Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is a fantastic investment in energy efficiency. It prevents heat loss during the winter months and keeps your home cool during summer. Restoring your double-glazed windows as necessary is a great way to ensure they remain in good condition.
Over time condensation and misting may be detrimental to your double-glazed windows. Double glazed windows can be difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A unruly ball, a flying stone from your lawnmowers or a storm that is strong enough can break your double-pane windows, leaving you home vulnerable to the elements. While a damaged glass window isn't easy to fix but it doesn't have to be replaced. The insulated glass that is between two panes of glass is in good condition, so you can repair your double-paned window on your own.
To begin, you'll need remove the broken glass from the frame. You'll need to be cautious to avoid any glass shards falling to the floor or slipping off the frame. Make sure you wear work gloves to protect your hands, and a cloth to cover the area surrounding the broken glass to avoid further breakage or cuts. After removing the broken piece take care to clean the entire frame of the window to remove any remaining sealant and debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth and even surface to install your new glazing.
After the frame has been cleaned then you can apply a new layer of glass to the seam where the broken pane was removed. This is the most effective way to ensure that your window is safe and sealed and save you money by keeping water and drafts from entering your home. The next step is to select your glazing material. There are a variety of options, including clear tape that is more robust than regular tape and can keep your window from further cracking, as well as 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 keep out rain and snow as well.
No matter what material you decide to use it's essential to press the glazier's points into that place where the putty joins your frame. These will hold the newly-formed glass in place and help it stick to the frame. Hardware stores carry glazier's point ropes that you can use on the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you are experiencing issues with condensation, it is recommended to contact the window manufacturer. Many have warranties and guarantees to cover these problems. Fogging or condensation on the panes of your windows is a sign that your seals aren't working properly. Only a professional can resolve this problem by replacing the panes.
This process is a little difficult and requires the use of specific tools to remove the old one and replace the new one, however it can be accomplished by an expert who will provide the necessary equipment. It is best to leave the task to professionals. These tools can be risky.
Wear safety gloves and glasses if you choose to do it yourself. You may be exposed to flying glass fragments. It is also essential to remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves that the new window will go. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming a damp cloth are also recommended. After the frame has dried it is time to order a replacement piece of glass that's 1/8" shorter in both directions than your existing window. Make sure the glass fits into the grooves.
Depending on your frames, you will then need to apply the caulk to the grooves in order to ensure that the new pane is securely in place. After the silicone caulk is dried and cured, you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding can be put back in place.
Double glazed windows can be difficult to open and close in the event of extreme weather. Extreme temperatures can cause frames of double-glazed windows to expand or shrink, causing them to become sagging and stick. If this is the issue you could try wiping the frames using water and lubricating joints. However, it might be best to contact the company who installed your windows for help.
Misted
If moisture is trapped between the glass panes it can cause misted double glazing. Double glazing is made up of two panes, which are separated by a space filled with argon for better thermal efficiency. This creates a airtight seal that keeps warm air inside and cold outside air out.
The seal may become damaged over time and water can accumulate between the panes of glass, causing them to become cloudy. This occurs because the sun heats the gap between window panes, causing water to vapourize.
This is a normal thing to happen, but when it occurs between the window panes, it can be a problem since it is no longer able to control the temperature in the room and will allow the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. Northfield Glass can help you if your double-glazed windows start to mist.
We can replace a single blown sealed unit, without needing to replace the entire window. This is less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty glass repair consists of removing and cleaning the glass and replacing it with a brand new one. This creates a seal that is watertight and will be watertight.
Some companies in the field claim to inject chemicals through holes drilled into misted windows to remove the fog and condensation. We don't recommend this method. This method is not only unattractive, but it could also damage the toughened glass and leave you with windows that don't completely perform the function it was intended to.
If you don't address the issue immediately it could cause mold, which could not only damage the window, but could also pose health risks to your loved ones. Moisture can also cause problems in your home, including dampness or rot. In certain cases, the window may need to be completely replaced.
Blown or Failed
Double-glazed windows are made glass repair near me up of two panes of glass with an air or inert between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and the cold out. Over time, this gas can depressurize which can lead to a range of issues.
Condensation between the panes is one of the most frequent. While it is a natural event, it doesn't necessarily mean that your window is failing, it can be an indication that you need to re-seal your windows. Condensation can be a sign your double glazing is damaged, in which case it's time to get it replaced completely.
Also, look out for drafts coming through your double-glazed windows. This could be because of a failed seal or a damaged handle or a damaged lock. It is important to fix the issue as quickly as possible. A draft can cause you to spend more on heating. Test the seals on the window frame by feeling for cold air.
You may also see water beads on the interior of windows if your window seals aren't working. This is a good indicator that you will need to seal your double-glazed windows.
Your window frames have been designed to move a bit, which is necessary to keep the glass sheets in position. Over time, this special packaging material can become compacted. This will cause the seal to be broken. This allows air to flow between the panes, which will reduce the energy efficiency of your window.
Double glazing that has ruptured a seal is an indication of a failure and should be repaired as soon as possible. A blown seal will prevent your double glazing from performing its primary purpose of keeping cold out and warm in. A damaged seal could let moisture in your home, which could lead to mold and other unpleasant conditions. Contact a double-glazing specialist as soon you notice a blowing window seal. They can repair or replace the entire unit.