Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an energy efficient investment that reduces loss of heat in winter and helps to keep your home cooler during the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows when required is a great method to keep them in good condition.
Over time your double glazed windows may suffer from issues like condensation and misting. This could cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open or close.
Broken Panes
A stray ball or a stray pebble from your lawnmowers, or even a storm that is heavy can break the double panes of your windows, leaving your home exposed to the elements. Even though a glass window that has been damaged isn't easy to fix, it doesn't need to be replaced. In fact the insulated glass between the two panes remains in good shape and you can repair your double-pane windows with a little DIY effort.
First, you'll need to remove any broken glass from the frame. This will be an unpleasant task and you'll need to take care to prevent any glass fragments from falling onto the floor or slipping out of the frame. Use a pair of work gloves to shield your hands from injury and a cloth to protect the area around the broken glass to avoid further breakage or cuts. After removing the broken pane and cleaning the entire frame of the window to eliminate any remaining sealant and debris. It's important to sand rough areas of your frame to ensure an even surface for your new glazing.
After cleaning the frame, you can apply another layer of glass to the seam where you removed the broken pane. This is the most effective method to protect and seal your window. It can also 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 durable than regular tape and will keep your window safe from further cracking, as well as glazing film that resembles clear plastic wrap. This option has the advantage that it can be painted to match your frame and will also block out snow and ice.
Regardless of the material you choose, it is important to press the glazier's points into the place where the putty joins the frame. These will hold the new glass in place and help it stick to the frame. Hardware stores sell glazier's point ropes, which you can use onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you have a problem with condensation, it's best to contact your window manufacturer. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees to will cover these problems. Fogging or condensation between the panes of your windows is a sign that your seals are broken. Only a professional can resolve this issue by replacing the panes.
It's a complicated process that requires special tools to remove and replace the old window. A professional can handle this job and provide the equipment. Making use of these tools can be risky it is best to leave this type of work to an expert.
If you decide to do this yourself, make sure you wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from any broken glass pieces that might fly away during the process. It is also essential to carefully remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves that the new window will go. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming it with a damp cloth is recommended. After the frame has dried, you'll need to order a replacement piece of glass that's 1/8" shorter in both directions than the existing window. Test-fit the glass into the grooves.
You'll have to apply a layer of silicone caulk in the grooves of frames to ensure your glass is secure in its installation. After the silicone caulk is dried and cured, you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding can then be put back in place.
Double glazed windows can become difficult to open or close in the event of extreme weather. Extreme temperatures can cause frames to shrink or expand and this can make them slide or become stuck. If this is the problem, you can try wiping the frames with water and then lubricating the joints. However, it may be best to ask the company that glazing repair installed your windows for assistance.
Misunderstood
Misted Double Glazing is a window issue that occurs when moisture gets trapped between the glass panes of your double-glazed windows. Double glazing is made up of two panes that are separated by a space filled with argon for greater thermal efficiency. This creates a airtight seal that keeps warm air inside, and cold air outside.
As time passes, the seal will begin to break down and moisture will begin to build up between the window panes, which causes them to turn misty. This happens because the space between the panes is heated by sun, which causes water vapour to develop within it.
This is a natural occurrence however if it occurs between the windows' panes it could be a problem since it will no longer be able control the temperature inside the room. Instead the temperature outside the window will affect the temperature inside. Northfield Glass can help you in the event that your double-glazed windows begin to mist.
We can repair the individual blow-sealed unit without having to replace the entire window and is less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty glass repair consists of removing and cleaning the unit of glass, then replacing it with a new one. This will result in a seal that is watertight again.
There are companies in the field who claim to drill holes into your windows with mist and inject chemicals into them that they claim will eliminate the condensation and fog, however, we don't recommend this method. This method is not just unsightly but could also damage the toughened glass leaving you with a window which does not function properly.
If you don't take care to fix the issue quickly it could result in mould, which can not only cause damage to the window, but could also pose health risks to your family members. Moisture can also cause issues within your home, like dampness or rot. In certain cases, the window may need to be replaced completely.
Failed or Blown
Double-glazed windows consist of two glass panes with an air or inert between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. As time passes the gas will become depressurised and cause many issues.
Condensation between the panes is among the most frequent. It's not a sign of a window failure however it could be a sign you need to reseal the panes. Condensation could be a sign your double glazing has failed and, in that case, it should be replaced completely.
Double-glazed windows can also create drafts. It could be due to a failure of the seal or a broken handle or lock. It is important to fix this issue as soon as possible. A draft will force you to pay more for heating. You can test the seals by feeling around the edges of your window frame to see whether you feel cold air.
You will also notice water beads on the outside of windows if your window seals are failing. This is an indication that you have to reseal the double glazed windows.
Your window frames have been designed to move slightly, which is necessary to keep the glass sheets in position. In time, this special packaging material can be compressed. This could cause the seal to become broken. This allows air to move between the panes, reducing your window's energy efficiency.
A damaged seal is an obvious sign that your double glazing has failed and must be fixed as soon as possible. A damaged seal will stop your double glazing from performing its primary function of keeping cold out and warm inside. Furthermore, a blow-off seal can let moisture in, which can cause mold and other uncomfortable conditions. It is important to contact a double glazing repair expert when you spot a damaged seal in your double glazed windows, as they can replace the whole unit.