Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that reduces heat loss in the winter and keeps your home cooler in the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows whenever required is a great method to ensure they remain in good working order.
Over time, your double-glazed windows may suffer from problems like condensation and misting. Double glazed windows may be difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A stray ball or a stray pebble from your lawnmowers, or even a heavy storm can break the double panes of your windows and expose your home to the elements. Although a cracked glass window is difficult to repair, it doesn't need to be replaced. In fact the insulated glass between the two panes is still in good shape, and you can fix your double-pane window with some DIY effort.
First, you'll need to take any broken glass from the frame. This can be messy work and you'll need to be cautious to prevent any glass shards from falling onto the floor or sliding out of the frame. Use a pair of gloves to protect your hands and a rag to cover the area around the broken glass to avoid further breakage or cuts. After removing the broken pane and cleaning the entire frame of the window to eliminate any sealant residue and debris. It's important to smooth rough areas of the frame to ensure an even surface for your new glazing.
After cleaning the frame, you can apply another layer of glass on the seam where you removed the broken pane. This is the best method to protect and seal your window, and will save you energy costs by preventing water and drafts from entering your home. The next step is to choose your glazing material. There are several options including clear tape which is more durable than regular tape and prevents further cracking of your window, or glazing film, which is similar to clear plastic wrapping. This option has the advantage that it can be painted to match your frame, and will also keep out snow and ice.
Whatever material you decide to use, it's important to press the glazier's points into that gap where the putty meets your frame. These will keep the glass in place and aid in adhering to the frame. Glazier's points can be found in hardware stores, and they are available in pre-made ropes which you roll out onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you have a problem with condensation, it's best to contact your window manufacturer. A lot of windows come with warranties and guarantees that cover the issues. Fogging and condensation between panes of glass is a clear indication that the seals between your windows are broken and must be repaired by an expert who will replace both panes.
This process is a little complicated and requires the use of special tools to remove the old one and replace the new one, however it can be done by an expert who will supply the required equipment. Using these tools can be dangerous, however, so it is always best to leave this type of work to a professional.
Wear safety glasses and gloves if you choose to do it yourself. You could be exposed to glass fragments flying around. 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 or vacuuming a damp cloth are also recommended. After the frame has dried you'll have to purchase an additional piece of glass that is 1/8" shorter in both directions than the existing window. Make sure the glass fits into the grooves.
Based on the frames you have, you will then need to apply the caulk to the grooves to ensure that the new pane is securely in position. After the silicone caulk has dried and cured, you can smooth it out and make any adjustments. The wood molding can then be put back in place.
Double glazed windows can become difficult to open or close when the weather is extremely changing. Extreme temperatures can cause the 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.
Misted
Misted Double Glazing is a window problem that develops when moisture gets trapped between the glass panes of your double glazed windows. Double glazing consists of two panes, which are separated by a gap filled with argon for greater thermal efficiency. This creates a airtight seal that keeps warm indoor air inside and cold outside air out.
The seal may become damaged over time and moisture may build up between the glass panes and cause them to become misty. This happens because the sun's rays heat the space between the window panes, causing water to vapourize.
It is a natural phenomenon however, if it happens between the panes of the window it could be a problem because it won't be able to regulate the temperature within the room. Instead, the temperature outside the window will affect the temperature indoors. Northfield Glass can help you in the event that your double-glazed windows begin to fog.
We can replace a single blown sealed unit without the need 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 new one to create an watertight seal.
Certain companies in the business claim that they can inject chemicals through holes into windows with mist to remove the condensation and fog. We do not recommend using this method. This method is not just unattractive, but could also damage the toughened glass and leave you with a window which does not function properly.
It is important to fix the problem as soon as possible, as left untreated it can result in the growth of mould which can not only damage the window, but also poses health risks to your family. Moisture in the window can cause other problems in your home such as damp or rot. In some instances, the window may need to be replaced completely.
Blown or failed
Modern double glazed windows have two glass panes that have an inert gas or air in between them. This helps to improve their thermal efficiency by keeping warm air in and cold air out. Over time the gas may become depressurized, causing many issues.
Condensation between panes is one of the most frequent. Although it's a normal event, it doesn't necessarily mean that your window has failed but it could be an indication that you need to re-seal your windows. Condensation is also a sign of a broken double glazing, which could need to be replaced.
Double-glazed windows can also cause drafts. 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 more expensive heating bills, so it is important that you get this fixed sooner rather than later. read more You can test the seals by rubbing around the edges of your window frame to see whether you feel cold air.
There will also be water beads on the outside of windows when your window seals aren't working. This is an indication that you need to reseal the double glazed windows.
Your window frames are made to move slightly as they have to do to keep the glass sheets in the right place. Over time, this special packaging material may become compacted. This will cause the seal to be broken. This will allow air to circulate between the panes, and decrease the energy efficiency of your window.
Double glazing that has blown a seal is an indication of failure and should be fixed as soon as possible. A blown seal will stop your double glazing from performing its primary purpose that is to keep the cold out and warm air in. A blown seal could let moisture into your home, which can result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. Call a double glazing specialist immediately you spot a damaged window seal. They can repair or replace the entire unit.