Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an energy efficient investment that prevents loss of heat in winter and keeps your home cooler in the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows whenever necessary is a great way to keep them in good condition.
Over time condensation and misting could affect your double-glazed windows. Double glazed windows can become difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A unruly ball, a flying stone from your lawnmowers or a storm that is strong enough can break the double pane windows of your home which can expose your home to the elements. While a damaged glass window isn't easy to fix but it doesn't have to be replaced. The insulated glass that is between two glass panes is in good condition and you can fix your double-paned window yourself.
First, you'll need to remove any broken glass from the frame. This can be an unpleasant task and you'll need to be careful to stop any glass shards from falling on the floor or falling out of the frame. Wear work gloves to protect your hands, and place a rag around the broken glass area to prevent further damage or cuts. After taking out the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly to remove any sealant or debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth and even surface to install your new glazing.
After the frame has been cleaned then you can apply a fresh layer of glazing to the area in which the broken pane was removed. This is the best method to ensure your window stays sealed and protected and will help you save energy costs by keeping water and drafts from getting into your home. The next step is to select your glazing material. There are several options available, including clear tape which is more robust than regular tape and will help keep your window secure from further cracking, as well as glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. The advantage of this choice is that it can be painted to match the frame you have and will also keep out rain and snow too.
Whatever material you choose it's essential to press the glaziers points into that seam where the putty meets your frame. These will hold the newly-formed glass in place and help it adhere to the frame. window repairs carry glazier's point ropes that you can use onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you are experiencing issues with condensation, it is best to contact the window manufacturer. A lot of windows come with warranties and guarantees to cover these issues. Fogging or condensation between the panes of your windows is a sign that your seals aren't working properly. Only a professional can resolve this issue by replacing both panes.
The process is difficult and requires specific tools to remove the old one and replace the new one, but it can be accomplished by an expert who will provide the necessary equipment. Using these tools can be dangerous, however, so it is always recommended to leave this kind task to professionals.
Wear safety glasses and gloves if you opt to do it yourself. You could be exposed to glass fragments flying around. It is important to remove all putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will receive the new window. Wire-brushing the frame, vacuuming or wiping with a damp cloth is recommended. After the frame has dried you'll have to purchase an additional piece of glass that's 1/8" shorter in both directions than your existing window. Make sure the glass fits into the grooves.
You'll require a layer of silicone caulk into the grooves of your frames to ensure the glass you are installing is properly installed. After the silicone caulk has dried, you can smooth it out and make any adjustments. Then 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 frames of double-glazed windows to expand or shrink, causing them to slide and become stuck. If this is the case you could try wiping down the frames using water and lubricating joints. However, it may be best to contact the company that installed your windows to help.
Misted
Misted Double Glazing is a window problem that is caused by moisture getting trapped between the glass panes of double glazed windows. Double glazing is comprised of two panes which are separated by a space that is filled with argon to improve thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm room air inside and cold outdoor air outside and allows you to keep your temperature at a comfortable level in your home.
The seal may fail over time, and moisture can build up between the panes of glass and cause them to become misty. This happens because the sun's heat causes the gap between window panes, which causes water to vapourize.
It is a natural phenomenon however if it occurs between the windows' panes it could be a problem since it will no longer be able to regulate the temperature inside the room. Instead the temperature outside the window will affect the temperature inside. Northfield Glass can help you in the event that your double-glazed windows begin to fog.
We can repair the individual sealed blown unit without having to replace the whole window, which is a lot less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty window repair involves taking off the glass unit, cleaning it, and then replacing it with a fresh one to make a watertight seal again.
There are companies within the field who claim to drill holes in your existing misted windows and inject chemicals into them which they claim will eliminate the condensation and fog but we do not recommend this procedure. This method is not only unattractive, but it could cause damage to the toughened glass and can leave you with windows that don't fully function.
It is crucial to resolve the problem as soon as possible, as left untreated, it could result in the growth of mould that not only damages the window, but also poses health risks to your family members. Moisture can also cause other issues within your home, like dampness or rot. In certain cases, the window may need to be completely replaced.
Failed or blown
Double-glazed windows consist of two panes of glass with an air or inert between them. This improves their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and the cold out. Over time, this gas can depressurize and cause a variety of problems.
Condensation between panes is one of the most frequent. It's not a sign of a window failing, but it could be a sign you should reseal the windows. Condensation could also be an indication of broken double glazing that will need to be replaced.
Double-glazed windows can also cause drafts. It could be due to a failure of the seal or a damaged handle or lock. It is important to fix the issue as quickly as you can. A draft can cause you to spend more on heating. You can test the seals by placing your finger around the edges of the 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 a sign that you need to reseal the double glazed windows.
Your window frames are made to move slightly in order to do to keep the glass sheets in their place. However, over time this particular packaging material will get compacted, and this could crack the crucial seal. This will allow air to circulate between the panes, and decrease the efficiency of your window.
Double glazing that has ruptured an air seal is a sign of failure and should be fixed immediately. A blown seal will prevent your double glazing from fulfilling its primary purpose of keeping the cold out and warm in. Furthermore, a blow-off seal can let moisture in, which could cause mold and other uncomfortable conditions. Call a double glazing specialist immediately you notice a blowing window seal. They can fix the entire unit.