Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that stops heat loss in the winter and keeps your home cool in the summer. Double glazing windows repaired as needed is an excellent way to keep them working properly.
Over time, your double-glazed windows may suffer from issues such as condensation and misting. Double glazed windows may become difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A rogue baseball, a flying pebble from your lawnmowers or even a severe storm could break the double panes of your windows and expose your home to the elements. Although a cracked glass window is difficult to repair however, it does not need to be replaced. The insulated glass that is between two glass panes is still in good shape, so you can repair your double-paned window on your own.
To start, you'll need to take the broken glass out of the frame. This can be an unpleasant task and you'll need to be cautious to prevent glass shards from falling on the floor or slipping out of the frame. Use a pair of gloves to protect your hands, and a cloth to cover the area surrounding the broken glass to prevent further breakage or cuts. After removing the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly to remove any sealant or other debris. It is essential to smooth rough areas of the frame to ensure an even surface for your new glazing.
After cleaning the frame, you can apply another layer of glass on the seam where you removed the broken pane. This is the most effective way to ensure your window stays sealed and protected and aid in reducing energy costs by keeping water and drafts from entering your home. Next, you will need to select your glazing material. Some options include clear tape that is more robust than regular tape and will keep your window secure from further cracking, and glazing film that resembles clear plastic wrap. This option has the advantage that it can be painted to match your frame, and will also keep out snow and ice.
Whatever material you choose it's essential to press the glazier's points into the seam where the putty meets your frame. These will keep the glass in place and aid in adhering to the frame. The glazier's point can be found in hardware stores, and they come in pre-made ropes that you simply roll over the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you're experiencing problems with condensation, it's recommended to contact the window manufacturer. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees to will cover these problems. Condensation and fogging in the panes of glass is a clear sign that the seals between your windows are damaged and can only be repaired by a professional who will repair both panes.
This procedure is a bit tricky and requires the use of special tools to remove the old pane and install the new one, however it can be accomplished by an expert who will supply the required equipment. Utilizing these tools could be dangerous, however it is best to leave this kind of job to a professional.
If you do decide to undertake this yourself, make sure you wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from any broken pieces of glass that could fly off during the process. It is essential to remove all putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will receive the new window. Wire-brushing the frame, vacuuming or wiping with a damp cloth is recommended. Once the frame is clean and dry you'll need to order a piece of replacement glass that is 1/8 inch smaller in each direction than your existing window and test-fit it into the grooves.
You'll require a layer of silicone caulk to the grooves of your frames to ensure that your new glass is secure in its installation. Once the caulk has dried, you will need to smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. Then the wood molding can be reinstalled.
Double-glazed windows may be difficult to open and close in the event of extreme weather. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames to shrink or expand and, as a result, they can fall or stick. You can try wiping the frames with water and then lubricating them when this happens however it is better to seek advice from the company who installed your windows.
Misted
Misted Double Glazing is a window issue that is caused by moisture getting trapped between the glass panes of your double glazed windows. Double glazing is comprised of two glass panes which are separated by an insulating space typically filled with argon gas for better thermal efficiency. This creates a airtight seal that keeps here warm indoor air inside, and cold outside air out.
In time, however, this seal can break down and moisture will start to accumulate between the window panes, causing them to turn misty. This occurs because the sun heats the gap between the panes of windows, causing water to evaporate.
This is a normal thing to happen 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 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 the individual sealed blown unit without having to replace the whole window which is less disruptive than a total replacement. Our misty window repair involves removing the glass unit, washing it, then replacing it with a fresh one to make an airtight seal.
There are companies within the industry who claim to drill holes in your windows that are misting and inject chemicals into them, which claim to eliminate condensation and fog but we do not recommend this procedure. This method is not only unsightly, but it could cause damage to the toughened glass and can leave you with windows that don't fully perform the function it was intended to.
It is crucial to resolve the issue as soon as you can, as if untreated it can lead to mould growth, which not only damages the window but can also pose health risks to your family members. Moisture can also cause issues within your home, including dampness or rot. In certain cases, the window may need to be completely replaced.
Failed or Blown
Modern double-glazed windows come with two glass panes, with an inert gas or air between them. This helps to improve their thermal efficiency, keeping the cold out and heat in. As time passes, the gas can become depressurized, causing various issues.
Condensation in between the panes is among the most frequent. It's not an indication of a window failure however it could indicate that you should replace the windows. Condensation can also be a sign of a broken double glazing, which will require a re-installation.
Double-glazed windows may also cause drafts. This could be due to the seal being damaged or a damaged handle or a broken lock. It is essential to fix the issue as quickly as you can. A draught will cause you to spend more on heating. Test the seals on the window frame by feeling for cold air.
There will also be water beads on the outside of windows if the window seals are failing. This is a clear indication that you should re-seal your double glazed windows.
Your window frames are designed to move a bit in order to do to keep the glass sheets in their place. However, with time, this particular packaging material will be compressed and break the all-important seal. This will allow air to flow between the panes and reduce the energy efficiency of your window.
Double glazing that has blown an air seal is a sign of failure and needs to be repaired immediately. A damaged seal will stop your double glazing from performing its primary purpose of keeping cold out and warm in. A blown seal could let moisture into your home, which could result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is recommended to contact a specialist in double glazing repair when you spot a damaged seal on your double-glazed windows, since they could replace the entire unit.