Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that stops loss of heat during winter months and helps keep your home cooler in the summer. Repairing window repair -glazed windows whenever necessary is a great way to keep them in good working order.
Over time, your double glazed windows may suffer from problems like condensation and misting. This can cause your double-glazed windows to be difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A ball that is rogue, a flying stone from your lawnmowers or a strong storm can shatter your double pane windows, leaving you home vulnerable to the elements. Although a cracked glass window isn't easy to fix, it doesn't need to be replaced. The insulated glass that is between two glass panes is still in good shape and you can fix your double-paned window on your own.
To begin, you'll need remove the broken glass from the frame. This can be a messy job and you'll need to be careful to stop any glass shards from falling on the floor or falling out of the frame. Use work gloves to protect your hands, and place a rag to cover the broken glass area to prevent any further injury or cuts. After removing the broken pane and cleaning the entire frame of the window to remove any remaining sealant and debris. It's important to smooth rough areas of the frame to ensure an even surface for the new glazing.
After cleaning the frame, you can apply another layer of glass to the area where you removed the broken pane. This is the most effective way to keep your window safe and sealed and will help you save energy costs by preventing drafts and water from entering the house. The next step is to select the glazing material. There are several options available, including clear tape which is more durable than regular tape and will keep your window from further cracking, and 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 keep out snow and rain as well.
Regardless of the material you choose regardless of the material you choose, it is essential to press the glazier's points into the place where the putty joins the frame. These will keep the glass in place, and aid in adhering to the frame. Glazier's points can be found in hardware stores, and they come in pre-made ropes which you roll out onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you have a problem with condensation, it is best to contact the window manufacturer. A lot of windows come with warranties and guarantees that cover these issues. Fogging or condensation on the windows' panes is a sign that your seals aren't working properly. Only an expert can fix this problem by replacing both panes.
This process is a little complicated and requires specific tools to remove the old one and replace the new one, but it is possible to do this by an expert who will supply the required equipment. Making use of these tools can be dangerous it is best to leave this type of job to professionals.
If you decide to do it yourself, ensure you wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from any broken pieces of glass that could fly off during the process. It is crucial to take out all metal or putty points from the grooves that will hold the new window. Wire-brushing the frame, vacuuming or wiping with a damp cloth are also recommended. Once the frame is dry and clean, you will need to purchase a replacement glass which is 1/8 inch less in each direction than the window that you have and then fit it in the grooves.
You'll require a layer of silicone caulk to the grooves of frames to ensure your glass is secure in its installation. After the silicone caulk is dried, you can smooth it out and make any adjustments. The wood molding can be reinstalled.
If the weather abruptly changes, double-glazed windows can be difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures may cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, causing them to become sagging and stick. You can try wiping the frames with water and lubricating them when this happens however, it's better to consult the company that installed your windows.
Misted
If moisture is trapped between the glass panes it can cause misty double glazing. Double glazing is comprised of two panes that are separated by a gap filled with argon for greater thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm room air inside and cold air outside which allows you to keep your temperature at a comfortable level in your home.
In time, however, this seal may break and moisture will begin to build up between the window panes, which causes them to become cloudy. This happens because the gap between the panes is heated by the sun, which causes water vapour to build up in it.
This is a normal process but if it happens between the window panes, it can be a problem since it is no longer able to regulate the temperature of the room and will allow the outside temperature to influence the indoor temperature. If you notice that your double-glazed windows are turning misty, call in the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can replace the individual blow-sealed unit without having to replace the whole window which is less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty glass repair involves taking off and cleaning the glass unit before replacing it with a new one. This will result in a watertight seal again.
Certain companies in the business claim that they can inject chemicals through holes into windows that have been misty to eliminate the condensation and fog. We do not suggest this method. This is not only unattractive, but could also damage the toughened glass leaving you with a window which isn't functioning properly.
If you don't fix the issue immediately it could result in mould, which can not only cause damage to the window, but risk health issues for your family members. The moisture in the window may cause other problems with your property like damp or rot. In certain situations, it may be necessary to replace the entire window.
Failed or blown
Double-glazed windows consist of two glass panes with an air or inert between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. As time passes, the gas can become depressurised and cause many problems.
One of the most common is condensation between the panes. It's not an indication of a window failing, but it could indicate that you should replace the panes. Condensation can also be an indication of broken double glazing, which will require re-installation.
It is also important to look for drafts coming through your double-glazed windows. 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 Therefore, it is essential to get it fixed sooner rather than later. You can test the seals by feeling around the edges of your window frame to determine whether you feel cold air.
You will also notice water beads on the inside of windows if your window seals aren't working. This is an indication that you have to seal your double-glazed windows.
The window frames you have purchased were designed to move a bit, which is necessary to keep the glass sheets in place. Over time, this special packaging material could become compacted. This can cause the seal to become broken. This will allow the air to move between the panes, which will reduce the efficiency of your window's energy consumption.
Double glazing that has broken seals is an indication of a failure and should be fixed immediately. A blown seal stops your double glazing from fulfilling its primary purpose which is to keep cold air out and warm air in. A blown seal could let moisture in your home, which could lead to mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is recommended to contact a double glazing repair specialist immediately if you discover a blowing seal in your double glazed windows, since they could replace the whole unit.