Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an energy efficient investment that reduces loss of heat in winter months and helps keep your home cooler during the summer. Restoring your double-glazed windows as needed is a great way to keep them in good condition.
Over time, condensation and misting can impact your double-glazed windows. Double glazed windows can become difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A rogue baseball or a flying pebble from your lawnmowers, or even a storm that is heavy could break the double panes of your windows, leaving your home exposed to the elements. Even though a glass window that has been damaged is difficult to repair, it doesn't need to be replaced. In fact the insulated glass that is between the two panes remains in good condition, and you can fix your double-pane window using a little DIY effort.
To begin, you'll need take the broken glass out of the frame. This will be an unpleasant task, and you'll want to be careful to stop glass shards from falling onto the floor or falling out of the frame. Make sure you wear work gloves to protect your hands, and a cloth to protect the area around the broken glass to prevent further cuts or breakage. After taking out the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly, removing any sealant or other debris. It's important to sand rough areas of your frame to ensure an even surface for your new glazing.
After cleaning the frame, you can apply another layer of glass on the seam where you removed the broken pane. This is the most effective way to keep your window secure and sealed and save you money by keeping water and drafts from entering the house. The next step is to choose the material for your glazing. There are several options, including clear tape that is more durable than regular tape, and can prevent further cracking of your window or glazing film which is similar to clear plastic wrap. The benefit of this option is that it can be painted to match the frame you have and will keep out rain and snow as well.
Whatever material you use it is important to press the glazier's points into that place where the putty joins your frame. These will hold the new glass in place and assist it stick to the frame. You can find glazier's points in hardware stores, and they are available in pre-made ropes that you roll onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing can be prone to condensation issues and if you encounter this issue, it is recommended to contact the company that installed the window. Many have warranties and guarantees to address the issues. Condensation and fogging between panes of glass is an obvious sign that the seals between your windows are broken and can only be repaired by a professional who will fix both panes.
The process is difficult and requires special tools to remove the old pane and then install the new one, however it can be done by an expert who will provide the necessary equipment. Utilizing these tools could be dangerous, so it is always best to leave this type task to an expert.
If you decide to do this yourself, make sure you wear gloves and safety glasses to shield yourself from any broken pieces of glass that might fly away during the process. It is also essential to remove all the putty and metal glazing points from the grooves that the new window will be. You will also want to brush the frame with wire, and then vacuum or wipe it clean with a damp cloth. After the frame has dried, you'll need to order an additional piece of glass that's 1/8" shorter in both directions than your existing window. Make sure the glass fits into the grooves.
Based on the frames you have You will then have to apply the caulk on the grooves to ensure that the new pane is secure in place. After the caulk is dry it is time to smooth it and make any adjustments needed. The wood molding can be put back in place.
Double glazed windows can be difficult to open or close in the event of extreme weather. Extreme temperatures can cause frames to expand or shrink and cause them to fall or stick. If this is the case you could try wiping the frames down with water and lubricating the joints. However, it might be a good idea to call the company that installed your windows for help.
Misunderstood
Misted Double Glazing is a problem with windows that occurs when moisture gets 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 for improved thermal efficiency. This results in an airtight seal that keeps warm indoor air in, and cold air outside.
Over time however, this seal can break down and moisture will start to accumulate between the window panes, causing them to turn misty. This occurs because the sun's heat causes the gap between the double glazing repair near me window panes, causing water to evaporate.
This is a natural process, but if it occurs between the windows' panes it could cause problems because it won't be able to regulate the temperature inside 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 a single blown sealed unit, without having to replace the entire window. This is more streamlined 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.
Some companies in the field claim to inject chemicals through holes into windows that have been misty to eliminate the fog and condensation. We do not recommend this method. This method isn't just ugly, but it could also harm the toughened glass and leave you with a window that doesn't function properly.
If you don't address the issue immediately it could result in mold, which could not only cause damage to the window, but could also pose health risks to your loved ones. Moisture can also cause other issues in your home, like dampness or rot. In certain situations it might 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 helps to improve their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. As time passes the gas may be depressurized and cause a variety of problems.
Condensation between the panes is one of the most common. While it is a natural occurrence and doesn't mean that your window has failed however it could be a sign that you need to re-seal your windows. Condensation can also be a sign of a broken double glazing, which could require a re-installation.
Double-glazed windows can also create draughts. This could be due to a failure of the seal or a broken handle or lock. It is essential to fix this problem as soon as you can. A draft will force you to pay more for heating. Test the seals around the window frame by smelling 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 seal your double-glazed windows.
Your window frames are designed to move a bit in order to keep the glass sheets in position. However, over time this special packaging material may get compacted, and this could cause the seal to break. This will allow air to flow between the panes, and decrease the efficiency of your window.
Double glazing that has broken a seal is a sign of failure and should be fixed immediately. A damaged seal will stop your double glazing from performing its primary purpose of keeping the cold out and warm in. A blown seal could let moisture into your home, which can result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. Contact a double-glazing specialist immediately you spot a damaged window seal. They can replace the entire unit.