Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that reduces loss of heat during winter and keeps your home cooler during the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows whenever required is a great method to ensure they are in good condition.
Over time, condensation and misting can be detrimental to your double-glazed windows. This could cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open or close.
Broken Panes
A unruly ball or a flying stone from your lawnmowers, or an intense storm could shatter the double pane windows of your home and leave your home vulnerable to the elements. While a damaged window may be difficult to fix but you don't need to replace it completely. The insulated glass between two panes of glass is still in good shape, so you can repair your double-paned windows yourself.
To start, you'll need to remove the broken glass from the frame. Be careful to prevent glass shards from falling to the floor or slipping out of the frame. Use work gloves to protect your hands and use a rag around 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 eliminate any remaining sealant and debris. It is essential to sand rough areas of the frame to create a smooth surface for the new glazing.
After cleaning the frame, you can apply a new layer of glass to the seam in which the broken pane was removed. This is the best method to protect and seal your window. It can also reduce your energy bills by preventing drafts and water from entering the home. The next step is to choose the right glazing material. There are a variety of options, including clear tape, which is a bit more durable than regular tape and will help keep your window from further cracking, and glazing film that resembles clear plastic wrap. This choice has the benefit that it can be painted to match the frame of your window and will also block out the elements like ice and rain.
Whatever the material you choose 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 glass in place, and help it adhere to the frame. You can find glazier's points in hardware stores, and they are available in pre-made ropes which you roll onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing can be prone to condensation issues. If you experience this issue, it is best to contact the company that provided the window. There are warranties and guarantees to address these issues. Condensation and fogging between panes of glass is a clear indication that the seals between your windows are broken and can only be fixed by a professional who will repair both panes.
This process is a little difficult and requires the use of specific tools to remove the old pane and install the new one, but it is possible to do this by a professional who will provide the necessary equipment. It is best to leave the job to an expert. These tools can be hazardous.
Wear safety gloves and glasses if you opt to do it yourself. You may be exposed to glass fragments flying around. It is important to take out all putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will be receiving the new window. It is also recommended to brush the frame with wire, and then vacuum or wipe with a damp cloth. Once the frame is dry and clean you'll need to get a replacement glass that is 1/8 inch shorter in each direction than the existing window and test-fit it in the grooves.
Based on the frames you have You will then have to apply the caulk to the grooves in order to ensure that the new pane is secure in position. After the silicone caulk is dried and cured, you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding will then be reinstalled.
If the weather abruptly changes, double-glazed windows could 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 in the event that this happens, but it may be better to consult the company that installed your windows.
Misted
If moisture is trapped between the glass panes it can cause misty double glazing. window repair near me glazing is made up of two panes, which 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 air outside which allows you to keep the temperature at a comfortable level in your home.
The seal could fail over time, and moisture may build up between the glass panes, causing them misty. This happens because the space between the panes is heated by sun, which causes water vapour to develop within it.
This is a normal process however, if it occurs between the window panes it could cause problems as it is no longer able to regulate the temperature of the room and will allow the outside temperature to influence the indoor temperature. Northfield Glass can help you in the event that your double-glazed windows begin to mist.
We can replace a single blown sealed unit without having to replace the entire window. This is much less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty window repair involves taking off the glass unit, washing it, then replacing it with a fresh one to make an airtight seal.
There are some companies in the industry which claim to cut holes into your windows that are misting and inject chemicals into them, which they claim will eliminate the fog & condensation but we don't recommend this method. This method is not just unattractive, but could also damage your toughened glass leaving you with a window which doesn't function properly.
If you don't fix the issue quickly it could result in mould, which can not only cause damage to the window, but risk health issues for your loved ones. The moisture in the window may cause other problems with your property like damp or rot. In some cases the window might need to be replaced entirely.
Blown or failed
Modern double-glazed windows feature two glass panes that have an inert gas or air in between them. This improves their thermal efficiency, allowing the cold out and heat in. Over time, this gas may depressurize which can lead to a range of issues.
One of the most common is condensation that forms between the panes. It is not a sign of a window failure however it could be a sign 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.
Double-glazed windows can also cause draughts. This could be because of the seal being damaged or handle that is broken, or a broken lock. A draught can be evident and can result in higher heating bills, so it is important to fix it sooner rather than later. Check the seals around the window frame by feeling for cold air.
You may also see water beads on the inside of windows if your window seals are failing. This is a sign that you need to replace the seals on your double-glazed windows.
Your window frames are designed to move slightly in order to keep the glass sheets in place. However, over time this special packaging material can become compacted and this will cause the seal to break. This allows air to flow between the panes, reducing your window's energy efficiency.
Double glazing that has broken seals is a sign of failure and needs to be repaired immediately. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing performing its primary purpose which is to keep the cold out and warm air in. A blown seal can also let moisture into your home, which could cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. Call a double glazing specialist immediately you notice a blowing window seal. They can repair or replace the entire unit.