Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is a fantastic investment in energy efficiency. It prevents loss of heat in the winter months and helps to keep your home cool during summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows whenever required is a great method to keep them in good working order.
Over time condensation and misting could affect your double-glazed windows. This could cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A stray baseball, a flying pebble from your lawnmowers or even a heavy storm can shatter the double panes of your windows and expose your home to the elements. While a damaged glass window isn't easy to fix however, it does not need to be replaced. The insulated glass that is between two glass panes is still in good shape So you can repair your double-paned window yourself.
First, you'll need to remove any broken glass from the frame. You'll need to be careful to prevent glass shards from falling to the floor or slipping out of the frame. Use a pair of work gloves to protect your hands, and a cloth to cover the area surrounding the broken glass to prevent further damage or breaks. After taking out the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly, removing any sealant or other debris. It is essential to smooth rough areas of the frame to ensure a smooth surface for your new glass.
Once the frame is cleaned then you can apply a new layer of glass to the seam where the damaged pane was removed. This is the best way to keep your window sealed and protected and will help you save energy costs by stopping drafts and water from entering the house. The next step is to choose the material for your glazing. There are a variety of options, including clear tape that is more durable than regular tape and will keep your window secure 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 your frame and will also block out snow and ice.
Whatever the material you pick, it is important to press glazier's points into the seam where the putty meets the frame. They will help hold the glass in place, and help it adhere to the frame. The glazier's point can be found in hardware stores, and they come in pre-made ropes that you simply roll over the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you have a problem with condensation, it is recommended to contact your window manufacturer. Many have warranties and www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk guarantees to cover the issues. Condensation and fogging between panes of glass is an obvious indication that the seals between your windows are broken and can only be fixed by an expert who will fix both panes.
It is a tricky process that requires special tools to remove and replace the old window. A professional can do this job and provide the equipment. It is best to delegate the task to an expert. These tools can be dangerous.
Wear safety gloves and glasses if you opt to do it yourself. You may be exposed to flying glass fragments. It is also important to remove all the putty and metal glazing points from the grooves in which the new window will go. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming a damp cloth are also recommended. Once the frame has dried you'll have to purchase another piece of glass that's 1/8" shorter in both directions than the existing window. Check the glass's fit into the grooves.
You will require a layer of silicone caulk to the grooves of your frames to ensure that the glass you are installing is secure in its installation. Once the caulk has dried it is time to smooth it and make any needed adjustments. Then the wood molding can be put back in place.
If the weather abruptly changes, double-glazed windows can be difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or shrink, causing them to become sagging and stick. Try wiping the frames with water and lubricating them if this is the case however, it's better to seek help from the company that installed your windows.
Misunderstood
Misted Double Glazing is a window issue that is caused by moisture getting trapped between the glass panes of double glazed windows. Double glazing is comprised of two panes which are separated by a gap filled with argon to improve thermal efficiency. This results in an airtight seal that keeps warm air inside, and cold outdoor air out.
This seal can become damaged over time and moisture may build up between the panes of glass, causing them to become cloudy. This happens because the sun heats the gap between window panes, causing water to vapourize.
This is a normal occurrence but if it happens between the window panes it can cause a problem as it will no longer be able to regulate the temperature of the room, and allows the outside temperature to influence the indoor temperature. If you notice that your double-glazed windows have become blurred, call the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can replace a single blown sealed unit without having to replace the entire window. This is less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty glass repair involves taking off and cleaning the unit of glass and replacing it with a new one. This creates a watertight seal again.
There are some companies in the field who claim to cut holes into your windows with mist and inject chemicals into them, which they claim will eliminate the condensation and fog however, we do not recommend this method. This is not just ugly, but it can cause damage to the toughened glass and can result in windows that don't completely function.
If you don't fix the problem immediately it could result in mould, which could not only harm the window, but could also cause health risks for your loved ones. Moisture can also cause other problems in your home, such as dampness or rot. In certain situations it might be necessary to replace the entire window.
Failed or Blown
Modern double-glazed windows come with two glass panes that have an inert gas or air between them. This improves their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. As time passes the gas may be depressurized and cause various issues.
One of the most frequent is condensation between the panes. It's not an indication of a window failing, but it could be a sign you should reseal them. Condensation could be an indication that your double glazing has broken, in which case it's time to get it replaced completely.
Double-glazed windows may also cause draughts. It could be due to a failed seal or handle that is broken, or a broken lock. It is essential to fix this issue as soon as you can. A draught will cause you to spend more on heating. You can test the seals by rubbing around the edges of your window frame to determine if you feel any cold air.
Another indication that your window seals are failing is when you start to see water dripping on the inside of your windows. This is a sign that you should seal your double-glazed windows.
Your window frames have been designed to move a bit, which is necessary to keep the glass sheets in place. As time passes, this particular packaging material could become compressed. This can result in the seal being broken. This will allow the air to move between the panes, reducing your window's energy efficiency.
Double glazing that has broken seals is an indication of a failure and needs to be repaired as soon as is possible. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary job of keeping cold out and warm in. A blown seal can also let moisture in your home, which could result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is recommended to contact a double glazing repair expert when you discover a blowing seal in your double glazed windows, since they could replace the entire unit.