The Ultimate Guide To Double Glazed Window Repair
Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent investment in energy efficiency. It helps prevent loss of heat in the winter months and keeps your home cool during summer. Restoring your double-glazed windows as needed is a great way to ensure they remain in good working order.
Over time, condensation and misting can affect your double-glazed windows. This could cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open or shut.
Broken Panes
A rogue ball, a flying stone from your lawnmower or even a storm that is strong enough can break the double pane windows of your home which can expose your home to the elements. Although a window that is cracked can be difficult to fix, you don't have to replace it completely. The insulated glass between two glass panes is still in good shape, so you can repair your double-paned windows yourself.
To begin, you'll need remove the broken glass from the frame. This will be messy work 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 gloves to protect your hands, and a cloth to cover the area surrounding the broken glass to prevent further damage or breaks. After you have removed the broken glass clean the frame of the window thoroughly, removing any sealant or other debris. It's important to sand rough areas of your frame to create an even surface for your new glazing.
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 most effective method to protect and seal your window. It will also reduce your energy bills by preventing drafts and water from entering the home. The next step is to choose your glazing material. There are a variety of options, including clear tape which is 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 type of wrap has the advantage that it can be painted to match the frame of your window and will also keep out rain and ice.
Whatever material you choose, it is important to press glazier's facets into the seam where the putty meets the frame. They will help hold the glass in place, and help it adhere 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 is best to call your window manufacturer. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees that will cover these problems. Condensation or fogging between the windows' panes is a sign that your seals are broken. Only a professional can resolve this problem by replacing the panes.
It is a tricky procedure that requires specialized tools to remove and replace the old window. A professional can handle this task and supply the tools. Utilizing these tools could be dangerous, however it is best to leave this type task to professionals.
If you decide to do it yourself, ensure you wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from any broken pieces of glass that might fly away during the process. It is essential to take out all metal or putty points from the grooves that will hold the new window. You should also brush the frame with wire, and then vacuum or wipe it clean with a damp cloth. After the frame is dry and clean you'll need to get a replacement glass which is 1/8 inch less in each direction than your window, and then test it into the grooves.
You will need to apply a layer silicone caulk in the grooves of your frames to ensure your new glass is properly installed. Once the silicone caulk has dried you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. Then the wood molding can be put back in place.
Double-glazed windows can be difficult to open or close if the weather changes dramatically. Extreme temperatures can cause frames of double-glazed windows to expand or shrink, causing them to sag and stick. If this is the case you could try wiping the frames down with water and then lubricating the joints. However, it might be best to contact the company who installed your windows to help.
Misted
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 consists of two panes, which are separated by a gap filled with argon to improve thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm room air inside and cold air outside, allowing you to keep the temperature comfortable in your home.
In time, however, this seal will begin to break down and moisture will begin to build up between the window panes, causing them to become cloudy. This happens because the space between the panes is heated by sun, which causes water vapour to build up in it.
This is a normal occurrence but if it happens between the window panes it could cause problems as it will no longer be able to regulate the temperature of the room and will allow the outside temperature to influence the indoor temperature. Northfield Glass can help you if your double-glazed windows start to fog.
We can replace the blow-sealed unit without having to replace the entire window and is less disruptive than a total replacement. Our misty window repair involves removing the glass unit, cleaning it, then replacing it with a fresh one to create a watertight seal again.
There are some companies in the field that claim to cut holes into your windows that are misting and inject chemicals into them which they say removes the condensation and fog, however, we do not recommend this method. This is not only unsightly, but it could also harm the toughened glass and leave you with windows that don't fully perform the function it was intended to.
If you don't fix the issue immediately it could cause mould, which could not only cause damage to the window, but could also risk health issues for your loved ones. Moisture in the window can also lead to other problems with your property such as damp or rot. In certain cases, the window may need to be replaced entirely.
Blown or Failed
Modern double-glazed windows come with two glass panes, with an inert gas or air in between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. Over time the gas may become depressurized, causing a variety of issues.
One of the most common is condensation that forms between the panes. It's not a sign of a window failure however it could be a sign you need to reseal the windows. Condensation could also be an indication of a damaged double glazing, which could require a re-installation.
Double-glazed windows can also cause draughts. It could be due to a failure of the seal or a damaged handle lock. A draught is obvious and result in higher heating bills, so it is important to fix it sooner rather than later. Test the seals on the window frame by feeling for cold air.
There will also be water beads on the inside of windows if your window seals are failing. This is an indication that you have to reseal the double glazed windows.
Your window frames are designed to move a bit, as they need to do to keep the glass sheets in their place. However, over time this special packaging material may be compressed and crack the crucial seal. This allows air to move between the panes, reducing the energy efficiency of your window.
A damaged seal is a clear sign that your double glazing has failed and needs to be fixed immediately. A damaged seal will stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary function of keeping the cold out and warm inside. Furthermore, a blow-off seal can let moisture in, which can result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. You should call a specialist in double glazing repair immediately if you notice a blown seal in your double-glazed windows, since they could replace the entire unit.