Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an energy efficient investment that stops loss of heat during winter and keeps your home cool in the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows when necessary is a great way to ensure they remain in good working order.
Over time your double glazed windows may suffer from issues like condensation and misting. This can cause your double-glazed windows to be difficult to open or shut.
Broken Panes
A stray ball or a flying pebble from your lawnmowers or even a heavy storm can break the double panes of your windows, leaving your home exposed to the elements. Although a window that is cracked can be difficult to fix but you don't need to have it replaced entirely. In fact the insulated glass that is between the two panes is still in good condition and you can fix your double-pane windows with some DIY effort.
To start, you'll need to take the broken glass out of the frame. window repairs near me 'll need to be careful to keep glass shards from falling to the floor or falling from the frame. Use work gloves to protect your hands, and place a rag around the broken glass to avoid any further injury or cuts. After removing the broken piece take care to clean the entire frame of the window to eliminate any remaining sealant or debris. It is important to sand rough areas of your frame to create an even surface for your new glass.
After cleaning the frame after cleaning, you can apply a second layer of glass to the area where you removed the broken pane. This is the most effective method to seal and protect your window. It will also save you energy costs by preventing water and drafts from entering the home. Next, you will need to choose the right glazing material. There are a variety of options, including clear tape that is more durable than regular tape and helps prevent further cracking of your window or glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrapping. The advantage of this choice is that it can be painted to match your existing frame and will keep out snow and rain as well.
No matter what material you decide to use it's essential to press the glazier's points into that seam where the putty meets your frame. These will hold the new glass in place and help it to adhere to the frame. The glazier's point can be found in hardware stores, and they come in pre-made ropes which you roll over the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing can be prone to condensation issues. If you encounter this issue, it is best to call the company that installed the window. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees to will cover these issues. Condensation or fogging between the panes of your windows is a sign that the seals are damaged. Only an expert can fix this problem by replacing both panes.
This process is a little complicated and requires the use of special tools to take off the old one and replace the new one, but it can be accomplished by a professional who will provide the necessary equipment. Utilizing these tools could be dangerous, however, so it is always best to leave this kind of job to an expert.
Wear safety glasses and gloves if you opt to do it yourself. You could be exposed to flying glass fragments. It is also important 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 is recommended. Once the frame is clean and dry, you will need to purchase a replacement glass which is 1/8 inch less in each direction than the window that you have and then fit it in the grooves.
You will require a layer of silicone caulk to the grooves of your frames to ensure that your glass is properly installed. After the caulk dries and is dry, you must smooth it and make any adjustments needed. The wood molding will then be put back in place.
If the weather suddenly changes, double-glazed windows could be difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures can cause frames to shrink or expand and cause them to fall or stick. Try wiping the frames with water and then lubricating them in the event that this happens however, it's better to seek help from the company that installed your windows.
Misunderstood
Misted Double Glazing is a window problem that develops when moisture gets trapped between the glass panes of double glazed windows. Double glazing consists of two glass panes which are separated by an insulating space typically filled with argon gas for better thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm air inside and cold outdoor air outside, allowing you to keep the temperature at a comfortable level in your home.
In time, however, this seal will begin to break down and moisture will start to accumulate between the window panes, which causes them to become cloudy. This occurs because the sun's heat causes the space between the window panes, causing water to vapourize.
It is a natural phenomenon however, if it happens between the windows' panes it could be a problem because it will no longer be able control the temperature inside the room. Instead the temperature outside the window will influence the temperature indoors. Northfield Glass can help you in the event that your double-glazed windows begin to fog.
We can replace the sealed blown unit without having to replace the entire window, which is a lot less disruptive than a total replacement. Our misty glass repair consists of removing and cleaning the unit of glass and replacing it with a brand new one. This creates an airtight seal and will be watertight.
There are companies within the industry which claim to drill holes in your windows that are misting and inject chemicals into them, which claim to eliminate condensation and fog, however, we don't recommend this method. This method isn't just unsightly but could also damage your toughened glass and leave you with a window that isn't functioning properly.
It is important to fix the problem as soon as possible, as left untreated, it could result in the growth of mould, which not only damages the window, but also poses health risks to your family. Moisture can also cause other issues within your home, like dampness or rot. In some cases it might be necessary to replace the entire window.
Failed or blown
Modern double-glazed windows come with two glass panes that have an inert gas or air in between them. This improves their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. Over time, the gas can depressurize and cause a variety of problems.
One of the most frequent is condensation occurring between the panes. It's not an indication of a window failure, but it could be a sign that you should replace them. Condensation could also be an indication of a damaged double glazing, which could require re-installation.
Double-glazed windows can also cause draughts. This could be because of the seal being damaged or a damaged handle or a broken lock. A draught can be quite evident and can result in higher heating bills, so it is important that you get this fixed sooner rather than later. You can test the seals by rubbing around the edges of your window frame to see if you feel any cold air.
You will also notice water beads on the interior of windows if your window seals are failing. This is a clear indication that you need to seal your double-glazed windows.
Your window frames are designed to move a bit as they have to do to keep the glass sheets in their place. However, over time this special packaging material can get compacted, and this could break the all-important seal. This will allow the air to flow between the panes, decreasing the energy efficiency of your window.
Double glazing that has ruptured an air seal is an indication of failure and needs to be repaired as soon as is possible. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary purpose of keeping the cold out and warm in. A blown seal could let moisture into your home, which could lead to mold and other unpleasant conditions. Contact a double glazing expert immediately you notice a blowing window seal. They can fix the entire unit.