Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent investment in energy efficiency. It prevents loss of heat during winter months and keeps your home cool during summer. Restoring your double-glazed windows as necessary is a great way to ensure they are in good condition.
Over time condensation and misting may impact your double-glazed windows. This could cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open or shut.
Broken Panes
A ball that is rogue, a flying stone from your lawnmowers or a storm that is strong enough can break your double-pane windows and leave your home vulnerable to the elements. Although a cracked glass window is difficult to repair but it doesn't have to be replaced. In fact the insulated glass between the two panes remains in good condition and you can repair your double-pane windows with some DIY effort.
First, you'll need to remove any broken glass from the frame. This will be messy work and you'll need to be careful to stop any glass fragments from falling onto the floor or falling out of the frame. Make sure to wear a pair of gloves to protect your hands, and a rag to cover the area surrounding the broken glass to avoid further damage or breaks. After removing the broken piece take care to clean the entire frame of the window to remove any sealant residue and debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth and even surface to put in your new glass.
After the frame has been cleaned then you can apply a fresh layer of glass to the place where the broken pane was removed. This is the most effective method to seal and protect your window. It will also reduce your energy bills by preventing drafts and water from entering the home. The next step is to choose your glazing material. There are a variety of options, including clear tape which is more durable than regular tape and can keep your window from further cracking, as well as glazing film that is similar to 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 the elements like ice and rain.
No matter what material you use it's essential to press the glazier's points into that seam where the putty meets your frame. They will help keep the glass in place and will help it stick to the frame. Hardware stores carry glazier's point ropes, which you can use onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing can be prone to condensation issues and if you experience this problem it is best to call the company that provided the window. Many companies provide warranties and guarantees that will cover these problems. Condensation and fogging in the panes of glass is an obvious indication that the seals between your windows are broken and can only be repaired by a professional who will fix both panes.
The process is complicated and requires the use of specific tools to remove the old one and replace the new one, but it can be done by an expert who will supply the necessary equipment. It is best to leave the job to a professional. These tools can be dangerous.
Wear safety gloves and glasses if you opt to do it yourself. You may be exposed to glass fragments flying around. It is also important to remove all the putty and metal glazing points from the grooves in which the new window will be. Wire-brushing the frame, vacuuming or wiping with a damp cloth is also recommended. After the frame is dry it is time to order another piece of glass that's 1/8" shorter in both directions than your existing window. Check the glass's fit into the grooves.
You'll need to apply a layer silicone caulk in the grooves of your frames to ensure that your glass is secure in its installation. Once the caulk has dried, you will need to smooth it and make any needed adjustments. The wood molding will then be put back in place.
Double glazed windows can become difficult to open or close if the weather changes dramatically. Extreme temperatures can cause frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, causing them to become sagging and stick. You can try wiping the frames with water and then lubricating them when this happens however, it's 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 consists of two panes, which are separated by a space that is filled with argon for greater thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm air inside and cold air outside, allowing you to keep the temperature at a comfortable level in your home.
The seal could be damaged over time, and moisture may build up between the panes of glass, causing them to become cloudy. This happens because the space between the panes gets heated by the sun, causing water vapour to develop in it.
This is a normal process however, if it occurs between the window panes, it can cause a problem as it can no longer control the temperature in the room, and allows the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. If you notice your double-glazed windows are turning blurred, call the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can replace a single blow sealed unit, without needing 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 brand new one. This will result in a seal that is watertight again.
There are companies within the field which claim to drill holes into your existing misted windows and inject chemicals into them that claim to eliminate fog & condensation, however, we do not recommend this procedure. This is not only unattractive, but could also damage your toughened glass leaving you with a window which isn't functioning properly.
If you don't address the issue quickly, it could lead to mold, which could not only damage the window, but could also pose health risks to your family members. The condensation in the window could cause other issues in your home, such as damp or rot. In some instances it is possible to replace the entire window.
Blown or Failed
Double-glazed windows are made up of two glass panes with an air or inert between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and the cold out. As time passes, the gas can depressurize, leading to a number of issues.
One of the most frequent is condensation occurring between the panes. While it is a natural event, it doesn't necessarily mean that your window is failing, it can be an indication that you need to re-seal your windows. Condensation could also be an indication of a damaged double glazing, which could need to be replaced.
It is also important to look for draughts that are coming from your double-glazed windows. This could be due to a failure of the seal or a damaged handle or lock. It is important to fix this issue as get more info soon as you can. A draught will cause you to pay more for heating. Test the seals around the window frame by feeling for cold air.
You will also notice water beads on the interior of windows if your window seals are failing. This is an indication that you have to reseal the double glazed windows.
Your window frames are made to move a bit, as they need to do in order to keep the glass sheets in the right place. However, with time, this special packaging material can become compacted and this will cause the seal to break. This will allow air to flow between the panes, and decrease the energy efficiency of your window.
A damaged seal is a clear indication that your double glazing has failed and must be fixed as soon as possible. A damaged seal will stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary purpose of keeping the cold out and warm inside. A blown seal could let moisture into your home, which can result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is important to contact a double glazing repair specialist immediately if you notice a blown seal in your double glazed windows, since they could replace the entire unit.