Unquestionable Evidence That You Need Double Glazed Window Repair
Double Glazed Window RepairDouble glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that stops loss of heat during winter and keeps your home cool in the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows whenever necessary is a great way to keep them in good condition.
Over time, your double-glazed windows can 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 baseball or a stray pebble from your lawnmower, or even a severe storm can shatter 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. In fact the insulated glass between the two panes remains in good shape, and you can fix your double-pane windows with a little DIY effort.
First, you'll need to remove any broken glass from the frame. You'll need to be cautious to keep glass shards from falling to the floor or falling off the frame. Use work gloves to protect you hands, and an abrasive cloth around the damaged glass area to prevent further damage or cuts. After taking out the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly to remove any sealant or debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth surface to install your new glazing.
After cleaning the frame and removing the dust, you can apply another layer of glass to the area where you removed the broken pane. This is the best method to seal and protect your window, and will save you energy costs by preventing water and drafts from entering your home. Next, you will need to choose the right glazing material. There are several options including 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. This type of wrap has the advantage that it can be painted to match your frame and will also block out the elements like ice and rain.
No matter what material you choose it is important to press the glazier's points into that place where the putty joins your frame. They will help hold the glass in place, and help it adhere to the frame. You can find glazier's points in hardware stores, and they come in pre-made ropes that you simply roll over the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing is susceptible to condensation issues. If you encounter this issue, it is best to call the company that supplied the window. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees to provide coverage for these issues. Fogging or condensation on the windows' panes is a sign that your seals are damaged. Only an expert can fix this problem by replacing both panes.
This process is a little difficult and requires special tools to remove the old one and replace the new one, but it can be accomplished by an expert who will supply the necessary equipment. It is best to leave the work to a professional. These tools can be dangerous.
If you do decide to do this yourself, make sure you wear gloves and safety glasses to shield yourself from any broken pieces of glass that may fly off during the process. It is also crucial to remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves where the new window will be. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming a damp cloth is also recommended. Once the frame has dried you'll have to purchase a replacement piece of glass that is 1/8" shorter in both directions than your existing window. Test-fit the glass into the grooves.
Based on the frames you have, you will then need to apply a thin layer of silicone caulk to the grooves in order to ensure that your new pane is secured in the right place. After the caulk dries and is dry, you must smooth it out and make any needed adjustments. The wood molding can then be reinstalled.
Double-glazed windows can become difficult to open or close when the weather is extremely changing. Extreme temperatures can cause frames to shrink or expand and this can make them fall or stick. If this is the case you could try wiping down the frames using water and lubricating joints. However, it may be best to contact the company who installed your windows to help.
Misunderstood
Misted Double Glazing is a window problem that is caused by moisture getting trapped between the glass panes of your double glazed windows. Double glazing is comprised of two panes, which are separated by a space filled with argon to improve thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm room air inside and cold air outside and allows you to keep the temperature comfortable in your home.
The seal may become damaged over time and water can accumulate between the glass panes, causing them to appear misty. This occurs because window repairs the sun's rays heat the space between the window panes, causing water to evaporate.
This is a natural occurrence however, if it happens between the panes of the window it could be a problem because it won't be able to regulate the temperature in the room. Instead, the temperature outside the window will affect the temperature indoors. If you notice that your double-glazed windows are turning blurred, call the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can replace the individual blown sealed unit without needing to replace the entire window which 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 brand new one. This creates an airtight seal and will be watertight.
There are companies in the field that claim to drill holes into your windows that are misting and inject chemicals into them, which they claim will eliminate the fog & condensation, however, we don't recommend this method. This is not just unsightly, but it could also damage the toughened glass and leave you with a window that does not completely function.
It is important to fix the problem as soon as you can, as if untreated, it could lead to mould growth, which not only damages the window, but also poses health risks to your family. The condensation in the window could also lead to other problems in your home such as damp or rot. In some instances, the window may need to be replaced entirely.
Blown or Failed
Double-glazed windows are made up of two panes of glass with an air or inert between them. This improves their thermal efficiency, keeping heat in and cold out. Over time the gas will become depressurized, causing many issues.
Condensation between panes is one of the most common. Although it's a normal event, it doesn't necessarily mean that your window is failing but it could be an indication that you need to re-seal your windows. Condensation may be a sign your double glazing has broken, in which case it's time to get it replaced completely.
It is also important to look for draughts that are coming from your double-glazed windows. It could be due to the seal being damaged or a broken handle or lock. It is important to fix the issue as quickly as you can. A draft can cause you to spend more on heating. Test the seals around the window frame by smelling cold air.
You may also see water beads on the inside of windows if the window seals aren't performing as they should. This is a good indicator that you will need to seal your double-glazed windows.
Your window frames are designed to move slightly, which is necessary to keep the glass sheets in their place. Over time, this special packaging material may become compacted. This could result in the seal being broken. This will allow air to flow between the panes and reduce the efficiency of your window.
Double glazing that has blown a seal is a sign of failure and should be repaired immediately. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from performing its primary job of keeping the cold out and warm inside. Additionally, a blown seal can let moisture in, which can cause 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 whole unit.