sealant residue and debris. It is important to smooth rough areas of the frame to ensure a smooth surface for your new glazing.
After cleaning the frame and removing the dust, you can apply another layer of glass to the area where you removed the broken pane. This is the best way to ensure your window stays secure and sealed and aid in reducing energy costs by keeping water and drafts from getting into your home. The next step is to select your glazing material. Some options include clear tape which is more durable than regular tape and will help keep your window from further cracking, and glazing film that resembles clear plastic wrap. The benefit of this type of material is that it can be painted to match the frame you have and will keep snow and rain out as well.
No matter what material you use, it's important to press the glazier's points into that gap where the putty meets your frame. These will hold the new glass in place and aid it to adhere to the frame. Hardware stores sell glazier's ropes, which you can use on the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing can be prone to condensation issues. If you experience this issue, it is recommended to contact the company that provided the window. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees that provide coverage for the problems. Condensation and fogging in the panes of glass is an obvious sign that the seals between your windows have been damaged and can only be repaired by an expert who will repair both panes.
It is a tricky procedure that requires special tools to remove and replace the window. A professional can do this task and supply the tools. Making use of these tools can be risky, so it is always best to leave this type of job to professionals.
If you decide to do this yourself, be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from broken glass pieces that could fly off during the process. It is important to remove 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 is also recommended. After the frame is dry you'll have to purchase an additional piece of glass that is 1/8" shorter in both directions than the existing window. Check the glass's fit into the grooves.
Based on the frames you have You will then have to apply the caulk on the grooves to ensure that your new pane is secure in position. Once the caulk has dried, you will need to smooth it and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding will then be reinstalled.
If the weather suddenly changes, double-glazed windows could become difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures can cause frames to shrink or expand and, as a result, they can slide or become stuck. You can try wiping the frames with water and lubricating them in the event that this happens however it is better to seek advice from the company that installed your windows.
Misted
Misted Double Glazing is a window problem that is caused by moisture getting trapped between the glass panes of your double glazed windows. Double glazing is made up of two panes which are separated by a gap filled with argon for better thermal efficiency. This creates a airtight seal that keeps warm air inside and cold outside air out.
In time, however, this seal may break and moisture will begin to accumulate between the windows, causing them to become cloudy. This happens because the gap between the panes is heated by the sun, causing water vapour to form within it.
This is a normal process however, if it occurs between the window panes, it can be a problem since it can no longer regulate the temperature of the room and will allow the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. Northfield Glass can help you if your double-glazed windows start to fog.
window repair can replace a single sealed unit without the need to replace the entire window. This is less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty glass repair involves removing and cleaning the glass unit, then replacing it with a new one. This creates a seal that is watertight again.
Certain companies in the business claim to inject chemicals through holes drilled into windows that have been misty to eliminate the fog and condensation. We don't suggest this method. This is not only unsightly, but it could cause damage to the toughened glass and leave you with a window that does not fully perform its function.
It is important to fix the problem as soon as possible, as left untreated, it can result in the growth of mould, which not only damages the window, but also poses health risks for your family members. Moisture in the window can also lead to other problems within your home such as damp or rot. In some cases it is possible to replace the entire window.
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 heat in and cold out. Over time, the gas may depressurize and cause a variety of issues.
Condensation between panes is one of the most common. While it is a natural phenomenon, it doesn't mean your window is failing, it can be a sign that you need to re-seal your windows. Condensation could be an indication that your double glazing has failed, in which case it should be replaced completely.
It is also important to look for drafts coming through your double-glazed windows. This could be because of an unsound seal or a damaged handle or a damaged lock. It is crucial to address this problem as soon as you can. A draft will force you to spend more on heating. Test the seals around the window frame by smelling cold air.
Another sign that your window seals are failing is when you start to notice water beading on the inside of your windows. This is a good indicator that you need to re-seal your double glazed windows.
Your window frames are made to move a little bit in order to do in order to keep the glass sheets in the right place. As time passes, this particular packaging material can become compressed. This can cause the seal to become broken. This will allow air to flow between the panes, and decrease the efficiency of your window.
Double glazing that has broken an air seal is an indication of failure and should be fixed as soon as is possible. A damaged seal will stop your double glazing from performing its primary purpose of keeping cold out and warm in. A damaged seal could let moisture into your home, which can cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. Contact a double-glazing specialist as soon you notice a blown window seal. They can repair or replace the entire unit.