Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that stops loss of heat in winter and keeps your home cool in the summer. Restoring your double-glazed windows as necessary is a great way to ensure they remain in good condition.
Over time, your double glazed windows may experience issues such as condensation and misting. This can cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open or close.
Broken Panes
A unruly ball or a stone flying from your lawnmowers, or an intense storm could shatter your double pane windows and leave your home vulnerable to the elements. While a cracked window can be difficult to repair, you don’t have to replace it completely. The insulated glass that is between two panes of glass is still in good shape and you can fix your double-paned windows yourself.
You’ll first need to remove any broken glass from the frame. You’ll need to be cautious to keep glass shards from falling to the floor or falling out of the frame. Wear work gloves to protect your hands and use a rag around the broken glass to avoid any further injury or cuts. After removing the broken pane take care to clean the entire frame of the window to remove any remaining sealant or debris. It’s important to sand rough areas of your frame to create a smooth surface for the new glazing.
After the frame has been cleaned then you can apply a new layer of glazing to the place where the broken pane was removed. This is the best method to keep your window safe and sealed, and it will aid in reducing energy costs by stopping drafts and water from entering the house. Next, you will need to choose the right glazing material. There are many options available such as clear tape, which is more durable than regular tape and helps prevent further cracking of your window or glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. The advantage of this choice is that it can be painted over to match your existing frame and will also keep out rain and snow as well.
Whatever material you decide to use it is important to press the glaziers points into that gap where the putty meets your frame. These will hold the glass in place, and help it adhere to the frame. You can find glazier’s points in hardware stores, and they come in pre-made ropes that you simply roll out onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing can be susceptible to condensation issues. If you experience this issue, it is recommended to contact the company that provided the window. A lot of windows come with warranties and guarantees to address the issues. Fogging or condensation on the windows’ panes is a sign that your seals are damaged. Only an expert can fix this problem by replacing the panes.
The process is complicated and requires special tools to take off the old pane and then install the new one, but it can be accomplished by an expert who will provide the required equipment. It is recommended to leave the work to professionals. These tools can be hazardous.
If you choose to undertake this yourself, be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses to shield yourself from any broken pieces of glass that could fly off during the process. It is important to remove any putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will receive the new window. You will also want to brush the frame with wire, Double Glazing and then vacuum or wipe with a damp cloth. After the frame is clean and dry then you’ll need get a replacement glass which is 1/8 inch less in each direction than your existing window and test-fit it into the grooves.
Depending on your frames depending on your frames, you’ll need to apply the caulk on the grooves to ensure that your new pane is securely in position. After the silicone caulk is dried and cured, you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding can then be put back in place.
Double-glazed windows can become difficult to open or close when the weather is extremely changing. Extreme temperatures can cause frames to expand or shrink and cause them to sag or stick. You can try wiping the frames with water and then lubricating them when this happens however it is better to consult the company that installed your windows.
Misted
When moisture gets trapped in between the glass panes, it can cause misty double glazing. Double glazing is comprised of two panes which are separated by a space filled with argon to improve thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm air inside and cold air outside, allowing you to keep the temperature at a comfortable level in your home.
The seal may be damaged over time, and moisture may build up between the panes of glass, causing them to appear misty. This happens because the sun heats the space between the panes of windows, causing the water to evaporate.
This is a normal process but if it happens between the window panes it can be a problem since it is no longer able to regulate the temperature of the room, and allows the outside temperature to influence the indoor temperature. Northfield Glass can help you in the event that your double-glazed windows begin to mist.
We can replace a single blown sealed unit without needing to replace the entire window. This is much more streamlined than a total replacement. Our misty glass upvc repair involves removing and Double Glazing cleaning the unit of glass, then replacing it with a new one. This will result in a seal that is watertight and will be watertight.
Certain companies in the business claim that they can inject chemicals through holes drilled into windows that have been misty to eliminate the fog and condensation. We do not suggest this method. This is not only ugly, but it can also damage the toughened glass and can leave you with windows that do not fully perform its function.
If you don’t take care to fix the issue quickly it could result in mould, which can not only cause damage to the window, but also risk health issues for your loved ones. Moisture can cause other issues in your home, like 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 with an inert gas or air between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. Over time the gas will become depressurised and cause many problems.
Condensation in between the panes is one of the most common. Although it’s a normal occurrence and doesn’t mean that your window is failing however it could be an indication that you have to re-seal your windows. Condensation could also be an indication of a damaged double glazing, which will require a re-installation.
Double-glazed windows can also cause draughts. This could be because of the seal being damaged or a damaged handle or a damaged lock. It is important to fix this issue as soon as possible. A draught will cause you to pay more for heating. Test the seals on the window frame by smelling cold air.
You may also see water beads on the inside of windows if the window seals aren’t performing as they should. This is a good indicator that you need to re-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 their place. As time passes, this particular packaging material could be compressed. This could cause the seal to become broken. This will allow air to circulate between the panes and reduce the energy efficiency of your window.
Double glazing that has blown an air seal is an indication of a failure and should be repaired as soon as possible. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from performing its primary function which is to keep the cold out and warm air in. A blown seal can also let moisture in your home, which could lead to mold and other unpleasant conditions. Call a double glazing specialist as soon you spot a damaged window seal. They can fix the entire unit.