Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that prevents heat loss in the winter and helps to keep your home cool in the summer. Having your double glazed windows repaired when needed is an excellent way to ensure that they function correctly.
Over time, your double-glazed windows may experience issues like condensation and misting. Double glazed windows may be difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A rogue baseball or a flying pebble from your lawnmowers, or even a severe storm can shatter the double panes of your windows, leaving your home exposed to the elements. Although a window that is cracked can be difficult to fix but you don't need to replace it entirely. The insulated glass that is between two panes of glass is in good condition and you can fix your double-paned windows yourself.
To begin, you'll need remove the broken glass from the frame. Be careful to prevent glass shards from falling to the floor or slipping from the frame. Wear work gloves to protect your hands, and place an abrasive cloth around the damaged glass area to prevent any further injury or cuts. After taking out the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly to get rid of any sealant or debris. It's important to sand rough areas of the frame to ensure a smooth surface for your new glass.
After the frame has been cleaned and dried, you can apply a new layer of glazing to the seam where the broken pane was removed. This is the most effective way to keep your window sealed and protected and aid in reducing energy costs by stopping drafts and water from entering your home. The next step is to select the material for your glazing. There are a variety of options such as clear tape, which is more durable than regular tape and prevents further cracking of your window, or glazing film, which is similar to clear plastic wrapping. This choice has the benefit that it can be painted to match your frame and will also keep out the elements like ice and rain.
Whatever material you decide to use it's essential to press the glaziers points into that gap where the putty meets your frame. These will hold 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 and if you encounter this issue, it is best to call the company that installed the window. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees that will cover the problems. Fogging or condensation on the windows' panes is a sign that the seals are damaged. Only a professional can fix this problem by replacing both panes.
It is a tricky procedure that requires special tools to remove and replace the window. A professional can complete this task and provide the equipment. It is best to leave the work to professionals. These tools could be hazardous.
Wear safety glasses and gloves if you decide to do it yourself. You could be exposed to glass fragments flying around. It is also crucial to remove all the putty and metal glazing points from the grooves where the new window will go. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming it with a damp cloth is also recommended. After the frame is dry and clean, you will need to purchase a replacement glass that is 1/8 inch smaller in each direction than the existing window and test-fit it into the grooves.
You will need to apply a layer silicone caulk in the grooves of your frames to ensure that the glass you are installing is properly installed. Once the silicone caulk has dried you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding will then be reinstalled.
If the weather abruptly changes, double-glazed windows may become difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures may cause the 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 the frames with water and then lubricating the joints. However, it may be best to contact the company that installed your windows to help.
Misunderstood
Misted Double Glazing is a window issue that develops when moisture gets trapped between the glass panes of your double glazed windows. Double glazing consists of two panes that are separated by a space that is filled with argon to improve thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm air inside and cold air outside and allows you to keep your temperature at a comfortable level in your home.
This seal can become damaged over time and moisture may build up between the panes of glass, causing them to appear misty. This happens because the sun's heat causes the space between the window panes, causing water to evaporate.
This is a normal process, but when it occurs between the window panes it could cause problems as it is no longer able to control the temperature in the room and allow the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. If you notice your double glazed windows are becoming blurred, call the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can repair the individual blow-sealed unit without having to replace the whole window, which is a lot less disruptive than a total replacement. Our misty window repair involves taking off the glass unit, cleaning it, and then replacing it with a fresh one to create an watertight seal.
There are companies within the industry which claim to cut holes into your existing misted windows and inject chemicals into them, which claim to eliminate fog & condensation but we do not recommend this method. This is not only ugly, but it can also harm the toughened glass and leave you with windows that do not fully perform the function it was intended to.
If you don't fix the issue immediately, it could lead to mold, which could not only harm the window, but also risk health issues for your family members. Moisture can also cause other issues within your home, such as dampness or rot. In some cases, the window may need to be replaced entirely.
Failed or Blown
Double-glazed windows are comprised of two glass panes with an inert or air between them. This improves their thermal efficiency, keeping heat in and cold out. As time passes, the gas can be depressurized and cause many problems.
One of the most common is condensation between the panes. It's not an indication of a window failure, but it could indicate that you should reseal them. Condensation can also be an indication of a damaged double glazing, which will require re-installation.
Double-glazed windows may also cause drafts. This could be because of an unsound seal or handle that is broken, or a damaged lock. It is important to fix this problem as soon as possible. A draft can cause you to pay more for heating. Check the seals around the window frame by feeling for cold air.
There will also be water beads on the outside of windows if your window seals aren't working. This is a clear indication that you will need to seal your double-glazed windows.
The frames of your windows are designed to move a bit in order to do in order to keep the glass sheets in place. However, over time, this special packaging material can become compacted and this will cause the seal to break. This will allow air to flow between the panes, reducing the energy efficiency of your window.
A damaged seal is an obvious sign that your double glazing is damaged and must be fixed as soon as possible. A blown seal will stop your double glazing performing its primary function that is to keep cold air out and warm air in. Additionally, a blown seal can let moisture in, which can cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. You should call a double glazing repair specialist immediately if you discover a blowing seal in your double-glazed windows, since they could replace the whole unit.