Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that prevents heat loss in the winter and keeps your home cooler during the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows when necessary is a great way to ensure they remain in good condition.
Over time, your double glazed windows can suffer from problems like condensation and misting. Double glazed windows can become difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A ball that is rogue or a stone flying from your lawnmowers or a storm that is strong enough can break the double pane windows of your home and leave your home vulnerable to the elements. Although a window that is cracked can be difficult to fix, you don't have to replace it completely. The insulated glass between two glass panes is still in good shape and you can fix your double-paned window yourself.
To begin, you'll need take the broken glass out of the frame. This will be a messy job and you'll need to be careful to stop glass shards from falling onto the floor or falling out of the frame. Make sure to wear a pair of work gloves to protect your hands and a rag to cover the area surrounding the broken glass to avoid further cuts or breakage. After removing the broken glass take care to clean the entire frame of the window to eliminate any sealant residue and debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth surface to put in your new glass.
After cleaning the frame and removing the dust, you can apply another layer of glass to the area where you removed the broken pane. This is the best method to ensure that your window is secure and sealed and will save you money by keeping water and drafts from getting into your home. The next step is to choose the material for your glazing. Some options include clear tape that is more robust than regular tape and will help keep your window 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 will keep snow and rain out too.
Whatever the material you choose, it is important to press glazier's points into the place where the putty joins the frame. These will hold the new glass in place and assist it to adhere to the frame. Hardware stores sell glazier's point ropes that you can use onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing can be susceptible to condensation issues. If you encounter this issue, it is recommended to contact the company that provided the window. A lot of windows come with warranties and guarantees that cover the issues. Fogging and condensation between panes of glass is a clear sign that the seals between your windows have been damaged and must be repaired by a professional who will replace both panes.
This process is a little complicated and requires special tools to remove the old pane and install the new one, however it can be accomplished by an expert who will supply the necessary equipment. It is best to delegate the job to professionals. These tools can be dangerous.
Wear safety glasses and gloves if you decide to do it yourself. You could be exposed to flying glass fragments. It is also crucial to carefully remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves in which the new window will go. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming a damp cloth are also recommended. Once the frame is dry and clean, you will need to order a piece of replacement glass that is 1/8 inch smaller in each direction than your existing window and test-fit it into the grooves.
You will require a layer of silicone caulk into the grooves of your frames to ensure the glass you are installing is securely installed. Once the caulk has dried, you will need to smooth it and make any adjustments needed. The wood molding can then be put back in place.
If the weather abruptly changes, double-glazed windows may become difficult to open or close. Extreme temperatures may cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, which causes them to become sagging and stick. You can try wiping down the frames with water and lubricating them in the event that this happens however it is better to seek advice from the company that installed your windows.
Misunderstood
If moisture is trapped between the glass panes it can cause misted double glazing. Double glazing consists 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 outdoor air outside which allows you to keep the temperature comfortable in your home.
Over time however, this seal can break down and moisture can begin to build up between the window panes, which causes them to become misty. This happens because the sun heats the gap between panes of windows, causing water to vapourize.
This is a natural process however, if it happens between the panes of the window it could cause problems because it will no longer be able to control the temperature inside the room. Instead, the temperature outside the window will affect the temperature indoors. Northfield Glass can help you if your double-glazed windows start to mist.
We can repair the individual sealed blown unit without having to replace the whole window which is less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty window repair involves removing the glass, cleaning it, then replacing it with a new one to make an airtight seal.
There are companies in the field who claim to drill holes in your windows that are misting and inject chemicals into them which they claim will eliminate the condensation and fog but we do not recommend this method. This method isn't just unattractive, but could also damage your toughened glass and leave you with a window that isn't functioning properly.
If you don't fix the problem immediately, it could lead to mold, which could not only cause damage to the window, but also cause health risks for your loved ones. The moisture in the window may cause other issues with your property, 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, with an inert gas or air in between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. As time passes, the gas can be depressurized and cause various problems.
Condensation between panes is one of the most frequent. While it is a natural event, it doesn't necessarily mean that your window has failed but it could be a sign that you need to seal your windows. Condensation can also be an indication of broken double glazing that will need to be replaced.
Also, look out for drafts coming through your double glazed windows. This could be due to the seal being damaged or a broken handle or lock. A draught is evident and can result in higher heating costs It is therefore essential that you get this fixed sooner rather than later. Iver double glazing repairs can test the seals by feeling around the edges of your window frame to determine if you feel any cold air.
You may also see water beads on the outside of windows if the window seals aren't performing as they should. This is a sign that you need to 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 their place. However, over time this special packaging material can get compacted, and this could crack the crucial seal. This allows air to move between the panes, reducing the efficiency of your window's energy consumption.
Double glazing that has blown seals is a sign of failure and should be repaired as soon as possible. A blown seal will stop your double glazing from performing its primary function, which is to keep cold air out and warm air in. Furthermore, a blow-off seal will let your home's moisture in, which can cause mold and other uncomfortable conditions. It is important to contact a double glazing repair specialist when you discover a blowing seal in your double glazed windows, since they could replace the whole unit.