Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is a fantastic investment in energy efficiency. It prevents heat loss during the winter months and helps to keep your home cool in summer. Restoring your double-glazed windows as needed is a great way to ensure they remain in good working order.
Over time, your double-glazed windows can suffer from issues such as condensation and misting. This could cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open or shut.
Broken Panes
A ball that is rogue or a flying stone from your lawnmowers, or a storm that is strong enough can break your double-pane windows and leave your home vulnerable to the elements. Although a window that is cracked can be difficult to repair, you don't have to have it replaced entirely. The insulated glass between two panes of glass is still in good shape and you can fix your double-paned window on your own.
To begin, you'll need to take the broken glass out of the frame. You'll need to be careful to prevent glass shards from falling onto the floor or sliding off the frame. Use a pair of work gloves to shield your hands from injury and a rag to protect the area surrounding the broken glass to prevent further damage or breaks. After removing the broken glass and cleaning the entire frame of the window to get rid of any remaining sealant and debris. Sand rough areas of the frame to create a smooth surface to put in your new glass.
After cleaning the frame, you can apply a new layer of glazing to the place where the broken pane was removed. This is the best method to keep your window secure and sealed, and it will aid in reducing energy costs by preventing drafts and water from entering your home. The next step is to choose the material for your glazing. There are a variety of options including clear tape which is more durable than regular tape and helps prevent further cracking of your window, or glazing film, which is similar to clear plastic wrap. This option has the advantage that it can be painted to match your frame and will also keep out rain and ice.
Whatever the 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 aid it stick to the frame. Glazier's points can be found in hardware stores, and are available in pre-made ropes that you simply roll over the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you're experiencing problems with condensation, it is recommended to contact the window manufacturer. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees to will cover the problems. Fogging and condensation between panes of glass is an obvious indication that the seals between your windows are broken and can only be fixed by an expert who will fix both panes.
The process is complicated and requires special tools to remove the old pane and then install the new one, but it is possible to do this by an expert who will supply the necessary equipment. Utilizing these tools could be dangerous, so it is always best to leave this type of work to an expert.
Wear safety gloves and glasses if you decide to do it yourself. You could be exposed to glass fragments flying around. It is also crucial to carefully remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves in which 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. Once the frame has dried you'll have to purchase another piece of glass that's 1/8" shorter in both directions than the existing window. Make sure the glass fits into the grooves.
Depending on your frames depending on your frames, you'll need to apply a layer of silicone caulk on the grooves to ensure that your new pane is secure in position. Once the caulk has dried, you will need to smooth it out and make any needed adjustments. Then the wood molding can be put back in place.
Double glazed windows can become difficult to open or close when the weather is extremely changing. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames to shrink or expand and, as a result, they can fall or stick. If this is the case, you can try wiping down the frames with water and lubricating the joints. However, it might be best to ask the company who installed your windows to help.
Misunderstood
Misted Double Glazing is a problem with windows that is caused by moisture getting trapped between the glass panes of your double-glazed windows. Double glazing consists 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 and allows you to keep the temperature in your home comfortable.
In time, however, this seal can break down and moisture will start to accumulate between the window panes, causing them to become misty. This occurs because the sun's heat causes the gap between window panes, which causes the water to evaporate.
This is a normal process but if it happens between the window panes it can be a problem since it will no longer be able to control the temperature in the room and will allow the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. Northfield Glass can help you when your double-glazed windows begin to mist.
We can replace a single blow sealed unit, without having to replace the entire window. This is far less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty glass repair consists of removing and cleaning the glass unit and replacing it with a brand new one. This creates an airtight seal and will be watertight.
There are some companies in the industry that claim to drill glass repair holes into your windows with mist and inject chemicals into them which they say removes the fog & condensation but we don't recommend this method. This is not just ugly, but it can cause damage to the toughened glass and leave you with windows that do not fully perform its function.
If you don't fix the problem immediately it could result in mold, which could not only harm the window, but could also pose health risks to your family members. Moisture in the window can cause other issues in your home like damp or rot. In some cases, the window may need to be replaced entirely.
Blown or failed
Double-glazed windows are made up of two glass panes with an air or inert between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. Over time the gas will become depressurized, causing a variety 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 need to reseal them. Condensation may be an indication that your double glazing is damaged and, in that case, it's time to get it replaced completely.
It is also important to look for draughts coming from your double glazed windows. This could be caused by the seal being damaged or a broken handle or lock. A draught can be noticeable and will lead to higher heating bills Therefore, it is essential to get it fixed sooner rather than later. Check the seals around the window frame by feeling the cold air.
Another indication that the seals on your windows have failed is when you start to notice water beading on the inside of your windows. This is an indication that you need to seal your double-glazed windows.
The frames of your windows are designed to move slightly as they have to do to keep the glass sheets in place. Over time, this special packaging material may be compressed. This could cause the seal to be broken. This allows air to move between the panes, decreasing the energy efficiency of your window.
Double glazing that has broken a seal is a sign of failure and should be repaired immediately. A damaged seal will stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary job of keeping cold out and warm in. A damaged seal could let moisture into your home, which can result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. Contact a double-glazing specialist when you notice a blowing window seal. They can replace the entire unit.