Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that stops loss of heat in winter and helps to keep your home cool in the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows whenever necessary is a great way to keep them in good working order.
Over time your double glazed windows may suffer from issues such as condensation and misting. Double glazed windows may become difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A stray baseball or a flying pebble from your lawnmowers or even a storm that is heavy can break the double panes of your windows and expose your home to the elements. Although a window that is cracked can be difficult to fix, you don't have to have it replaced entirely. In fact the insulated glass that is between the two panes remains in good shape and you can repair your double-pane window using some DIY effort.
To begin, you'll need to remove the broken glass from the frame. Be careful to avoid any glass shards falling onto the floor or sliding off the frame. Use work gloves to protect your hands and use a rag to cover the broken glass to avoid further cuts or damage. After removing the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly to get rid of any sealant or debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth surface on which to install your new glazing.
Once the frame is cleaned and dried, you can apply a new layer of glass to the area in which the broken pane was removed. This is the best method to ensure that your window is secure and sealed and aid in reducing energy costs by stopping drafts and water from entering your home. The next step is to select your glazing material. There are a variety of options such as clear tape, which is more durable than regular tape, and can prevent further cracking of your window, or glazing film, which is similar to clear plastic wrap. The benefit of this option is that it can be painted to match your frame and will also keep out snow and rain too.
Regardless of the material you pick, it is important to press glazier's points into the seam where the putty meets the frame. They will help keep the glass in place, and will help it stick to the frame. Hardware stores carry glazier's point ropes that you can roll out onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing is susceptible to condensation issues and 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. Fogging and condensation between panes of glass is a clear indication that the seals between your windows are damaged and can only be repaired by a professional who will fix both panes.
It's a difficult process that requires special tools to remove and replace the old window. A professional can do this task and provide the tools. Using these tools can be dangerous, however, so it is always best to leave this kind of work to a professional.
If you do decide to do it yourself, make sure you wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from broken pieces of glass that may fly off during the process. It is essential to remove all putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will be receiving the new window. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming it with a damp cloth is also recommended. After the frame has dried, you'll need to order another piece of glass that is 1/8" shorter in both directions than your existing window. Make sure the glass fits into the grooves.
You'll have to apply a layer of silicone caulk to the grooves of frames to ensure your glass is securely installed. Once the caulk has dried, you will need to smooth it out and make any needed adjustments. The wood molding can be put back in place.
If the weather abruptly changes, double-glazed windows may become difficult to open or close. Extreme temperatures can cause frames to expand or shrink and cause them to fall or stick. You can try wiping the frames with water and then lubricating them in the event that this happens, but it may be better to seek help from the company that installed your windows.
Misunderstood
Misted Double Glazing is a window issue 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 space filled with argon for better thermal efficiency. This creates a airtight seal that keeps warm air inside, and cold outdoor air out.
The seal may fail 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, which causes water vapour to build up within it.
This is a normal process however, if it occurs between the window panes, it can be a problem since it can no longer regulate the temperature of the room, and allows the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. Northfield Glass can help you when your double-glazed windows begin to fog.
We can replace a single blown sealed unit, without needing to replace the entire window. This is less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty glass repair consists of removing and cleaning the glass unit, then replacing it with a brand new one. This will create a seal that is watertight again.
There are some companies in the industry who claim to drill holes in your existing misted windows and inject chemicals into them, which they say removes the fog & condensation but we do not recommend this procedure. This is not only unsightly, but it could also harm the toughened glass and can result in windows that don't fully perform the function it was intended to.
It is important to fix the issue as quickly as you can, because if left untreated, it could lead to mould growth, which not only damages the window but also poses health risks to your family members. Moisture can also cause issues within your home, such as dampness or rot. In some instances the window might need to be replaced entirely.
Blown or Failed
Double-glazed windows are made up of two glass panes with an inert or air between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. Over time the gas may become depressurised and cause various problems.
One of the most frequently encountered is condensation between the panes. Although it's a normal occurrence door repairs near me and doesn't mean that your window is damaged, it can be an indication that you need to seal your windows. Condensation can be an indication that your double glazing has broken and, in that case, it will need to be replaced completely.
You should also look out for draughts that are coming from the double-glazed windows. It could be due to an unsound seal or a damaged handle or a broken lock. A draught can be quite 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 placing your finger around the edges of your window frame to determine if you feel any cold air.
You may also see water beads on the inside of windows if your window seals aren't working. This is a clear indication that you will need to re-seal your double glazed windows.
The window frames you have purchased were designed to move a bit in order to keep the glass sheets in place. However, over time, this special packaging material may get compacted, and this could break the all-important seal. This will allow the air to circulate between the panes, which will reduce your window's energy efficiency.
A seal that is blown is a clear sign that your double glazing is damaged and should be repaired immediately. A blown seal will prevent your double glazing from performing its primary job of keeping cold out and warm in. A blown seal could let moisture in your home, which could result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. You should call a double glazing repair specialist as soon as you spot a damaged seal on your double-glazed windows, as they can replace the entire unit.