Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is a great investment in energy efficiency. It stops heat loss during the winter months and helps keep your home cool in summer. Restoring your double-glazed windows as required is a great method to ensure they remain in good condition.
Over time condensation and misting may affect your double-glazed windows. This could cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A unruly ball, a flying stone from your lawnmowers or a strong storm can shatter the double pane windows of your home and leave your home vulnerable to the elements. Even though a glass window that has been damaged is difficult to repair however, it does not need to be replaced. In fact the insulated glass between the two panes is still in good shape and you can fix your double-pane window with a little DIY effort.
First, you'll need to remove any broken glass from the frame. You'll need to be cautious to prevent glass shards from falling to the floor or slipping off the frame. Make sure to wear a pair of work gloves to protect your hands, and a cloth to protect the area around the broken glass to avoid further breakage or cuts. After removing the broken pane take care to clean the entire frame of the window to remove any remaining sealant or debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth and even surface to install your new window.
Once the frame is cleaned, you can apply a new layer of glass to the place where the broken pane was removed. This is the best way to ensure your window stays secure and sealed and will save you money by keeping water and drafts from entering the house. The next step is to choose your glazing material. There are several options such as 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 wrapping. The advantage of this choice is that it can be painted over to match your existing frame and will also keep out rain and snow as well.
Whatever material you decide to use it is important to press the glazier's points into that gap where the putty meets your frame. These will hold the new glass in place and assist it adhere to the frame. Hardware stores sell glazier's ropes that you can use on the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing can be prone to condensation issues and if you encounter this issue, it is best to call the company that installed the window. There are warranties and guarantees to cover the issues. Condensation or fogging between the panes of your windows is a sign that your seals are damaged. Only a professional can fix this problem by replacing both panes.
This procedure is a bit complicated and requires the use of special tools to take off the old pane and install the new one, but it can be accomplished by a professional who will provide the required equipment. It is best to leave the job to professionals. These tools can be dangerous.
If you decide to do it yourself, be sure to wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from any broken glass pieces that might fly away during the process. It is essential to remove any putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will receive the new window. You will also want to brush the frame with wire and vacuum or wipe it with a damp cloth. After the frame is dry and clean, you will need to get a replacement glass that is 1/8 inch shorter in each direction than your window, and then test it in the grooves.
You will have to apply a layer of silicone caulk to the grooves of your frames to ensure that the glass you are installing is securely installed. After the caulk dries, you will need to smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding will then be reinstalled.
If the weather abruptly changes, double-glazed windows may become difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or shrink, causing them to become sagging and stick. You can try wiping the frames with water and then lubricating them if this is the case, but it may be better to seek help from the company that installed your windows.
Misunderstood
When moisture gets trapped in between the glass panes it can cause misty double glazing. Double glazing is comprised of two panes of glass which are separated by an insulating space, typically filled with argon gas for increased thermal efficiency. This creates a airtight seal that keeps warm air in, and cold air outside.
This seal can fail over time, and water can accumulate between the glass panes, causing them to appear misty. This happens because the sun's heat causes the gap between window panes, causing water to vapourize.
This is a normal process but if it happens between the window panes, it can be a problem since it is no longer able to regulate the temperature of the room, and allows the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. Northfield Glass can help you if your double-glazed windows start to fog.
We can replace a single sealed unit without needing to replace the entire window. This is less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty window repair involves taking off the glass unit, cleaning it, then replacing it with a fresh one to make an airtight seal.
Certain companies in the business claim to inject chemicals through holes into windows with mist to remove the condensation and fog. We don't suggest this method. This is not only unattractive, but could also damage your toughened glass and leave you with a window that doesn't function properly.
If you don't fix the problem immediately, it could lead to mould, which could not only harm the window, but also cause health risks for your loved ones. The moisture in the window may cause other issues with your property, such as damp or rot. In certain cases the window might need to be replaced entirely.
Failed or blown
Double-glazed windows are made up of two panes of glass with an air or inert between them. This increases their thermal efficiency, allowing warm air in and cold air out. As time passes the gas may become depressurized, causing various problems.
repairs to upvc windows in between the panes is among the most common. It is not a sign of a failure in the window however it could indicate that you need to reseal the windows. Condensation may also be a sign that your double glazing is damaged, in which case it's time to get it replaced completely.
Double-glazed windows may also cause drafts. This could be caused by the seal being damaged or a broken handle or lock. It is crucial to address this problem as soon as possible. A draft will force you to pay more for heating. Check the seals around the window frame by feeling for cold air.
Another sign that the seals on your windows have failed is when you begin to see water dripping 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 made to move a little bit in order to do in order to keep the glass sheets in the right place. In time, this special packaging material could be compressed. This can cause the seal to be broken. This will allow air to circulate between the panes, reducing your window's energy efficiency.
Double glazing that has ruptured an air seal is an indication of failure and should be fixed immediately. A blown seal will prevent your double glazing from performing its primary purpose of keeping the cold out and warm inside. Additionally, a blown seal will let your home's moisture in, which could cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. Call a double glazing specialist immediately you notice a blown window seal. They can fix the entire unit.