Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that stops loss of heat in winter months and helps keep your home cooler in the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows whenever required is a great method to keep them in good working order.
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 and close.
Broken Panes
A unruly ball or a stone flying from your lawnmowers, or a storm that is strong enough can break your double-pane windows and leave your home vulnerable to the elements. While a damaged window repairs near me may be difficult to fix but you don’t need 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 yourself.
To begin, you’ll need take the broken glass out of the frame. You’ll need to be careful to avoid any glass shards falling to the floor or falling off the frame. Make sure to wear a pair of work gloves to shield your hands from injury and a rag to cover the area surrounding the broken glass to avoid further breakage or cuts. After removing the broken piece and cleaning the entire frame of the window to get rid of any remaining sealant and debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth surface on which to put in your new glass.
After the frame has been cleaned then you can apply a fresh layer of glass to the area where the damaged pane was removed. This is the most effective method to seal and protect your window. It will also save you money by preventing water and drafts from entering the home. The next step is to select your glazing material. 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 the elements like ice and companies rain.
Whatever material you choose regardless of the material you select, it is crucial to press glazier’s points into the place where the putty joins the frame. These will hold the new glass in place and aid it adhere to the frame. Hardware stores carry glazier’s point ropes that can be rolled out on the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing can be prone to condensation issues. If you experience this problem it is best to call the company that supplied the window. Many companies provide warranties and guarantees that cover the issues. Fogging and condensation between panes of glass is an obvious sign that the seals between your windows have been damaged and must be repaired by a professional who will repair both panes.
It’s a difficult process that requires special tools to remove and replace the window. A professional can handle this job and provide the equipment. It is best to delegate the task to a professional. These tools could be hazardous.
Wear safety gloves and glasses if you opt to do it yourself. You may be exposed to glass fragments flying around. It is also important to remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves where the new window will go. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming a damp cloth is also recommended. After the frame is dry it is time to order a replacement piece of glass that’s 1/8″ shorter in both directions than your existing window. Check the glass’s fit into the grooves.
Based on the frames you have, you will then need to apply a thin layer of silicone caulk to the grooves to ensure that your new pane is secured in position. After the silicone caulk has dried and cured, you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding can be reinstalled.
If the weather suddenly changes, double-glazed windows may become difficult to open or close. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, causing them to sag and stick. You can try wiping down the frames with water and then lubricating them if this is the case however, it’s better to seek help from the company who installed your windows.
Misunderstood
Misted Double Glazing is a problem with windows that develops when moisture gets trapped between the glass panes of your double-glazed windows. Double glazing consists of two panes that are separated by a space filled with argon to improve thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight sealing that keeps warm air inside, and cold outside air out.
This seal can fail over time, and moisture can build up between the panes of glass and cause them to become misty. This happens because the gap between the panes gets heated by the sun, which causes water vapour to develop in it.
This is a normal occurrence, but when it occurs between the window panes it could cause problems as it will no longer be able to regulate the temperature of 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 much more streamlined than a total replacement. Our misty window repair involves removing the glass unit, washing it, and then replacing it with a fresh one to create an watertight seal.
Certain companies in the business claim to inject chemicals through holes drilled into windows with mist to remove the condensation and fog. We don’t recommend this method. This method is not just unattractive, but could also damage the toughened glass, leaving you with a window that doesn’t function properly.
It is crucial to resolve the issue as quickly as you can, as if untreated, it can cause mould growth, which not only damages the window, but can also pose health risks to your family. The condensation in the window could also lead to other problems in your home such as damp or rot. In some cases, the window may need to be replaced completely.
Blown or Failed
Double-glazed windows are made up of two glass panes with an inert or air between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and the cold out. Over time the gas will become depressurized, causing various issues.
One of the most common is condensation that forms between the panes. While it is a natural phenomenon, it doesn’t mean your window has failed however it could be a sign that you need to re-seal your windows. Condensation can also be an indication of broken double glazing, which will require re-installation.
Also, look out for draughts coming from your double glazed windows. This could be because of an unsound seal or handle that is broken, or a broken lock. A draught can be quite obvious and result in higher heating bills Therefore, it is essential that you get this fixed sooner rather than later. You can test the seals by feeling around the edges of your window frame to see if you feel any cold air.
You will also notice water beads on the inside of windows if the window seals aren’t working. This is an indication that you need to seal your double-glazed windows.
Your window frames are made to move a little bit as they have to do to keep the glass sheets in the right place. However, with time, this special packaging material can be compressed and break the all-important seal. This will allow air to move between the panes, reducing the energy efficiency of your window.
Double glazing that has blown seals is a sign of failure and needs to be repaired as soon as possible. A blown seal stops your double glazing from fulfilling its primary purpose that is to keep the cold out and warm air in. A blown seal could let moisture into your home, which can lead to mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is recommended to contact a double glazing repair specialist when you notice a blown seal in your double glazed windows, since they could replace the whole unit.