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 cool in the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows when needed is a great way to keep them in good condition.
Over time, your double glazed windows may suffer from problems 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 lawnmower, or even a storm that is heavy could break the double panes of your windows, leaving your home exposed to the elements. While a damaged window may be difficult to fix, you don't have to have it replaced entirely. The insulated glass that is between two glass panes is still in good shape and you can fix your double-paned windows yourself.
To begin, you'll need remove the broken glass from the frame. You'll need to be cautious to prevent glass shards from falling to the floor or slipping from the frame. Make sure you wear gloves to shield your hands from injury and a cloth to cover the area surrounding the broken glass to avoid further breakage or cuts. After removing the broken pane, carefully clean the entire frame of the window to remove any remaining sealant or debris. Sand rough areas of the frame to create a smooth surface to put in your new glass.
Once the frame is cleaned then you can apply a new layer of glazing to the place in which the broken pane was removed. This is the most effective way to ensure that your window is safe and sealed and aid in reducing energy costs by stopping drafts and water from getting into your home. The next step is to choose the glazing material. There are several options available, including clear tape which is more durable than regular tape and will help keep your window secure from further cracking, and glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. This type of wrap has the advantage that it can be painted to match the frame of your window and can also shield your windows from the elements like ice and rain.
Regardless of the material you select, it is important to press the glazier's points into the place where the putty joins the frame. They will help keep the glass in place, and aid in adhering to the frame. Hardware stores sell glazier's point ropes that you can use onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing is susceptible to condensation issues and if you experience this problem it is best to contact the company that installed the window. There are warranties and guarantees to address these issues. Condensation and fogging in the panes of glass is a clear sign that the seals between your windows have been damaged and must be repaired by an expert who will fix both panes.
It's a difficult procedure that requires special tools to remove and replace the window. A professional can complete this job and provide the equipment. Making use of these tools can be dangerous it is best to leave this type of work to an expert.
If you do decide to do it 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 important to remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves that the new window will go. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming it with a damp cloth is recommended. When the frame is dry and clean then you'll need get a replacement glass that is 1/8 inch smaller in each direction than the existing window and test-fit it into the grooves.
Based on the frame you have depending on your frames, you'll need to apply a thin layer of silicone caulk to the grooves in order to ensure that the new pane is secured in the right place. Once the silicone caulk has dried you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding will then be reinstalled.
Double-glazed windows can be difficult to open and close if the weather changes dramatically. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames to expand or shrink and, as a result, they can slide or become stuck. If this is the case, you can try wiping the frames down using water and lubricating joints. However, it might be best to ask the company that installed your windows for assistance.
Misunderstood
When moisture gets trapped between the glass panes it can cause misty double glazing. Double glazing is comprised of two glass panes which are separated by an insulating space typically filled with argon gas for improved thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm room air inside and cold air outside, allowing you to keep your temperature at a comfortable level in your home.
The seal could fail over time, and moisture may build up between the glass panes and cause them to become to become cloudy. This occurs because the sun's heat causes the gap between the window panes, which causes the water to evaporate.
This is a normal thing to happen, but when it occurs between the window panes, it upvc window repair can cause a problem as it is no longer able to regulate the temperature of the room and will allow the outside temperature to influence the indoor temperature. Northfield Glass can help you if your double-glazed windows start to fog.
We can repair the individual blown sealed unit without needing to replace the entire window, which is a lot less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty window repair involves taking off the glass, cleaning it, then replacing it with a new one to make an airtight seal.
Certain companies in the business claim that they can inject chemicals through holes into windows that have been misty to eliminate the fog and condensation. We don't suggest this method. This is not only unattractive, but it could also damage the toughened glass and result in windows that don't completely perform the function it was intended to.
If you don't address the issue quickly, it could lead to mould, which could not only damage the window, but could also pose health risks to your family members. The moisture in the window may cause other problems with your property, such as damp or rot. In some cases it is possible 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, allowing heat in and cold out. As time passes, the gas may depressurize, leading to a number of problems.
One of the most frequent is condensation that forms between the panes. It's not a sign of a failure in the window however it could be a sign that you should reseal the windows. Condensation could be a sign your double glazing is damaged in which case it will need to be replaced completely.
Double-glazed windows may also cause draughts. This could be due to a failed seal or a damaged handle or a damaged lock. It is essential to fix the issue as quickly as you can. A draft will force you to pay more for heating. Test the seals around the window frame by feeling for cold air.
Another sign that your window seals have failed is when you begin to notice water beading on the inside of your windows. This is a sign that you need to replace the seals on your double-glazed windows.
The frames of your windows are designed to move a bit in order to do to keep the glass sheets in their place. In time, this special packaging material can become compacted. This will cause the seal to become broken. This allows air to flow between the panes, which will reduce the efficiency of your window's energy consumption.
A seal that is blown is a clear sign that your double glazing is damaged and should be repaired immediately. A blown seal will stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary function that is to keep cold air out and warm air in. A damaged seal could let moisture in your home, which can cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is important to contact a double glazing repair expert immediately if you spot a damaged seal in your double-glazed windows, since they could replace the whole unit.