Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is a great investment in energy efficiency. It prevents loss of heat during winter months and keeps your home cool in summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows whenever necessary is a great way to ensure they are in good working order.
Over time, condensation and misting can impact your double-glazed windows. Double glazed windows can be difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A rogue baseball or a stray pebble from your lawnmowers or even a heavy storm can break the double panes of your windows, leaving your home exposed to the elements. While a damaged window may be difficult to fix but you don't need to replace it entirely. In fact, the insulated glass between the two panes is in good condition and you can repair your double-pane window using some DIY effort.
To begin, you'll need remove the broken glass from the frame. You'll need to be careful to keep glass shards from falling onto the floor or sliding out of the frame. Make sure to wear a pair of work gloves to shield your hands from injury and a rag to cover the area around the broken glass to prevent further cuts or breakage. After you have removed the broken glass clean the frame of the window thoroughly to remove any sealant or debris. It is important to smooth rough areas of the frame to create an even surface for your new glass.
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 best way to protect and seal your window, and will save you energy costs by preventing water and drafts from entering the home. The next step is to choose your glazing material. Some options include clear tape, which is a bit more robust than regular tape and will help keep your window from further cracking, and glazing film that resembles clear plastic wrap. This type of wrap has the advantage that it can be painted to match your frame, and will also keep out the elements like ice and rain.
Whatever material you use, it's important to press the glaziers points into that gap where the putty meets your frame. These will hold the new glass in place and help it stick to the frame. The glazier's point can be found in hardware stores, and they come in pre-made ropes which you roll onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you're experiencing problems with condensation, it's best to call the window manufacturer. A lot of windows come with warranties and guarantees to cover the issues. Condensation and fogging in the panes of glass is an obvious sign that the seals between your windows are broken and can only be fixed by an expert who will replace both 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 done by an expert who will supply the required equipment. Making use of these tools can be dangerous, however it is recommended to leave this kind of job to professionals.
If you do decide to do it yourself, make sure you wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from broken pieces of glass that may fly off during the process. It is essential to take out all metal or putty points from the grooves that will hold the new window. It is also recommended to wire-brush the frame and vacuum or wipe it clean with a damp cloth. Once the frame has dried you'll have to purchase another piece of glass that is 1/8" shorter in both directions than your existing window. Test-fit the glass into the grooves.
You will require a layer of silicone caulk in the grooves of your frames to ensure that your new glass is properly installed. After the caulk dries, you will need to smooth it and make any adjustments needed. The wood molding will then be reinstalled.
Double-glazed windows may be difficult to open or close when the weather is extremely changing. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or shrink, causing them to sag and stick. If this is the problem you could try wiping down the frames with water and then lubricating the joints. However, it may be a good idea to call the company that installed your windows to help.
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 is made up of two panes, which are separated by a space filled with argon for better thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm air inside and cold air outside which allows you to keep your temperature at a comfortable level in your home.
Over time however, this seal may break and moisture can begin to accumulate between the window panes, which causes them to become cloudy. This happens because the gap between the panes gets heated by the sun, causing water vapour to build up in it.
It is a natural phenomenon however if it occurs between the windows' panes it could be a problem because it won't be able control the temperature within the room. Instead the temperature outside the window will influence the temperature indoors. If you notice your double glazed windows upvc door repair are becoming cloudy, contact the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can replace the blown sealed unit without needing to replace the entire window and is less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty window repair involves removing the glass unit, cleaning it, and replacing it with a fresh one to make a watertight seal again.
Certain companies in the business claim to inject chemicals through holes drilled into windows with mist to remove the fog and condensation. We do not recommend using this method. This method is not only unsightly, but it could cause damage to the toughened glass and can leave you with a window that does not fully function.
If you don't address the problem immediately, it could lead to mould, which can not only harm the window, but also risk health issues for your loved ones. Moisture can also cause other problems in your home, like dampness or rot. In some cases the window might need to be completely replaced.
Blown or failed
Double-glazed windows are comprised of two panes of glass with an air or inert between them. This improves their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and the cold out. Over time, the gas can become depressurised and cause a variety of problems.
One of the most common is condensation that forms between the panes. Although it's a normal occurrence and doesn't mean that your window is damaged however it could be an indication that you have to seal your windows. Condensation could be an indication that your double glazing is damaged, in which case it's time to get it replaced completely.
Double-glazed windows may also cause draughts. This could be because of the seal being damaged, a broken handle, or a damaged lock. It is crucial to address this problem as soon as you can. A draft will force you to pay more for heating. You can test the seals by rubbing around the edges of your window frame to see whether you feel cold air.
Another indication that your window seals have failed is when you start to notice water beads on the inside of your windows. This is a sign that you need to replace the seals on your double-glazed windows.
Your window frames are designed to move a bit, which is necessary to keep the glass sheets in place. However, with time, this particular packaging material will become compacted and this will break the all-important seal. This will allow air to flow between the panes, and decrease the efficiency of your window.
Double glazing that has broken seals is a sign of failure and should be repaired as soon as is possible. A blown seal will stop your double glazing performing its primary function that is to keep the cold out and warm air in. In addition, a blown seal can let moisture in, which could result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. Contact a double glazing expert as soon you notice a blowing window seal. They can replace the entire unit.