Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent investment in energy efficiency. It helps prevent loss of heat during winter months and keeps your home cool in the summer. Double glazing windows repaired when needed is an excellent way to ensure that they function correctly.
Over time, your double-glazed windows can suffer from problems like condensation and misting. This can cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open or shut.
Broken Panes
A rogue ball, a flying stone from your lawnmowers, or an intense storm could shatter your double-pane windows and leave your home vulnerable to the elements. Even though a glass window that has been damaged isn't easy to fix however, it does not need to be replaced. In fact the insulated glass between the two panes is in good condition and you can fix your double-pane window using a little DIY effort.
You'll first need to remove any broken glass from the frame. You'll need to be cautious to keep glass shards from falling to the floor or falling out of the frame. Use work gloves to protect your hands, and place a rag to cover the broken glass to avoid further cuts or damage. After taking out the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly, removing any sealant or debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth surface to install your new window.
After cleaning the frame and removing the dust, you can apply another layer of glass to the area where you removed the broken pane. This is the best method to ensure that your window is safe and sealed and will help you save energy costs by keeping water and drafts from entering your home. The next step is to choose your glazing material. There are several options available, including clear tape, which is a bit more durable than regular tape and will 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 also keep snow and rain out too.
Whatever material you choose regardless of the material you choose, it is essential to press glazier's points into the seam where the putty meets the frame. These will hold the newly-formed glass in place and assist it to adhere to the frame. You can find glazier's points in hardware stores, and they are available in pre-made ropes that you roll over the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing is susceptible to condensation issues and if you encounter this issue, it is best to contact the company that supplied the window. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees that cover the issues. Condensation and fogging in the panes of glass is a clear sign that the seals between your windows are broken and must be repaired by an expert who will replace both panes.
This process is a little complicated and requires specific tools to remove the old pane and install the new one, but it can be accomplished by an expert who will supply the required equipment. Utilizing these tools could be dangerous, however, so it is always recommended to leave this kind of job to professionals.
Wear safety gloves and glasses if decide to do it yourself. You could be exposed to flying glass fragments. It is important to remove all metal or putty points from the grooves that will be receiving the new window. You will also want to brush the frame with wire, and then vacuum or wipe it with a damp cloth. Once the frame has dried it is time to order a replacement piece of glass that is 1/8" shorter in both directions than your existing window. Check the glass's fit into the grooves.
Depending on your frames, you will then need to apply the caulk to the grooves to ensure that your new pane is securely in place. After the caulk is dry it is time to smooth it and make any adjustments needed. The wood molding can then be reinstalled.
Double-glazed windows can become difficult to open or close if the weather changes dramatically. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or shrink, causing them to become sagging and stick. You can try wiping the frames with water and then lubricating them in the event that this happens however, it's better to consult the company who installed your windows.
Misunderstood
If moisture is trapped between the glass panes, it can cause misty double glazing. Double glazing is comprised of two glass panes that are separated by an insulating space, typically filled with argon gas to provide improved 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.
In time, however, this seal will begin to break down and moisture can begin to accumulate between the window panes, causing them to turn misty. This occurs because the sun's rays heat the space between the window panes, causing the water to evaporate.
This is a natural occurrence, but if it occurs between the panes of the window it can be a problem because it will no longer be able to control the temperature within the room. Instead the temperature outside of the window will affect the temperature indoors. Northfield Glass can help you if your double-glazed windows start to fog.
We can replace the individual blown sealed unit without needing to replace the whole window which is less disruptive than a total replacement. Our misty glass repair involves removing and cleaning the glass and replacing it with a brand new one. This will result in a watertight seal again.
There are window repair near me in the field that claim to cut holes into your windows with mist and inject chemicals into them which claim to eliminate condensation and fog, however, we do not recommend this method. This is not just unattractive, but it could cause damage to the toughened glass and result in windows that do not fully perform the function it was intended to.
If you don't take care to fix the problem immediately it could result in mold, which could not only cause damage to the window, but also risk health issues for your loved ones. Moisture can also cause issues within your home, such as dampness or rot. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the entire window.
Blown or Failed
Double-glazed windows consist of two panes of glass with an air or inert between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. Over time, the gas can depressurize which can lead to a range of issues.
One of the most frequent is condensation occurring between the panes. It's not an indication of a failure in the window, but it could be a sign that you should reseal the windows. Condensation could also be a sign that your double glazing has failed and, in that case, it's time to get it replaced completely.
Double-glazed windows may also cause drafts. This could be caused by the seal being damaged or a broken handle or lock. A draught can be obvious and result in more expensive heating bills, so it is important that you get this fixed sooner rather than later. Check the seals around the window frame by smelling cold air.
You may also see water beads on the outside of windows when your window seals are failing. This is a sign that you need to re-seal your double glazed windows.
The frames of your windows are designed to move a bit, as they need to do to keep the glass sheets in place. In time, this special packaging material may be compressed. This can cause the seal to become broken. This will allow air to flow between the panes and reduce the efficiency of your window.
Double glazing that has blown a seal is an indication of failure and should be fixed as soon as possible. A blown seal stops your double glazing from performing its primary purpose which is to keep the cold out and warm air in. Additionally, a blown seal will let your home's moisture in, which could result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. Contact a double-glazing specialist immediately you notice a blowing window seal. They can replace the entire unit.