Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that reduces heat loss in the winter and keeps your home cool in the summer. Restoring your double-glazed windows as needed is a great way to keep them in good condition.
Over time condensation and misting may affect your double-glazed windows. This can 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, leaving you home vulnerable to the elements. While a damaged glass window isn't easy to fix, it doesn't need to be replaced. In fact, the insulated glass between the two panes remains in good shape and you can repair your double-pane window with a bit of DIY effort.
You'll first need to remove any broken glass from the frame. You'll need to be cautious to keep glass shards from falling to the floor or falling off the frame. Use 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 removing the broken piece, carefully clean the entire frame of the window to get rid of any remaining sealant or debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth surface to put in your new glass.
After cleaning the frame and dried, you can apply a new layer of glazing to the area where the broken pane was removed. This is the best way to seal and protect your window. It can also reduce your energy bills by preventing water and drafts from entering the home. The next step is to choose your glazing material. Some options include clear tape that is more robust than regular tape and will keep your window from further cracking, as well as glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. The benefit of this type of material is that it can be painted over to match your frame and will keep out rain and snow as well.
Whatever material you decide to use it is important to press the glaziers points into that gap where the putty meets your frame. These will hold the newly-formed glass in place and aid it adhere to the frame. Glazier's points can be found in hardware stores, and they come in pre-made ropes that you roll out onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you have a problem with condensation, it's recommended to contact your window manufacturer. There are warranties and guarantees that cover these problems. Condensation and fogging in the panes of glass is a clear indication that the seals between your windows are damaged and must be repaired by a professional who will repair both panes.
It's a complicated procedure that requires specialized tools to remove and replace the old window. A professional can complete this task and supply the equipment. Utilizing these tools could be dangerous, so it is always recommended to leave this kind of work to a professional.
If you choose to do it yourself, make sure you wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from broken pieces of glass that could fly off during the process. It is also important to carefully remove all 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 are also recommended. When the frame is dry and clean, you will need to get a replacement glass which is 1/8 inch less in each direction than your window that you have and then fit it into the grooves.
You will need to apply a layer silicone caulk to the grooves of your frames to ensure that your new glass is securely installed. Once the caulk has dried and is dry, you must smooth it and make any adjustments needed. Then the wood molding can be put back in place.
If the weather abruptly changes, double-glazed windows can become difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures may cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or shrink, causing them to sag and stick. If this is the issue, you can try wiping the frames down using water and lubricating joints. However, it may be a good idea to call the company who installed your windows to help.
Misted
When moisture gets trapped in between the glass panes it can cause misty double glazing. Double glazing is comprised of two panes, which are separated by a gap filled with argon for greater thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm air inside and cold outdoor air outside which allows you to keep the temperature in your home comfortable.
The seal could be damaged over time, and water can accumulate between the panes of glass which can cause them to turn to appear misty. This happens because the space between the panes is heated by sun, which causes water vapour to build up in it.
This is a normal occurrence, but when it occurs between the window panes it could cause problems as it is no longer able to regulate the temperature of the room, and allows the outside temperature to influence the indoor temperature. If you notice that your double glazed windows are becoming 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 window repair involves taking off the glass unit, cleaning it, then replacing it with a fresh one to create an airtight seal.
Some companies in the field claim to inject chemicals through holes into windows with mist to remove the fog and condensation. We do not suggest this method. This method isn't just unattractive, but could also damage the toughened glass and leave you with a window that isn't functioning properly.
It is crucial to resolve the issue as quickly as you can, because if left untreated, it can lead to mould growth, which not only damages the window, but can also pose health risks to your family members. Moisture in the window can cause other issues within your home such as damp or rot. In certain cases the window might need to be replaced entirely.
Blown or failed
Double-glazed windows are comprised of two glass panes with an air or inert between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. Over time, this gas may depressurize and cause a variety of problems.
Condensation between panes is one of the most frequent. It's not an indication of a failure in the window however it could be a sign you should reseal them. Condensation may also be a sign that your double glazing has broken and, in that case, it's time to get it replaced completely.
Also, look out for drafts coming through the double-glazed windows. This could be because of the seal being damaged or a damaged handle or a broken lock. It is essential to fix this problem as soon as possible. A draft will force you to pay more for heating. You can test the seals by placing your finger around the edges of your window frame to determine whether you feel cold air.
You will also notice water beads on the interior of windows if the window seals aren't performing as they should. This is a good indicator that you will need to replace the seals on your double-glazed windows.
The frames of your windows are designed to move a little bit as they have to do in order to keep the glass sheets in their place. However, over time, this special packaging material may be compressed and cause the seal to break. This allows air to flow between the panes, decreasing the energy efficiency of your window.
A blown seal is an obvious sign that your double glazing has failed and must be fixed as soon as possible. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from performing upvc window repair its primary function of keeping cold out and warm inside. A damaged seal could let moisture in your home, which can result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. Call a double glazing specialist when you spot a damaged window seal. They can replace the entire unit.