Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an energy efficient investment that reduces 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, condensation and misting can impact your double-glazed windows. Double glazed windows can be difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A stray ball or a flying pebble from your lawnmowers or even a severe storm can break the double panes of your windows, leaving your home exposed to the elements. Even though a glass window that has been damaged is difficult to repair but it doesn't have to be replaced. In fact the insulated glass that is between the two panes is still in good condition, and you can fix your double-pane windows with a bit of DIY effort.
First, you'll need to take any broken glass from the frame. This is an unpleasant task and you'll need to be cautious to prevent any glass shards from falling onto the floor or slipping out of the frame. Wear gloves for your hands and use a rag to cover the broken glass area to prevent any further injury or cuts. After removing the broken glass take care to clean the entire frame of the window to eliminate any remaining sealant or debris. It is important to sand rough areas of your frame to create an even surface for your new glazing.
After the frame has been cleaned and dried, you can apply a new layer of glass to the place where the broken pane was removed. This is the best way to ensure that your window is safe and sealed and will save you money by keeping water and drafts from entering your home. The next step is to choose the right glazing material. There are many options available, including clear tape that is more durable than regular tape and helps prevent further cracking of your window, or glazing film, which is similar to clear plastic wrap. The benefit of this type of material is that it can be painted over to match your frame, and it will keep out snow and rain as well.
No matter what material you choose, it's important to press the glazier's points into that seam where the putty meets your frame. They will help keep the glass in place, and will help it stick to the frame. Hardware stores sell glazier's point ropes, which you can roll out on the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you have a problem with condensation, it's best to contact your window manufacturer. There are warranties and guarantees that cover these issues. Fogging or condensation on the panes of your windows is a sign that your seals aren't working properly. Only an expert can fix this problem by replacing the panes.
It's a complicated procedure that requires special tools to remove and replace the old window. A professional can handle this task and provide the tools. It is best to leave the job to professionals. These tools could be risky.
Wear safety gloves and glasses if opt to do it yourself. You may be exposed to glass fragments flying around. It is also essential 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 is recommended. After the frame is clean and dry here then you'll need order a piece of replacement glass that is 1/8 inch shorter in each direction than your window, and then test it into the grooves.
Based on the frame you have depending on your frames, you'll more info need to apply a layer of silicone caulk on the grooves to ensure that your new pane is secure in place. After the caulk is dry, you will need to smooth it and make any needed adjustments. The wood molding will then be reinstalled.
Double glazed windows can be difficult to open or close if the weather changes dramatically. Extreme temperatures can cause frames to shrink or expand and this can make them sag or stick. Try wiping the frames with more info water and lubricating them if this is the case however it is better to seek advice from the company who installed your windows.
Misted
If moisture is trapped between the glass panes it can cause misted double glazing. Double glazing is comprised of two panes that are separated by a gap filled with argon to improve thermal efficiency. This more info creates a airtight seal that keeps warm indoor air inside and cold outside air out.
The seal could become damaged over time and water can accumulate between the glass panes, causing them misty. This happens because the sun's heat causes the gap between the window panes, which causes the water to evaporate.
It is a natural phenomenon however if it occurs between the windows' panes it can be a problem because it will no longer be able to regulate the temperature within the room. Instead, the temperature outside the window will affect the temperature indoors. Northfield Glass can help you when your double-glazed windows begin to fog.
We can repair the individual blown sealed unit without needing to replace the whole window and is less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty glass repair involves taking off and cleaning the glass, then replacing it with a new one. This creates a seal that is watertight again.
There are companies in the industry repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk who claim to drill holes in your existing misted windows and inject chemicals into them, which they say removes the fog & condensation, however, we do not recommend this procedure. This is not only unattractive, but could also damage the toughened glass and leave you with a window that does not function properly.
It is important to fix the problem as soon as you can, as if untreated, it could cause mould growth that not only damages the window but also poses health risks for your family members. The condensation in the window could also lead to other problems within your home such as damp or rot. In certain situations, it may be necessary to replace the entire window.
Failed or Blown
Modern double-glazed windows feature two glass panes, with an inert gas or air between them. This improves their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and the cold out. Over time, the gas can become depressurised which can lead to a range of issues.
Condensation between panes is among the most common. It is not a sign of a window failure, but it could indicate that you should replace the panes. Condensation could also be a sign of a broken double glazing, which could require re-installation.
Also, look out for draughts coming from the double-glazed windows. This could be caused by a failure of the seal or a damaged handle or lock. A draught can be quite noticeable and will lead to higher heating costs Therefore, it is essential to get it fixed sooner rather than later. You can test the seals by rubbing around the edges of the window frame to see whether you feel cold air.
Another sign that your window seals have failed is when you begin to see water dripping on the inside of your windows. This is an indication that you have to replace the seals on your double-glazed windows.
Your window frames have been designed to move a bit and this is essential to keep the glass sheets in their place. However, over time this special packaging material can be compressed and break the all-important seal. This will allow air to flow between the panes, reducing your window's energy efficiency.
Double glazing that has ruptured an air seal is an indication of a failure and should be fixed as soon as possible. A blown seal stops your double glazing from fulfilling its primary purpose that is to keep the cold out and warm air in. A blown seal could let moisture in your home, which can cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. Call a double glazing specialist immediately you notice a blowing window seal. They can repair or replace the entire unit.