Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that reduces loss of heat in winter and helps to keep your home cool in the summer. Having your double glazed windows repaired as needed is an excellent way to keep them working effectively.
Over time, your double glazed windows can suffer from issues such as condensation and misting. This can cause your double-glazed windows to be difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A stray baseball or a stray pebble from your lawnmowers or even a heavy storm can shatter the double panes of your windows and expose your home to the elements. Although a window that is cracked can be difficult to fix but you don't need to replace it entirely. The insulated glass that is between two glass panes is still in good shape and you can fix your double-paned windows yourself.
To start, you'll need to remove the broken glass from the frame. This will be an unpleasant task, and you'll want to be careful to stop glass shards from falling onto the floor or falling out of the frame. Make sure you wear gloves to protect your hands, and a rag to cover the area around the broken glass to avoid further damage or breaks. After removing the broken glass, carefully clean the entire frame of the window to get rid of any sealant residue and debris. Sand rough areas of the frame to create a smooth surface to put in your new glass.
After the frame has been cleaned then you can apply a new layer of glazing to the place where the damaged pane was removed. This is the best way to protect and seal your window. It will also save you energy costs by preventing water and drafts from entering your home. The next step is to choose the material for your glazing. Some options include clear tape that is more durable than regular tape and will help keep your window secure from further cracking, and 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.
Whatever material you choose, it's important to press the glaziers points into that seam where the putty meets your frame. They will help hold the glass in place, and help it adhere to the frame. Glazier's points can be found in hardware stores, and they are available in pre-made ropes which you roll out onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you have a problem with condensation, it is recommended to contact your window manufacturer. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees that cover these issues. Condensation or fogging between the windows' panes is a sign that your seals are broken. Only an expert can fix this problem by replacing the panes.
It is a tricky procedure that requires specialized tools to remove and replace the old window. A professional can do this job and provide the tools. Using these tools can be risky it is best to leave this kind of job to an expert.
Wear safety glasses and gloves if you choose to do it yourself. You may be exposed to flying glass fragments. It is also crucial to remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves that the new window will be. It is also recommended to brush the frame with wire, and then vacuum or wipe with a damp cloth. After the frame has dried, you'll need to order a replacement piece of glass that's 1/8" shorter in both directions than the existing window. Make sure the glass fits into the grooves.
You will require a layer of silicone caulk to the grooves of frames to ensure the glass you are installing is securely installed. After the caulk is dry it is time to smooth it out and make any needed adjustments. The wood molding will then be reinstalled.
If the weather suddenly changes, double-glazed windows can become difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures may cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, causing them to become sagging and stick. Try wiping the frames with water and lubricating them when this happens however it is better to seek advice from the company who installed your windows.
Misted
When moisture gets trapped in between the glass panes it can cause misty double glazing. Double glazing consists of two panes, which are separated by a space that is filled with argon to improve thermal efficiency. This creates a airtight seal that keeps warm air in, and cold outdoor air out.
In time, however, this seal will begin to break down and moisture can begin to accumulate between the window panes, causing them to become misty. This happens because the gap between the panes is heated by the repairmywindowsanddoors sun, which causes water vapour to build up in it.
This is a normal occurrence, but when it occurs between the window panes, it can cause a problem as it will no longer be able to control the temperature in the room and allow the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. If you notice your double glazed windows are becoming cloudy, contact the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can replace a single blow sealed unit without the need to replace the entire window. This is less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty glass repair consists of removing and cleaning the unit of glass, then replacing it with a brand new one. This creates a watertight seal and will be watertight.
There are some companies in the field that claim to drill holes into your windows with mist and inject chemicals into them, which claim to eliminate condensation and fog but we do not recommend this procedure. This method is not just unattractive, but could also damage your toughened glass and leave you with a window that isn't functioning properly.
It is crucial to resolve the problem as soon as you can, as if untreated it can cause mould growth that not only damages the window, but also poses health risks for your family members. The moisture in the window may 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
Modern double-glazed windows feature two glass panes that have an inert gas or air between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. Over time, this gas can depressurize, leading to a number of issues.
One of the most common is condensation occurring between the panes. It's not a sign of a failure in the window, but it could be a sign you should replace them. Condensation could also be a sign that your double glazing is damaged in which case it should be replaced completely.
Double-glazed windows can also create draughts. This could be due to the seal being damaged or a damaged handle or a damaged lock. A draught can be noticeable and will lead to higher heating costs It is therefore essential to get it fixed sooner rather than later. You can test the seals by feeling around the edges of the window frame to see if you feel any cold air.
You will also notice water beads on the interior of windows when your window seals aren't performing as they should. This is a sign that you should replace the seals on your double-glazed windows.
The frames of your windows are designed to move a bit in order to do to keep the glass sheets in their place. As time passes, this particular packaging material can become compressed. This will result in the seal being broken. This will allow the air to circulate between the panes, which will reduce your window's energy efficiency.
Double glazing that has ruptured seals is an indication of a failure and should be repaired as soon as possible. A blown seal stops your double glazing performing its primary function, which is to keep the cold out and warm air in. In addition, a blown seal can let moisture in, which could cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. Call a double glazing specialist as soon you spot a damaged window seal. They can fix the entire unit.