Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent investment in energy efficiency. It prevents heat loss during the winter months and keeps your home cool during summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows whenever required is a great method to ensure they are in good condition.
Over time, your double-glazed windows can suffer from issues such as condensation and misting. This could cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open or shut.
Broken Panes
A stray ball or 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 damaged glass window isn't easy to fix but it doesn't have to be replaced. The insulated glass between two glass panes is still in good shape So you can repair your double-paned window yourself.
To begin, you'll need to remove the broken glass from the frame. This can be messy work, and you'll want 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 shield your hands from injury and a rag to cover the area around the broken glass to avoid further damage or breaks. After you have removed the broken glass clean the frame of the window thoroughly to get rid of any sealant or debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth surface on which to put in your new glass.
After the frame has been cleaned and dried, you can apply a new layer of glass to the area where the damaged pane was removed. This is the most effective way to keep your window secure and sealed, and it will help you save energy costs by stopping drafts and water from getting into your home. Next, you will need to choose the right glazing material. There are several options available, including clear tape, which is a bit more durable than regular tape and can keep your window secure from further cracking, as well as glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. The advantage of this choice is that it can be painted over to match the frame you have and will also keep out rain and snow too.
No matter what material you decide to use, it's important to press the glaziers points into the gap where the putty meets your frame. They will help hold the new glass in place and help it adhere to the frame. Hardware stores sell glazier's ropes, which can be rolled out onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing can be prone to condensation issues. If you experience this issue, it is best to call the company that provided the window. Many have warranties and guarantees to cover these problems. Condensation and fogging in the panes of glass is an obvious sign that the seals between your windows are damaged and must be repaired by an expert who will repair both panes.
This process is a little complicated and requires the use of special tools to remove the old one and replace the new one, but it is possible to do this by a professional who will provide the necessary equipment. It is recommended to leave the job to an expert. window repairs could be dangerous.
If you decide to undertake this yourself, ensure you wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from any broken glass pieces that could fly off during the process. It is important to remove all putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will be receiving the new window. Wire-brushing the frame, vacuuming or wiping with a damp cloth is also recommended. Once the frame has dried, you'll need to order another piece of glass that's 1/8" shorter in both directions than the existing window. Check the glass's fit into the grooves.
You'll require a layer of silicone caulk to the grooves of your frames to ensure your new glass is securely installed. After the silicone caulk is dried, you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding will then be reinstalled.
Double glazed windows can be difficult to open or close in the event of extreme weather. Extreme temperatures can cause frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, which causes them to become sagging and stick. You can try wiping the frames with water and lubricating them in the event that this happens, but it may be better to consult the company who installed your windows.
Misunderstood
When moisture gets trapped between the glass panes, it can cause misted double glazing. Double glazing is comprised of two panes of glass that are separated by an insulating space, typically filled with argon gas to provide better thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm room air inside and cold air outside and allows you to keep your temperature comfortable in your home.
In time, however, this seal can break down and moisture can begin to build up between the window panes, causing them to become misty. This occurs because the sun's rays heat the gap between the panes of windows, causing water to evaporate.
It is a natural phenomenon however if it occurs between the windows' panes it could be a problem because it won't be able to regulate the temperature inside the room. Instead the temperature outside the window will affect the temperature inside. Northfield Glass can help you if your double-glazed windows start to mist.
We can replace the blow-sealed unit without having to replace the whole window which is less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty window repair involves removing the glass, cleaning it, then replacing it with a new one to make an watertight seal.
Certain companies in the business claim to inject chemicals through holes into windows that have been misty to eliminate the fog and condensation. We don't recommend using this method. This is not only ugly, but it can also harm the toughened glass and can leave you with a window that does not completely perform the function it was intended to.
If you don't address the problem immediately it could result in mold, which could not only damage the window, but could also risk health issues for your family members. Moisture can also cause other issues within your home, like dampness or rot. In some instances, the window may need to be replaced completely.
Blown or Failed
Modern double-glazed windows come with 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 can become depressurized, causing various issues.
One of the most common is condensation between the panes. It's not a sign of a failure in the window however it could be a sign you need to reseal the windows. Condensation may also be a sign that your double glazing has broken and, in that case, it should be replaced completely.
Double-glazed windows can also create drafts. This could be caused by an issue with the seal or a damaged handle or lock. A draught can be quite evident and can result in more expensive heating bills It is therefore essential to get it fixed sooner rather than later. You can test the seals by rubbing around the edges of your window frame to determine whether you feel cold air.
You will also notice water beads on the outside of windows if your window seals aren't working. This is a clear indication that you need to re-seal your double glazed windows.
Your window frames are made to move a bit as they have to do to keep the glass sheets in their place. However, with time, this particular packaging material will get compacted, and this could cause the seal to break. This will allow the air to circulate between the panes, reducing your window's energy efficiency.
A seal that is blown is a clear indication that your double glazing has failed and must be fixed as soon as possible. A blown seal will prevent your double glazing from performing its primary purpose of keeping the cold out and warm in. A blown seal could let moisture into your home, which could cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. Contact a double glazing expert as soon you notice a blown window seal. They can fix the entire unit.