Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that prevents heat loss in the winter months and helps keep your home cooler in the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows when needed is a great way to ensure they are in good condition.
Over time, your double-glazed windows may suffer from problems like condensation and misting. This can cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open or shut.
Broken Panes
A rogue baseball or a flying pebble from your lawnmowers, or even a heavy storm can shatter the double panes of your windows and expose your home to the elements. Although a cracked glass window isn't easy to fix however, it does not need to be replaced. In fact, the insulated glass between the two panes remains in good shape and you can repair your double-pane window using a little DIY effort.
You'll first need to remove any broken glass from the frame. You'll need to be cautious to avoid any glass shards falling to the floor or falling out of the frame. Wear gloves for your hands and use a rag to cover the broken glass area to prevent further damage or cuts. After removing the broken glass take care to clean the entire frame of the window to remove any sealant residue and debris. It is essential to sand rough areas of the frame to ensure an even surface for the new glazing.
After cleaning the frame and removing the dust, you can apply another layer of glass to the area where you removed the broken pane. This is the best way to keep your window safe and sealed and help you save energy costs by stopping drafts and water from entering your home. The next step is to select your glazing material. There are several options available, including clear tape which is more durable than regular tape and will keep your window secure from further cracking, as well as glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. The advantage of this choice is that it can be painted to match the frame you have, and it will keep snow and rain out too.
Whatever material you use it is important to press the glazier's points into the gap where the putty meets your frame. These will hold the new glass in place and aid it to adhere to the frame. Hardware stores sell glazier's point ropes that you can use on the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you have a problem with condensation, it is recommended to contact the window manufacturer. Many companies provide warranties and guarantees that will cover these problems. Condensation and fogging between panes of glass is an obvious indication that the seals between your windows are broken and must be repaired by a professional who will fix both panes.
This process is a little tricky and requires the use of special tools to remove the old pane and install the new one, however it is possible to do this by an expert who will supply the required equipment. Using these tools can be dangerous, however, so it is always best to leave this kind of job to professionals.
If you do decide to undertake this yourself, ensure you wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from broken pieces of glass that may fly off during the process. It is important to take out any putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will be receiving the new window. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming a damp cloth is also recommended. After the frame is dry, you'll need to here order another piece of glass that is 1/8" shorter in both directions than your existing window. Make sure the glass fits into the grooves.
Based on the frame you have depending on your frames, you'll need to apply the caulk to the grooves to ensure that the new pane is secure in position. After the caulk is dry it is time to smooth it out and make any needed adjustments. The wood molding can then be reinstalled.
Double-glazed windows may be difficult to open or close in the event of extreme weather. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames to shrink or expand and, as a result, they can sag or stick. If this is the issue, you can 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 to help.
Misted
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 panes of glass that are separated by an insulating area, typically filled with argon gas for improved thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm air inside and cold air outside and allows you to keep the temperature comfortable in your home.
As time passes, the seal will begin to break down and moisture will begin to build up between the window panes, causing them to turn misty. This happens because the space between the panes gets heated by the sun, causing water vapour to build up within it.
This is a normal process however, if it occurs between the window panes it could cause problems as it can no longer control the temperature in the room, and allows the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. If you notice your double-glazed windows are turning misty, call in the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can replace a single blow sealed unit, without having to replace the entire window. This is much less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty glass repair involves removing and cleaning the glass unit before replacing it with a brand new one. This creates a watertight seal and will be watertight.
Some companies in the industry claim that they can inject chemicals through holes drilled into misted windows to remove the condensation and fog. We do not recommend this method. This is not just unsightly, but door and window repair it could also damage the toughened glass and double glazed window repairs leave you with windows that don't fully perform the function it was intended to.
If you don't take care to fix the issue immediately it could cause mould, which can not only harm the window, but cause health risks for your loved ones. The condensation in the window could cause other problems in your home, such as damp or rot. In some cases it is possible to replace the entire window.
Failed or blown
Modern double-glazed windows come with two glass panes, with an inert gas or air in between them. This improves their thermal efficiency, allowing heat in and cold out. Over time, this gas can become depressurised and cause a variety of problems.
One of the most frequently encountered is condensation that forms between the panes. It is not a sign of a window failing, but it could be a sign you should replace the panes. Condensation could also be an indication of a damaged double glazing, which will require a re-installation.
Double-glazed windows can also cause draughts. This could be due to the seal being damaged or a damaged handle or a damaged lock. It is crucial to address this problem as soon as you can. A draught will cause you to spend more on heating. You can test the seals by placing your finger around the edges of the window frame to see if you feel any cold air.
There will also be water beads on the inside of windows when your window seals aren't working. This is a good indicator that you should seal your double-glazed windows.
Your window frames have been designed to move a bit, which is necessary to keep the glass sheets in place. However, over time this special packaging material may be compressed and break the all-important seal. This allows air to circulate between the panes and reduce the energy efficiency of your window.
Double glazing that has broken seals is an indication of a failure and needs to be repaired as soon as possible. A blown seal will stop your double glazing from performing its primary function that is to keep upvc window and door repairs near me the cold website out and warm air in. In addition, a blown seal can let moisture in, which can result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is recommended to contact a specialist in double glazing repair when you discover a blowing seal on your double-glazed windows, as they can replace the whole unit.