Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an energy efficient investment that stops loss of heat during winter months and helps keep your home cooler 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 could impact your double-glazed windows. Double glazed windows may become difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A rogue ball, a flying stone from your lawnmowers, or an intense storm could shatter your double-pane windows which can expose your home to the elements. While a damaged glass window is difficult to repair however, it does not need to be replaced. In fact, the insulated glass between the two panes is still in good shape and you can repair your double-pane window using a little DIY effort.
First, you'll need to take any broken glass from the frame. This will be 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 you wear gloves to shield your hands from injury and a rag to protect the area surrounding the broken glass to avoid further damage or breaks. After taking out the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly to remove any sealant or other debris. It is essential to smooth rough areas of the frame to ensure a smooth surface for your new glazing.
After the frame has been cleaned then you can apply a new layer of glazing to the seam where the damaged pane was removed. This is the best way to seal and protect your window. It will also save you money by preventing drafts and water from entering your home. The next step is to select the material for your glazing. Some options include clear tape that is more durable than regular tape and will help keep your window from further cracking, as well as glazing film that resembles clear plastic wrap. This type of wrap has the advantage that it can be painted to match the frame of your window and will also block out snow and ice.
Whatever material you choose it's essential to press the glazier's points into that place where the putty joins your frame. These will hold the glass in place, and aid in adhering to the frame. Hardware stores sell glazier's ropes that you can use on the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you are experiencing issues with condensation, it is recommended to contact your window manufacturer. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees to cover the issues. Condensation and fogging between panes of glass is a clear sign that the seals between your windows are damaged and must be repaired by an expert who will replace both panes.
This procedure is a bit complicated and requires the use of special tools to remove the old pane and install the new one, however it is possible to do this by an expert who will provide the necessary equipment. It is best to leave the task to an expert. These tools could be hazardous.
Wear safety gloves and glasses if you choose to do it yourself. You may be exposed to flying glass fragments. It is essential to remove all putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will hold the new window. It is also recommended to brush the frame with wire, and then vacuum or wipe it clean with a damp cloth. When the frame is dry and clean, you will need to order a piece of replacement glass which is 1/8 inch less in each direction than the window, and then test it into the grooves.
You'll require a layer of silicone caulk into the grooves of frames to ensure your glass is properly installed. Once the silicone caulk has dried you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. Then the wood molding can be put back in place.
If the weather abruptly changes, double-glazed windows could become difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames to expand or shrink and, as a result, they can slide or become stuck. If this is the problem try wiping the frames using water and lubricating joints. However, it might be a good idea to call the company who installed your windows to help.
Misted
Misted Double Glazing is a window problem that occurs when moisture gets trapped between the glass panes of double glazed windows. Double glazing is comprised of two glass panes that are separated by an insulating space, typically filled with argon gas for better thermal efficiency. This creates a airtight seal that keeps warm air inside, and cold outside air out.
Over time however, this seal will begin to break down and moisture will begin to build up between the window panes, causing them to turn misty. This happens because the gap between the panes is heated by the sun, which causes water vapour to form in it.
This is a natural process however if it occurs between the windows' panes it could be a problem because it will no longer be able control the temperature inside the room. Instead the temperature outside the window will influence the temperature indoors. If you notice your double glazed windows are becoming blurred, call the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can repair the individual blown sealed unit without needing to replace the entire window, which is a lot less disruptive than a total replacement. Our misty window repair involves removing the glass unit, cleaning it, then replacing it with a fresh one to create a watertight seal again.
There are companies in the industry who claim to drill holes in your existing misted windows and inject chemicals into them that claim to eliminate fog & condensation, however, we do not recommend this procedure. This is not only unsightly, but it could cause damage to the toughened glass and can result in windows that don't fully perform the function it was intended to.
If you don't address the issue immediately it could result in mould, which could not only damage the window, but could also risk health issues for your family members. Moisture in the window can also lead to other problems with your property such as damp or rot. In certain cases windows, they may have to be completely replaced.
Blown or Failed
Double-glazed windows are made up of two panes of glass with an inert or air between them. This improves their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. As time passes, the gas can become depressurised and cause a variety of problems.
Condensation in between the panes is one of the most frequent. While it is a natural occurrence and doesn't mean that your window has failed however it could be an indication that you need to seal your windows. Condensation may also be a sign that your double glazing is damaged, in which case it should be replaced completely.
Double-glazed windows may also cause drafts. This could be due to the seal being damaged, a broken handle, or a broken lock. A draught can be evident and can result in higher heating bills It is therefore essential that you get this fixed sooner rather than later. You can test the seals by placing your finger around the edges of the window frame to see whether you feel cold air.
There will also be water beads on the inside of windows when your window seals aren't working. This is a sign that you need to reseal the double glazed windows.
Your window frames are made to move a little bit in order to do to keep the glass sheets in the right place. However, with time, this special packaging material can be compressed and break the all-important seal. This will allow the air to move between the panes, decreasing the efficiency of your window's energy consumption.
Double glazing that has blown an air seal is a sign of failure and should be fixed immediately. A blown seal stops your double glazing from performing its primary function, which is to keep the cold out and warm air in. A blown seal can also let moisture in your home, which can lead to mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is recommended to contact a double glazing repair expert immediately if you spot a damaged seal in your double glazed windows, since they could replace the whole unit.