Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent investment in energy efficiency. It stops loss of heat during winter months and helps keep your home cool in the summer. Restoring your double-glazed windows as necessary is a great way to ensure they remain in good working order.
Over time your double glazed windows can suffer from issues like condensation and misting. This can cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open or shut.
Broken Panes
A unruly ball or a flying stone from your lawnmower or even a storm that is strong enough can break the double pane windows of your home, leaving you home vulnerable to the elements. While a damaged glass window is difficult to repair, it doesn't need to be replaced. The insulated glass between two panes of glass is in good condition and you can fix your double-paned windows yourself.
You'll first need to remove any broken glass from the frame. This will be messy work, and you'll want to be careful to stop any glass fragments from falling on the floor or falling out of the frame. Use a pair of work gloves to shield your hands from injury and a cloth to cover the area surrounding the broken glass to avoid further cuts or breakage. After removing the broken glass and cleaning the entire frame of the window to eliminate any remaining sealant or debris. It is important to sand rough areas of the frame to ensure an even surface for the new glazing.
After cleaning the frame and dried, you can apply a fresh layer of glass to the place in which the broken pane was removed. This is the best way to seal and protect your window. It will also save you money by preventing drafts and water from entering the home. The next step is to select your glazing material. There are a variety of options including clear tape which is more durable than regular tape and prevents further cracking of your window or glazing film, which is similar to clear plastic wrapping. This option has the advantage that it can be painted to match the frame of your window and can also shield your windows from rain and ice.
No matter what material you choose it's essential to press the glaziers points into that gap where the putty meets your frame. They will help hold the new glass in place and aid it to adhere to the frame. Hardware stores sell glazier's point ropes, which you can roll out on the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing can be susceptible to condensation issues. If you experience this issue, it is best to contact the company that supplied the window. Many have warranties and guarantees to address these issues. Condensation and fogging between panes of glass is a clear sign that the seals between your windows have been damaged and must be repaired by an expert who will repair both panes.
It's a complicated procedure that requires special tools to remove and replace the window. A professional can do this task and provide the equipment. Using these tools can be dangerous, so it is always recommended to leave this kind of work to a professional.
If you decide to do this yourself, make sure you wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from any broken pieces of glass that may fly off during the process. It is also essential to remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves in which the new window will be. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming it with a damp cloth is recommended. After the frame is dry you'll have to purchase another piece of glass that's 1/8" shorter in both directions than the existing window. Test-fit the glass into the grooves.
You will have to apply a layer of silicone caulk to the grooves of your frames to ensure your glass is properly installed. After the silicone caulk has dried and cured, you can smooth it out and make any adjustments. The wood molding can then be reinstalled.
Double glazed windows can become difficult to open or close in the event of extreme weather. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames to expand or shrink and this can make them slide or become stuck. If this is the case you could try wiping down the frames using water and lubricating joints. However, it might be a good idea to call the company who installed your windows for assistance.
Misted
If moisture is trapped between the glass panes it can cause misty double glazing. Double glazing is made up of two panes that are separated by a space that is filled with argon for greater thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight sealing that keeps warm air in, and cold air outside.
Over time however, this seal will begin to break down and moisture will start to accumulate between the window panes, which causes them to become cloudy. This happens because the sun heats the gap between the panes of windows, causing water to evaporate.
This is a normal process, but when it occurs between the window panes it can be a problem since it can no longer control the temperature in the room and allow the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. If you notice that your double glazed windows are becoming misty, call in the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can repair the individual blow-sealed unit without having to replace the whole window which is less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty glass repair consists of removing and cleaning the unit of glass and replacing it with a new one. This will create a watertight seal again.
There are some companies in the field who claim to drill holes in your windows that are misting and inject chemicals into them which claim to eliminate condensation and fog however, we do not recommend this procedure. This method isn't just unattractive, but could also damage your toughened glass and leave you with a window which isn't functioning properly.
If you don't address the issue immediately it could result in mould, which can not only cause damage to the window, but risk health issues for your loved ones. The condensation in the window could cause other issues within your home such as damp or rot. In some instances it is possible to replace the entire window.
Failed or Blown
Modern double-glazed windows come with two glass panes, with an inert gas or air in between them. This increases their thermal efficiency, allowing warm air in and cold air out. Over time, this gas can depressurize which can lead to a range of problems.
Condensation in 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 can also be an indication of broken double glazing that will require re-installation.
Double-glazed windows may also cause draughts. It could be due to the seal being damaged or a broken handle or lock. A draught can be noticeable and will lead door repairs to higher heating bills It is therefore essential to get it fixed sooner rather than later. Test the seals around the window frame by feeling for cold air.
Another indication that the seals on your windows have failed is when you begin to notice water beading on the inside of your windows. This is a sign that you should seal your double-glazed windows.
Your window frames are made to move a bit as they have to do to keep the glass sheets in the right place. However, over time this particular packaging material will get compacted, and this could cause the seal to break. This allows air to flow between the panes, and decrease the energy efficiency of your window.
A seal that is blown is a clear sign that your double glazing has failed and should be repaired immediately. A blown seal will stop your double glazing performing its primary function which is to keep the cold out and warm air in. Additionally, a blown seal can let moisture in, which can cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. You should call a specialist in double glazing repair as soon as you discover a blowing seal in your double glazed windows, since they could replace the whole unit.