7 Things About Double Glazed Window Repair You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that prevents heat loss in the winter months and helps keep your home cooler in the summer. Restoring your double-glazed windows as required is a great method to ensure they are in good working order.
Over time your double glazed windows may experience issues such as condensation and misting. This can cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open or close.
Broken Panes
A stray ball, a flying pebble from your lawnmower, or even a storm that is heavy could break the double panes of your windows, leaving your home exposed to the elements. While a damaged window may be difficult to fix, you don't have to replace it entirely. The insulated glass between two glass panes is in good condition So you can repair your double-paned window on your own.
To begin, you'll need to take the broken glass out of the frame. This is messy work, and you'll want to take care to prevent glass shards from falling on the floor or sliding out of the frame. Make sure to wear a pair of work gloves to protect your hands, and a rag to cover the area around the broken glass to prevent further cuts or breakage. After removing the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly, removing any sealant or other debris. It is important to sand rough areas of the frame to create a smooth surface for your new glazing.
After cleaning the frame, you can apply another layer of glass to the area where you removed the broken pane. This is the most effective method to protect and seal your window, and will reduce your energy bills by preventing drafts and water from entering the home. The next step is to choose the glazing material. There are a variety of options, including clear tape which is more robust than regular tape and will help keep your window from further cracking, and glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. The benefit of this option is that it can be painted to match your existing frame and will keep snow and rain out as well.
Whatever material you choose it is important to press the glazier's points into the place where the putty joins your frame. They will help keep the glass in place and aid in adhering to the frame. Hardware stores sell glazier's ropes, which can be rolled out onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you're experiencing problems with condensation, it's best to call your window manufacturer. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees that provide coverage for these problems. Fogging and condensation between panes of glass is an obvious indication that the seals between your windows are damaged and can only be repaired by an expert who will repair both panes.
This procedure is a bit tricky and requires the use of specific tools to remove the old pane and install the new one, however it can be accomplished by an expert who will provide the necessary equipment. Making use of these tools can be dangerous, however it is best to leave this type of work to an expert.
Wear safety gloves and glasses if you decide to do it yourself. You could be exposed to flying glass fragments. It is important to take out any putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will hold the new window. Wire-brushing the frame, vacuuming or wiping with a damp cloth are also recommended. Once the frame has dried you'll have to purchase another piece of glass that is 1/8" shorter in both directions than your existing window. Test-fit the glass into the grooves.
You'll need to apply a layer silicone caulk to the grooves of your frames to ensure that the glass you are installing is secure in its installation. After the caulk is dry it is time to smooth it and make any needed adjustments. The wood molding will then be put back in place.
Double-glazed windows may be 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 issue you could try wiping the frames down with water and lubricating the joints. However, it may be best to contact the company that installed your windows for assistance.
Misunderstood
Misted Double Glazing is a window problem that occurs when moisture gets trapped between the glass panes of your double glazed windows. Double glazing is comprised of two glass panes that are separated by an insulating space typically filled with argon gas to provide improved thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm room air inside and cold outdoor air outside and allows you to keep your temperature in your home comfortable.
In time, however, this seal may break and moisture will start to accumulate between the window panes, which causes them to become cloudy. This happens because the gap between the panes gets heated by the sun, causing water vapour to form in it.
This is a natural occurrence, but if it occurs between the panes of the window it can be a problem because it will no longer be able to control the temperature in the room. Instead, the temperature outside the window will influence the temperature inside. If you notice your double glazed windows are becoming cloudy, contact the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can replace the individual sealed blown unit without having to replace the whole window and is less disruptive than a total replacement. Our misty glass repair involves removing and cleaning the glass before replacing it with a brand new one. This will create an airtight seal again.
Some companies in the industry claim to inject chemicals through holes drilled into windows that have been misty to eliminate the fog and condensation. We do not recommend using this method. This is not just unattractive, but it could also damage the toughened glass and can result in a window that does not fully perform the function it was intended to.
It is important to fix the issue as soon as you can, because if left untreated, it can cause mould growth that not only damages the window, but also poses health risks for your family. The condensation in the window could cause other problems in your home like damp or rot. In certain cases the window might need to be completely replaced.
Blown or Failed
Modern double-glazed windows feature two glass panes with an inert gas or air in between them. This improves their thermal efficiency, allowing heat in and cold out. As time passes, the gas can be depressurized and cause various problems.
Condensation between the panes is among the most common. It is not a sign of a window failure, but it could be a sign that you should replace the panes. Condensation is also a sign of a broken double glazing that will require re-installation.
window repairs -glazed windows can also cause draughts. This could be due to the seal being damaged or a damaged handle or a broken lock. A draught can be quite noticeable and will lead to more expensive heating bills It is therefore essential to get it fixed sooner rather than later. Test the seals on the window frame by feeling for cold air.
Another indication that the seals on your windows have failed is when you start to notice water beads on the inside of your windows. This is a sign that you will need to replace the seals on your double-glazed windows.
Your window frames are made to move a bit in order to do in order to keep the glass sheets in place. In time, this special packaging material can be compressed. This could cause the seal to become broken. This will allow air to circulate between the panes, reducing the efficiency of your window's energy consumption.
A seal that is blown is an obvious sign that your double glazing is damaged and should be repaired immediately. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary function, which is to keep the cold out and warm air in. A blown seal can also let moisture in your home, which could result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. Call a double glazing specialist immediately you spot a damaged window seal. They can fix the entire unit.