Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is a fantastic investment in energy efficiency. It helps prevent loss of heat during winter months and helps to keep your home cool in summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows whenever required is a great method to keep them in good condition.
Over time your double glazed windows may suffer from issues like condensation and companies misting. This can cause your double-glazed windows to be difficult to open or shut.
Broken Panes
A ball that is rogue or a stone flying from your lawnmower or even an intense storm could shatter your double-pane windows which can expose your home to the elements. While a cracked window can be difficult to fix but you don’t need to replace it completely. The insulated glass between two glass panes is still in good shape So you can repair your double-paned window on your own.
You’ll first need to remove any broken glass from the frame. This will be an unpleasant task and you’ll need to be careful to stop any glass fragments from falling onto the floor or sliding out of the frame. Use a pair of work gloves to shield your hands from injury and a cloth to protect the area surrounding the broken glass to prevent further breakage or cuts. After removing the broken glass and cleaning the entire frame of the window to eliminate any sealant residue and debris. It’s important to smooth rough areas of the frame to ensure an even surface for your new glass.
After cleaning the frame and removing the dust, you can apply another layer of glass to the seam where you removed the broken pane. This is the best way to ensure your window stays sealed and protected and save you money by keeping water and drafts from getting into your home. Next, you will need to select your glazing material. There are several options available, including clear tape that is more durable than regular tape and can keep your window from further cracking, and glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. The benefit of this type of material is that it can be painted over to match your frame and will keep out snow and rain as well.
Whatever material you choose it’s essential to press the glazier’s points into that place where the putty joins your frame. These will hold the glass in place, and will help it stick to the frame. Glazier’s points can be found in hardware stores, and are available in pre-made ropes that you roll out onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing is susceptible to condensation issues. If you experience this problem it is recommended to contact the company that provided the window. There are warranties and guarantees to address these problems. Fogging or condensation between the panes of your windows is a sign that your seals aren’t working properly. Only a professional can fix this problem by replacing the panes.
It’s a complicated process that requires special tools to remove and replace the old window. A professional can do this task and supply the equipment. It is recommended to leave the job to professionals. These tools could be dangerous.
Wear safety glasses and gloves if you choose to do it yourself. You may be exposed to glass fragments flying around. It is essential to remove all putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will hold the new window. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming a damp cloth is recommended. When the frame is dry and clean, you will need to purchase a replacement glass that is 1/8 inch shorter in each direction than the window that you have and then fit it in the grooves.
Based on the frame you have depending on your frames, you’ll need to apply a layer of silicone caulk on the grooves to ensure that your new pane is securely in place. Once the silicone caulk has dried you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding can then be put back in place.
If the weather suddenly changes, double-glazed windows may be difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, which causes them to become sagging and stick. You can try wiping the frames with water and lubricating them when this happens however it is better to consult the company that installed your windows.
Misted
When moisture gets trapped in between the glass panes, it can cause misted double glazing. Double glazing consists of two panes of glass which are separated by an insulating space, typically filled with argon gas to provide better thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm room air inside and cold air outside, allowing you to keep your temperature in your home comfortable.
The seal may fail over time, and moisture can build up between the panes of glass which can cause them to turn to appear misty. This happens because the gap between the panes is heated by sun, which causes water vapour to build up within it.
This is a normal occurrence but if it happens between the window panes, it can be a problem since it is no longer able to control the temperature in the room, and allows the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. If you notice that your double glazed windows are becoming misty, call in the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can replace a single blow sealed unit, without the need to replace the entire window. This is much more streamlined than a total replacement. Our misty glass repair involves removing and cleaning the glass and replacing it with a new one. This creates a seal that is watertight again.
There are companies in the industry who claim to drill holes into your existing misted windows and inject chemicals into them, which they claim will eliminate the fog & condensation but we do not recommend this procedure. This method isn’t just unsightly but could also damage your toughened glass leaving you with a window which doesn’t function properly.
It is important to fix the issue as soon as you can, because if left untreated it can lead to mould growth, which not only damages the window but also poses health risks to your family members. Moisture can also cause issues within your home, like dampness or rot. In certain situations it is possible to replace the entire window.
Blown or Failed
Modern double-glazed windows come with two glass panes with an inert gas or air in between them. This improves their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. Over time, the gas may depressurize, leading to a number of issues.
One of the most frequently encountered is condensation that forms between the panes. Although it’s a normal phenomenon, it doesn’t mean your window is damaged but it could be an indication that you need to re-seal your windows. Condensation could also be a sign that your double glazing is damaged and, in that case, it’s time to get it replaced completely.
Also, look out for draughts that are coming from your double glazed windows. It could be due to an unsound seal, a broken handle, or a damaged lock. A draught can be evident and can result in higher heating bills Therefore, it is essential that you get this fixed sooner rather than later. Check the seals around the upvc window repairs near me frame by feeling for cold air.
There will also be water beads on the interior of windows if your window seals are failing. This is an indication that you need to reseal the double glazed windows.
Your window repairs frames are designed to move slightly in order to do to keep the glass sheets in their place. In time, this special packaging material could be compressed. This could cause the seal to become broken. This allows air to circulate between the panes, and decrease the energy efficiency of your window.
Double glazing that has ruptured a seal is a sign of failure and should be fixed as soon as is possible. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary purpose of keeping the cold out and warm in. A blown seal could let moisture into your home, which can result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. Contact a double-glazing specialist as soon you notice a blown window seal. They can replace the entire unit.