Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that reduces loss of heat during winter and keeps your home cool in the summer. Restoring your double-glazed windows as required is a great method to ensure they remain in good condition.
Over time, condensation and misting can be detrimental to your double-glazed windows. Double glazed windows can become difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A rogue baseball, a flying pebble from your lawnmowers, or even a severe 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, it doesn't need to be replaced. In fact the insulated glass between the two panes is 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. This is messy work, and you'll want to be careful to stop glass shards from falling onto the floor or slipping out of the frame. Make sure to wear a pair of work gloves to protect your hands and a cloth to protect the area surrounding the broken glass to avoid further breakage or cuts. After removing the broken glass take care to clean the entire frame of the window to get rid of any sealant residue and debris. Sand rough areas of the frame to create a smooth surface on which to install your new glazing.
Once the frame is cleaned and dried, you can apply a fresh layer of glazing to the place where the broken pane was removed. This is the best way to ensure your window stays secure and sealed and aid in reducing energy costs by keeping water and drafts from getting into your home. Next, you will need to choose your glazing material. There are a variety of options, including clear tape that is more durable than regular tape and will keep your window secure from further cracking, as well as glazing film that resembles clear plastic wrap. The benefit of this type of material is that it can be painted over to match the frame you have, and it will keep out rain and snow too.
Whatever material you choose it's essential to press the glazier's points into the place where the putty joins your frame. These will hold the new glass in place and aid it to adhere to the frame. The glazier's point 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're experiencing problems with condensation, it's best to call your window manufacturer. A lot of windows come with warranties and guarantees to address 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 difficult and requires special tools to take off the old pane and then install the new one, but it can be done by an expert who will supply the required equipment. Using these tools can be risky it is best to leave this type of work to professionals.
Wear safety gloves and glasses if decide to do it yourself. You may be exposed to glass fragments flying around. It is essential to take out all putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will hold the new window. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming it with a damp cloth is also recommended. When the frame is dry and clean, you will need to get a replacement glass that is 1/8 inch smaller in each direction than the window that you have and then fit it 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 the right place. After the silicone caulk is dried you can smooth it out and make any adjustments. Then the wood molding can be put back in place.
If the weather abruptly changes, double-glazed windows can become difficult to open or close. Extreme temperatures can cause frames of here double-glazed windows to expand or contract, which causes them to become sagging and stick. You can try window lock repair wiping down the frames with water and then lubricating them when this happens however it is better to seek help from the company website that installed your windows.
Misunderstood
When moisture gets trapped in between the glass panes it can cause misted double glazing. Double glazing is made up of two panes, which are separated by a space that is 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 become damaged over time and moisture can build up between the panes of glass and cause them to become to become cloudy. This happens because the sun's rays heat the gap between the window panes, which causes the water to evaporate.
This is a normal process but if it happens between the window panes, it can more info be a problem since read more it can no longer control the temperature in the room and will allow the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. If you notice that your double glazed windows are becoming cloudy, contact the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can replace the individual blow-sealed unit without having to replace the entire window, which is a lot less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty glass repair involves taking off and cleaning the glass unit and replacing it with a new one. This will result in a watertight seal again.
There are companies in the industry that claim to drill holes in your windows that are misting and inject chemicals into them which claim to eliminate fog & condensation, however, we do not recommend this method. This is not only unattractive, but it could also harm the toughened glass and leave you with windows that don't fully perform the function it was intended to.
It is crucial to resolve the issue as soon as possible, as left untreated, it can result in the growth of mould which can not only damage the window, but can also pose health risks to your family. The moisture in the window may also lead to other problems within your home like damp or rot. In certain situations, it may be necessary to replace the entire window.
Failed or Blown
Double-glazed windows are made up of two panes of glass with an inert or air between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and the cold out. As time passes, the gas can be depressurized and cause many issues.
One of the most frequent is condensation between the panes. Although it's a normal event, it doesn't necessarily mean that your window has failed however it could be a sign that you need to re-seal your windows. Condensation can also be a sign that your double glazing has broken and, in that case, it should be replaced completely.
You should also look out for drafts coming through your double glazed windows. This could be due to an issue with the seal or a damaged handle or lock. It is crucial to address this problem as soon as possible. A draft will force you to spend more on heating. Check the seals around the window frame by feeling for cold air.
You may also see water beads on the outside of windows if the window seals aren't performing as they should. This is an indication that you need to seal your double-glazed windows.
Your window frames have been designed to move slightly and this is essential to keep the glass sheets in their place. Over time, this special packaging material can become compacted. This can cause the seal to be broken. This will allow air to flow between the panes and reduce the energy efficiency of your window.
Double glazing that has blown an air seal is a sign of failure and should be fixed immediately. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from performing its primary job of keeping cold out and warm inside. Furthermore, a blow-off seal can let moisture in, which could result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is recommended to contact a double glazing repair expert as soon as you discover a blowing seal in your double glazed windows, as they are able to replace the whole unit.