Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an energy efficient investment that stops heat loss in the winter and keeps your home cooler during the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows when required is a great method to ensure they remain in good working order.
Over time your double glazed windows may experience issues such as condensation and misting. Double glazed windows may become difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A unruly ball or a stone flying from your lawnmowers, or an intense storm could shatter the double pane windows of your home, leaving you home vulnerable to the elements. While a cracked window can be difficult to repair, you don't have to replace it completely. In fact, the insulated glass between the two panes remains in good condition and you can repair your double-pane window with some DIY effort.
To begin, you'll need remove the broken glass from the frame. This is an unpleasant task, and you'll want to be careful to stop any glass shards from falling onto the floor or sliding 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 removing the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly to remove any sealant or debris. It's important to sand rough areas of the frame to ensure a smooth surface for your new glass.
After cleaning the frame, you can apply another layer of glass to the area where you removed the broken pane. This is the best method to protect and seal your window, and will reduce your energy bills by preventing drafts and water from entering the home. Next, you will need to select your glazing material. There are a variety of options, including clear tape which is more durable than regular tape and will help keep your window from further cracking, and glazing film that resembles clear plastic wrap. The advantage of this choice is that it can be painted over to match your frame and will keep snow and rain out as well.
No matter what material you use, it's important to press the glazier's points into that place where the putty joins your frame. These will keep the glass in place, and will help it stick to the frame. Glazier's points can be found in hardware stores, and they are available in pre-made ropes which you roll over the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing can be susceptible to condensation issues. If you experience this issue, it is best to contact the company that supplied the window. Many companies provide warranties and guarantees that provide coverage for these issues. Condensation or fogging between the panes of your windows is a sign that the seals are damaged. Only a professional can fix this problem by replacing the panes.
This procedure is a bit complicated and requires special tools to remove the old one and replace the new one, but it can be accomplished by an expert who will supply the required equipment. It is recommended to leave the job to an expert. These tools could be dangerous.
If you do decide to do it yourself, be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from any broken glass pieces that may fly off during the process. It is also important to carefully remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves in which the new window will go. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming it with a damp cloth is recommended. Once the frame has dried it is time to order an additional piece of glass that's 1/8" shorter in both directions than the existing window. Make sure the glass fits into the grooves.
Based on the frames you have You will then have to apply a thin layer of silicone caulk to the grooves to ensure that your new pane is securely in place. After the caulk dries, you will need to smooth it and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding can be reinstalled.
Double glazed windows can become difficult to open or close when the weather is extremely changing. Extreme temperatures can cause frames to shrink or expand and, as a result, they can slide or become stuck. If this is the problem, you can try wiping down the frames with water and lubricating the joints. However, it may be best to ask the company who installed your windows for help.
Misted
Misted Double Glazing is a window issue that is caused by moisture getting trapped between the glass panes of your double glazed windows. Double glazing consists of two panes of glass which are separated by an insulating area, typically filled with argon gas to provide improved thermal efficiency. This results in an airtight seal that keeps warm indoor air inside and cold outside air out.
This seal can become damaged over time and moisture can build up between the panes of glass, causing them to appear misty. This happens because the space between the panes is heated by sun, causing water vapour to build up within it.
This is a normal occurrence, but when it occurs between the window panes it can be a problem since it is no longer able to regulate the temperature of the room and allow the outside temperature to influence the indoor temperature. If you notice your double-glazed windows are turning misty, call in the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can repair the individual blow-sealed unit without having to replace the entire window, which is a lot less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty window repair involves taking off the glass, cleaning it, and then replacing it with a new one to create an airtight seal.
Some companies in the industry claim to inject chemicals through holes drilled into windows with mist to remove the condensation and fog. We don't suggest this method. This is not only ugly, but it could also harm the toughened glass and leave you with a window that doesn't function properly.
If you don't take care to fix the problem immediately it could cause mould, which could not only damage the window, but also pose health risks to your loved ones. Moisture in the window can cause other issues in your home, such as damp or rot. In some cases it might be necessary to replace the entire window.
Blown or Failed
Modern double-glazed windows feature two glass panes, with an inert gas or air between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and the cold out. As time passes, the gas can become depressurised which can lead to a range of issues.
Condensation between the panes is one of the most frequent. It's not a sign of a failure in the window, but it could be a sign you should replace the windows. Condensation is also an indication of a damaged double glazing, which will require a re-installation.
You should also look out for draughts coming from the double-glazed windows. This could be caused by an more info issue with the seal or a damaged handle lock. It is crucial to address this problem as soon as you can. A draught will cause you to pay more for heating. Check the seals around the window frame by feeling the cold air.
Another indication that your window seals are failing is when you start to notice water beads on the inside of your windows. This is an indication that you need to replace the seals on your double-glazed windows.
The window frames you have purchased were designed to move slightly and this is essential to keep the glass sheets in position. In time, this special packaging material can be compressed. This can result in the seal being broken. This allows air to flow between the panes, reducing the efficiency of your window's energy consumption.
Double glazing that has blown seals is an indication of a failure and needs to be repaired as soon as is possible. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from performing its primary function of keeping cold out and warm in. Furthermore, a blow-off seal will let your home's moisture in, which can result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. Contact a double glazing expert as soon you notice a blowing window seal. They can fix the entire unit.