Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that prevents loss of heat in 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 remain in good working order.
Over time, your double glazed windows may suffer from issues like condensation and misting. 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 could break the double panes of your windows, leaving your home exposed to the elements. Although a cracked glass window is difficult to repair but it doesn't have to be replaced. The insulated glass that is between two glass panes is still in good shape and you can fix your double-paned window on your own.
You'll first need to remove any broken glass from the frame. You'll need to be cautious to prevent glass shards from falling to the floor or falling out of the frame. Make sure to wear a pair of gloves to shield your hands from injury and a cloth to protect 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 to remove any sealant or debris. It is essential to sand rough areas of your frame to create a smooth surface for your new glazing.
After cleaning the frame after cleaning, you can apply a second layer of glass on the seam where you removed the broken pane. This is the most effective method to seal and protect your window, and will save you energy costs by preventing drafts and water from entering your home. Next, you will need to choose your glazing material. There are a variety of options such as clear tape, which is more durable than regular tape, and can prevent further cracking of your window, or glazing film, which is similar to clear plastic wrapping. This choice has the benefit that it can be painted to match your frame and will also keep out the elements like ice and rain.
Whatever material you decide to use, it's important to press the glaziers points into the place where the putty joins your frame. These will hold the new glass in place and help it adhere to the frame. Glazier's points can be found in hardware stores, and they are available in pre-made ropes which you roll onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing can be susceptible to condensation issues. If you experience this problem it is recommended to contact the company that supplied the window. Many have warranties and guarantees that cover these issues. Condensation and fogging in the panes of glass is an obvious indication that the seals between your windows are damaged and can only be fixed by a professional who will replace both panes.
This procedure is a bit tricky and requires the use of special tools to remove the old pane and install the new one, however it is possible to do this by an expert who will provide the necessary equipment. Using these tools can be dangerous, so it is always recommended to leave this kind task to professionals.
Wear safety gloves and glasses if decide to do it yourself. You may be exposed to flying glass fragments. It is also important to carefully remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves in which the new window will go. You will also want to brush the frame with wire and vacuum or wipe it clean with a damp cloth. Once the frame has dried, you'll need to order a replacement piece of glass that's upvc window repair 1/8" shorter in both directions than the existing window. Test-fit the glass into the grooves.
Depending on your frames You will then have to apply a thin layer of silicone caulk on the grooves to ensure that your new pane is securely in place. After the caulk is dry and is dry, you must smooth it out and make any needed adjustments. The wood molding can be reinstalled.
If the weather suddenly changes, double-glazed windows could become difficult to open or close. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames to shrink or expand and, as a result, they can fall or stick. You can try wiping the frames with water and lubricating them when this happens however it is better to seek advice from the company that installed your windows.
Misted
Misted Double Glazing is a problem with windows that is caused by moisture getting trapped between the glass panes of double glazed windows. Double glazing is made up of two panes which are separated by a gap filled with argon to improve thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight sealing that keeps warm indoor air in, and cold outside air out.
In time, however, this seal may break and moisture will start to accumulate between the window panes, causing them to become cloudy. This occurs because the sun's rays heat the gap between the panes of windows, causing water to vapourize.
This is a normal occurrence, but when it occurs between the window panes, it can be a problem since it will no longer be able to control the temperature in the room and 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 individual sealed blown unit without having to replace the whole window which is less disruptive than a total replacement. Our misty glass repair involves taking off and cleaning the unit of glass and replacing it with a new one. This will result in an airtight seal again.
There are companies within the field that claim to drill holes into your windows with mist and inject chemicals into them, which they say removes the condensation and fog however, we do not recommend this method. This method is not only ugly, but it can cause damage to the toughened glass and leave you with a window that does not completely perform the function it was intended to.
It is important to fix the issue as soon as you can, as if untreated, it can lead to mould growth that not only damages the window, but also poses health risks to your family. Moisture in the window can also lead to other problems in your home, such as damp or rot. In some instances, it may be necessary to replace the entire window.
Blown or failed
Double-glazed windows are comprised of two panes of glass with an inert or air between them. This improves their thermal efficiency, allowing warm air in and cold air out. As time passes, the gas may depressurize which can lead to a range of problems.
Condensation in between the panes is one of the most common. It's not a sign of a window failure however it could be a sign that you need to reseal the windows. Condensation could be an indication that your double glazing is damaged in which case it should be replaced completely.
Also, look out for drafts coming through your double glazed windows. This could be due to an issue with the seal or a damaged handle or lock. It is essential to fix this problem as soon as you can. A draught will cause you to pay more for heating. Test the seals around the window frame by feeling for cold air.
Another indication 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 need to reseal the double glazed windows.
Your window frames are made to move a little bit as they have to do in order to keep the glass sheets in place. In time, this special packaging material may become compacted. This could cause the seal to become broken. This allows air to circulate between the panes, and decrease the efficiency of your window.
A blown seal is a clear indication that your double glazing is damaged and must be fixed as soon as possible. A blown seal stops your double glazing from performing its primary function that is to keep cold air out and warm air in. A blown seal could let moisture into your home, which could result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is recommended to contact a double glazing repair specialist immediately if you spot a damaged seal in your double glazed windows, as they are able to replace the whole unit.