Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is a fantastic investment in energy efficiency. It stops heat loss during the winter months and helps keep your home cool during summer. Having your double glazed windows repaired when needed is a great way to keep them working properly.
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 and close.
Broken Panes
A stray ball, a flying pebble from your lawnmowers or even a severe storm can break the double panes of your windows, leaving your home exposed to the elements. Even though a glass window that has been damaged 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 on your own.
To begin, you'll need to remove the broken glass from the frame. You'll need to be careful to prevent glass shards from falling to the floor or slipping off the frame. Wear work gloves to protect you hands, and a rag to cover the broken glass area to prevent any further injury or cuts. After removing the broken pane take care to clean the entire frame of the window to remove any remaining sealant or debris. It is essential to sand rough areas of the frame to create a smooth surface for the new glazing.
Once the frame is cleaned and dried, you can apply a fresh layer of glass to the seam where the damaged pane was removed. This is the most effective method to protect and seal your window, and will save you money by preventing drafts and water from entering your home. The next step is to choose the right glazing material. Some options include clear tape, which is a bit more robust than regular tape and will help keep your window safe from further cracking, and glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. This option has the advantage that it can be painted to match the frame of your window and can also shield your windows from rain and ice.
Regardless of the material you select regardless of the material you choose, it is essential to press the glazier's points into the seam where the putty meets the frame. These will hold the glass in place, and aid in adhering to the frame. Hardware stores carry glazier's point ropes that you can roll out onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you have a problem with condensation, it is best to call the window manufacturer. There are warranties and guarantees that cover the issues. Fogging and condensation between panes of glass is an obvious sign that the seals between your windows are broken and must be repaired by a professional who will replace both panes.
This process is a little complicated and requires specific tools to remove the old pane and install the new one, but it can be accomplished by an expert who will supply the required equipment. It is recommended to leave the job to an expert. These tools could be risky.
If you decide to do it yourself, make sure you wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from any broken glass pieces that could fly off during the process. It is also important to remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves where the new window will be. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming it with a damp cloth is recommended. Once the frame is clean and dry then you'll need order a piece of replacement glass that is 1/8 inch shorter in each direction than your window that you have and then fit it into the grooves.
You will have to apply a layer of silicone caulk in the grooves of your frames to ensure your new glass is secure in its installation. After the silicone caulk has dried and cured, you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding can then be put back in place.
If the weather suddenly changes, double-glazed windows can be difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures can 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 if this is the case, but it may be better to seek help from the company who installed your windows.
Misunderstood
When moisture gets trapped in between the glass panes, it can cause misty double glazing. Double glazing is made up of two panes that are separated by a space that is filled with argon for 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 in your home comfortable.
The seal could be damaged over time, and moisture can build up between the glass panes and cause them to become to become cloudy. This happens because the space between the panes is heated by sun, causing water vapour to develop within it.
This is a natural process 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 indoors. If you notice that your double-glazed windows have become cloudy, contact the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can replace a single blown sealed unit without needing to replace the entire window. This is much more streamlined than a total replacement. window repairs involves removing the glass, cleaning it, then replacing it with a fresh one to create an airtight seal.
There are companies in the field which claim to drill holes into your windows that are misting and inject chemicals into them that claim to eliminate condensation and fog, however, we do not recommend this method. This is not only unsightly but could also damage the toughened glass, leaving you with a window that doesn't function properly.
If you don't address the issue quickly it could cause mold, which could not only damage the window, but cause health risks for your family members. Moisture in the window can also lead to other problems within your home, such as damp or rot. In certain cases, the window may need to be replaced completely.
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 the cold out. As time passes, the gas can become depressurised and cause many issues.
One of the most common is condensation that forms between the panes. It's not an indication of a failure in the window, but it could indicate that you should replace the windows. Condensation can be an indication that your double glazing has broken, in which case it will need to be replaced completely.
Also, look out for draughts that are coming from your double-glazed windows. This could be caused by a failure of the seal or a damaged handle or lock. It is important to fix the issue as quickly as you can. A draught will cause you to spend more on heating. Test the seals on the window frame by feeling for cold air.
Another sign that your window seals have failed is when you begin to notice water beads on the inside of your windows. This is an indication that you have to reseal the double glazed windows.
The frames of your windows are designed to move slightly, as they need to do in order to keep the glass sheets in their place. As time passes, this particular packaging material could become compacted. This will cause the seal to become broken. This will allow the air to circulate between the panes, reducing the energy efficiency of your window.
Double glazing that has ruptured seals is an indication of a failure and needs to be repaired as soon as is possible. A blown seal stops your double glazing performing its primary purpose that is to keep the cold out and warm air in. A blown seal can also let moisture in your home, which could lead to mold and other unpleasant conditions. You should call a specialist in double glazing repair as soon as you spot a damaged seal in your double glazed windows, since they could replace the entire unit.