Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that stops loss of heat during winter and helps to keep your home cooler in the summer. Restoring your double-glazed windows as necessary is a great way to keep them in good working order.
Over time your double glazed windows may experience problems like condensation and misting. Double glazed windows may be difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A stray baseball or a stray pebble from your lawnmower, or even a heavy storm can shatter the double panes of your windows and expose your home to the elements. While a damaged glass window is difficult to repair but it doesn't have to be replaced. In fact the insulated glass that is between the two panes is in good condition and you can fix your double-pane window using some DIY effort.
You'll first need to remove any broken glass from the frame. You'll need to be careful to keep glass shards from falling onto the floor or sliding from the frame. Use a pair of work gloves to shield your hands from injury and a cloth to cover the area surrounding the broken glass to avoid further breakage or cuts. After taking out the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly to get rid of any sealant or debris. It is essential to sand rough areas of your frame to create a smooth surface for your new glass.
After cleaning the frame and dried, you can apply a new layer of glazing to the place where the damaged pane was removed. This is the best way to protect and seal your window. It will also reduce your energy bills by preventing water and drafts from entering the home. The next step is to choose the glazing material. There are several options including clear tape which is more durable than regular tape and helps prevent further cracking of your window or glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrapping. This type of wrap has the advantage that it can be painted to match your frame and will also block out rain and ice.
Regardless of the material you select, it is important to press glazier's facets into the place where the putty joins the frame. These will keep the glass in place and aid in adhering to the frame. Hardware stores sell glazier's ropes, which you can use onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you're experiencing problems with condensation, it is recommended to contact your window manufacturer. Many have warranties and guarantees to cover these problems. Condensation and fogging between panes of glass is a clear indication that the seals between your windows have been damaged and can only be fixed by a professional who will replace both panes.
It's a difficult procedure that requires special tools to remove and replace the window. A professional can complete this task and supply the tools. It is recommended to leave the task to an expert. These tools could be hazardous.
Wear safety gloves and glasses if choose to do it yourself. You may be exposed to flying glass fragments. It is also essential to remove all the putty and metal glazing points from the grooves where the new window will go. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming it with a damp cloth is also recommended. After the frame is clean and dry then you'll need order a piece of replacement glass that is 1/8 inch smaller in each direction than your window, and then test it in the grooves.
Depending on your frames You will then have to apply a thin layer of silicone caulk on the grooves to ensure that your new pane is securely in the right place. After the caulk is dry, you will need to smooth it out and make any needed adjustments. The wood molding can be put back in place.
Double-glazed windows may be difficult to open or close if the weather changes dramatically. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames to shrink or expand and, as a result, they can slide or become stuck. You can try wiping down the frames with water and then lubricating them if this is the case however, it's better to seek advice from the company that installed your windows.
Misted
When moisture gets trapped in between the glass panes it can cause misty double glazing. Double glazing is comprised of two panes, which are separated by a space filled with argon to improve thermal efficiency. Bow double glazing repair results in an airtight seal that keeps warm indoor air inside and cold outside air out.
The seal may become damaged over time and moisture can build up between the glass panes, causing them to become cloudy. This happens because the sun heats the space between the panes of windows, causing water to vapourize.
This is a normal thing to happen, but when it occurs between the window panes, it could cause problems as it can no longer regulate the temperature of the room and will allow the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. If you notice that your double-glazed windows have become cloudy, contact the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can replace the individual blown sealed unit without needing to replace the whole window, which is a lot less disruptive than a total replacement. Our misty glass repair consists of removing and cleaning the glass and replacing it with a brand new one. This creates a watertight seal again.
Some companies in the field claim to inject chemicals through holes into windows with mist to remove the fog and condensation. We don't recommend this method. This is not only unattractive, but it could also damage the toughened glass and leave you with a window that does not completely perform the function it was intended to.
It is crucial to resolve the issue as soon as you can, because if left untreated, it can lead to mould growth which can not only damage the window, but also poses health risks for your family members. Moisture can cause other issues within your home, including dampness or rot. In some cases windows, they may have to be completely replaced.
Blown or Failed
Modern double-glazed windows feature two glass panes with an inert gas or air in between them. This improves their thermal efficiency, keeping heat in and cold out. Over time, the gas may depressurize, leading to a number of issues.
One of the most frequently encountered is condensation between the panes. It's not an indication of a window failing however it could indicate that you need to reseal the panes. Condensation is also an indication of a damaged double glazing, which could need to be replaced.
Double-glazed windows may also cause drafts. It could be due to the seal being damaged or a broken handle or lock. A draught can be noticeable and will lead to higher heating costs It is therefore essential to fix it 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.
Another sign that your window seals have failed is when you start to notice water beads on the inside of your windows. This is an indication that you need to reseal the double glazed windows.
The window frames you have purchased were designed to move slightly, which is necessary to keep the glass sheets in place. However, over time this particular packaging material will be compressed and break the all-important seal. This will allow the air to flow between the panes, decreasing your window's energy efficiency.
A damaged seal is a clear sign that your double glazing is damaged and should be repaired immediately. A blown seal will stop your double glazing performing its primary purpose which is to keep the cold out and warm air in. In addition, a blown seal can let moisture in, which can cause mold and other uncomfortable conditions. Contact a double-glazing specialist when you spot a damaged window seal. They can repair or replace the entire unit.