Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that prevents heat loss in the winter months and helps keep your home cooler in the summer. Restoring your double-glazed windows as needed is a great way to ensure they are in good working order.
Over time, your double glazed windows may experience issues such as condensation and misting. Double glazed windows may be difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A stray baseball or 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. Even though a glass window that has been damaged is difficult to repair, it doesn't need to be replaced. The insulated glass that is between two panes of glass is still in good shape and you can fix your double-paned windows yourself.
To start, you'll need to remove the broken glass from the frame. You'll need to be cautious to prevent glass shards from falling to the floor or slipping from the frame. Use a pair of gloves to protect your hands and a cloth to protect the area around the broken glass to avoid further cuts or breakage. After removing the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly to get rid of any sealant or other debris. It's important to smooth rough areas of the frame to ensure an even surface for your new glazing.
After cleaning the frame and removing the dust, you can apply another layer of glass to the area where you removed the broken pane. This is the most effective method to protect and seal your window. It can also save you money by preventing water and drafts from entering the home. window repair is to select the glazing material. There are a variety of options, including clear tape which is more durable than regular tape and will keep your window from further cracking, as well as glazing film that resembles clear plastic wrap. The benefit of this option is that it can be painted to match the frame you have and will also keep snow and rain out too.
No matter what material you decide to use it is important to press the glaziers points into the gap where the putty meets your frame. These will keep the glass in place, and help it adhere to the frame. Hardware stores sell glazier's point ropes that you can use onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you have a problem with condensation, it is recommended to contact the window manufacturer. Many companies provide warranties and guarantees that provide coverage for these issues. Condensation or fogging between the windows' panes is a sign that the seals aren't working properly. Only an expert can fix this issue by replacing both panes.
It is a tricky process that requires special tools to remove and replace the old window. A professional can do this task and provide the tools. It is recommended to leave the task to an expert. These tools can be hazardous.
Wear safety gloves and glasses if you choose to do it yourself. You could be exposed to flying glass fragments. It is also important to remove all the putty and metal glazing points from the grooves in which the new window will be. You should also wire-brush the frame and vacuum or wipe with a damp cloth. Once the frame is dry and clean you'll need to order a piece of replacement glass that is 1/8 inch smaller in each direction than your existing window and test-fit it in the grooves.
You'll need to apply a layer silicone caulk to the grooves of your frames to ensure that your glass is secure in its installation. Once the silicone caulk has dried, you can smooth it out and make any adjustments. The wood molding will then be reinstalled.
Double-glazed windows can become difficult to open or close when the weather is extremely changing. Extreme temperatures may cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or shrink, causing them to sag and stick. Try wiping the frames with water and then lubricating them if this is the case however, it's better to consult the company who installed your windows.
Misted
Misted Double Glazing is a problem with windows that develops when moisture gets trapped between the glass panes of your double glazed windows. Double glazing is made up of two panes that are separated by a space that is filled with argon for greater thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight sealing that keeps warm air inside and cold air outside.
The seal could fail over time, and water can accumulate between the panes of glass and cause them to become to appear misty. This occurs because the sun's heat causes the space between the window panes, which causes water to vapourize.
This is a normal process but if it happens between the window panes it can be a problem since it will no longer be able to regulate the temperature of the room, and allows the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. Northfield Glass can help you in the event that your double-glazed windows begin to fog.
We can replace a single blow sealed unit, without needing to replace the entire window. This is much less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty glass repair involves taking off and cleaning the unit of glass, then replacing it with a brand new one. This creates a seal that is watertight again.
Some companies in the industry claim to inject chemicals through holes drilled into misted windows to remove the fog and condensation. We do not recommend this method. This method is not just ugly, but it could also harm the toughened glass, leaving you with a window which doesn't function properly.
If you don't take care to fix the issue immediately, it could lead to mould, which could not only damage the window, but pose health risks to your loved ones. The moisture in the window may also lead to other problems within your home, such as damp or rot. In some instances the window might need to be completely replaced.
Failed or Blown
Modern double-glazed windows come with two glass panes that have an inert gas or air between them. This improves their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and the cold out. Over time the gas will be depressurized and cause various problems.
Condensation in between the panes is one of the most frequent. It's not a sign of a window failure however it could be a sign you should reseal the panes. Condensation may also be a sign that your double glazing is damaged in which case it's time to get it replaced completely.
Double-glazed windows can also create draughts. This could be caused by a failure of the seal or a broken handle or lock. It is essential to fix this problem as soon as you can. A draft can cause you to spend more on heating. Check the seals around the window frame by smelling cold air.
You will also notice water beads on the inside of windows when your window seals are failing. This is a sign that you need to seal your double-glazed windows.
Your window frames are designed to move a little bit as they have to do to keep the glass sheets in their place. In time, this special packaging material could become compressed. This could cause the seal to be broken. This will allow air to flow between the panes, reducing the efficiency of your window's energy consumption.
Double glazing that has blown an air seal is an indication of a failure and needs to be repaired as soon as possible. A blown seal will stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary purpose, which is to keep the cold out and warm air in. A blown seal could let moisture into your home, which could cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. Contact a double glazing expert when you spot a damaged window seal. They can replace the entire unit.