Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that stops loss of heat in winter months and helps keep your home cooler in the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows whenever required is a great method to keep them in good condition.
Over time, your double-glazed windows may experience issues like condensation and misting. This can cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open or shut.
Broken Panes
A rogue baseball, a flying pebble from your lawnmower, or even a storm that is heavy can break the double glazing repairs panes of your windows and expose your home 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 that is between the two panes is still in good condition and you can repair your double-pane window using a bit of DIY effort.
To begin, you’ll need remove the broken glass from the frame. Be careful to avoid any glass shards falling onto the floor or sliding out of the frame. Use work gloves to protect your hands and use a rag to cover the broken glass area to prevent further cuts or damage. After you have removed the broken glass clean the frame of the window thoroughly, removing any sealant or other debris. It’s important to sand window repair rough areas of the frame to ensure an even surface for your new glass.
After cleaning the frame after cleaning, you can apply a second 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 can also save you energy costs by preventing drafts and water from entering the home. The next step is to select the material for your glazing. Some options include clear tape that is more robust than regular tape and can keep your window secure from further cracking, as well as glazing film that resembles clear plastic wrap. The advantage of this choice is that it can be painted over to match your existing frame, and it will keep out rain and snow as well.
Regardless of the material you select regardless of the material you select, it is crucial to press glazier’s points into the seam where the putty meets the frame. These will hold the new glass in place and aid it to adhere to the frame. You can find glazier’s points in hardware stores, and are available in pre-made ropes that you roll over the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing can be susceptible to condensation issues and if you experience this issue, it is best to call the company that provided the window. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees to cover the problems. Fogging or condensation on the panes of your windows is a sign that the seals are damaged. Only a professional can fix this problem by replacing the panes.
It’s a difficult procedure that requires special tools to remove and replace the window. A professional can complete this task and supply the tools. Using these tools can be dangerous it is recommended to leave this kind task to an expert.
Wear safety glasses and gloves if you choose to do it yourself. You could be exposed to flying glass fragments. It is essential to remove all putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will hold the new window. It is also recommended to wire-brush the frame and vacuum or wipe it with a damp cloth. Once the frame is clean and dry you’ll need to order a piece of replacement glass which is 1/8 inch less in each direction than your window, and then test it in the grooves.
You’ll need to apply a layer silicone caulk to the grooves of frames to ensure the glass you are installing is properly installed. After the caulk dries and is dry, you must smooth it and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding can be put back in place.
If the weather abruptly changes, double-glazed windows may be difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures can cause frames to shrink or expand and, as a result, they can fall or stick. You can try wiping the frames with water and lubricating them if this is the case however, it’s better to consult the company who installed your windows.
Misted
If moisture is trapped between the glass panes, it can cause misted double glazing. Double glazing consists of two glass panes which are separated by an insulating space typically filled with argon gas to provide improved 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 will begin to break down and moisture can begin to accumulate between the windows, causing them to become misty. This occurs because the sun heats the gap between the panes of windows, causing the water to evaporate.
It is a natural phenomenon however, if it happens between the panes of the window it can be a problem because it won’t be able to regulate the temperature in the room. Instead the temperature outside the window will affect the temperature inside. If you notice that your double glazed windows are becoming blurred, call the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can replace a single blown sealed unit, without the need to replace the entire window. This is much less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty window repair involves taking off the glass unit, washing it, then replacing it with a new one to make a watertight seal again.
There are companies in the industry who claim to drill holes into your windows with mist and inject chemicals into them which they say removes the fog & condensation but we do not recommend this procedure. This is not only unsightly, but it could also harm the toughened glass and can result in windows that don’t completely function.
If you don’t fix the problem immediately it could result in mold, which could not only damage the window, but also pose health risks to your loved ones. The moisture in the window may also lead to other problems in your home like damp or rot. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the entire window.
Blown or Failed
Modern double-glazed windows feature 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 may be depressurized and cause a variety of issues.
Condensation in between the panes is among the most common. It’s not an indication of a failure in the window, but it could be a sign that you need to reseal the windows. Condensation could be a sign your double glazing has broken, in which case it’s time to get it replaced completely.
Double-glazed windows may also cause drafts. It could be due to a failure of the seal or a damaged handle or lock. It is essential to fix this issue as soon as you can. A draft can cause you to pay more for heating. You can test the seals by rubbing around the edges of your window frame to determine whether you feel cold air.
You may also see water beads on the interior of windows if the window seals aren’t working. This is a sign that you should seal your double-glazed windows.
The window frames you have purchased were designed to move a bit, which is necessary to keep the glass sheets in place. In time, this special packaging material could be compressed. This will cause the seal to be broken. This will allow air to circulate between the panes, and decrease the energy efficiency of your window.
A blown seal is a clear sign that your double glazing is damaged and should be repaired immediately. A blown seal will prevent your double glazing from performing its primary function of keeping the cold out and warm in. A blown seal can also let moisture in your home, which can lead to mold and other unpleasant conditions. Contact a double glazing expert as soon you notice a blowing window seal. They can fix the entire unit.