Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that reduces heat loss in the winter and keeps your home cool in the summer. Having your double glazed windows repaired as needed is an excellent way to keep them working effectively.
Over time, your double glazed windows may suffer from problems like condensation and misting. Double glazed windows can become difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A stray ball, 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. While a cracked window can be difficult to fix, you don't have to replace it completely. In fact, the insulated glass between the two panes is still in good shape and you can repair your double-pane windows with a bit of DIY effort.
To begin, you'll need to take the broken glass out of the frame. This is messy work, and you'll want to take care to prevent any glass fragments from falling onto the floor or slipping out of the frame. Use work gloves to protect your hands, and place a rag around the broken glass area to prevent further damage or cuts. After taking out the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly, removing any sealant or other debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth and even surface to install your new glazing.
After cleaning the frame then you can apply a new layer of glass to the area where the damaged pane was removed. This is the most effective method to protect and seal your window, and will save you money by preventing drafts and water from entering your home. The next step is to select your glazing material. There are several options including clear tape which is more durable than regular tape, and can prevent further cracking of your window, or glazing film that 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 too.
No matter what material you choose it's essential to press the glaziers points into that place where the putty joins your frame. They will help hold the new glass in place and help it adhere to the frame. Hardware stores sell glazier's ropes that can be rolled out onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you are experiencing issues with condensation, it is best to call your window manufacturer. There are warranties and guarantees that cover the issues. Fogging and condensation between panes of glass is an obvious sign that the seals between your windows have been damaged and must be repaired by a professional who will fix both panes.
It's a difficult procedure that requires specialized tools to remove and replace the window. A professional can complete this task and provide the tools. Using these tools can be dangerous, however, so it is always best to leave this type task to professionals.
If you decide to undertake this yourself, make sure you wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from any broken glass pieces that could fly off during the process. It is crucial to take out all putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will hold the new window. Wire-brushing the frame, vacuuming or wiping with a damp cloth are also recommended . Once the frame has dried, you'll need to order a replacement piece of glass that is 1/8" shorter in both directions than your existing window. Make sure the glass fits into the grooves.
You will need to apply a layer silicone caulk in the grooves of your frames to ensure that your new glass is securely installed. After the silicone caulk has dried and cured, you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding can be reinstalled.
Double glazed windows can be difficult to open or close in the event of extreme weather. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, which causes them to become sagging and stick. Try wiping the frames with water and lubricating them when this happens however it is better to seek help from the company who installed your windows.
Misted
Misted Double Glazing is a window issue that is caused by moisture getting trapped between the glass panes of double glazed windows. Double glazing consists of two panes which are separated by a space filled with argon to improve thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm room air inside and cold outdoor air outside and allows you to keep your temperature at a comfortable level in your home.
The seal may fail over time, and moisture may build up between the panes of glass and cause them to become to appear misty. This happens because the sun's heat causes the space between the panes of windows, causing water to evaporate.
This is a normal process but if it happens between the window panes, it can cause a problem as it is no longer able to control the temperature in the room and allow the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. If you notice your double glazed windows are becoming misty, call in the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can replace the blown sealed unit without needing to replace the whole window, which is a lot less disruptive than a total replacement. Our misty window repair involves removing the glass unit, cleaning it, then replacing it with a fresh one to make a watertight seal again.
Some companies in the field claim that they can inject chemicals through holes into windows that have been misty to eliminate the condensation and fog. We don't suggest this method. This is not only unsightly but could also damage your toughened glass leaving you with a window which does not function properly.
It is crucial to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, as left untreated, it can lead to mould growth that not only damages the window, but also poses health risks for your family members. The moisture in the window may cause other issues in your home, such as damp or rot. In some cases, the window may need to be completely replaced.
Blown or Failed
Modern double glazed windows have two glass panes, with an inert gas or air between them. This improves their thermal efficiency by keeping warm air in and cold air out. Over time, this gas can become depressurised, leading to a number of issues.
One of the most frequently encountered is condensation between the panes. Although it's a normal phenomenon, it doesn't mean your window has failed, it can be an indication that you have to re-seal your windows. Condensation can also be a sign that your double glazing has broken and, in that case, it will need to be replaced completely.
Double-glazed windows can also create drafts. This could be due to the seal being damaged or a damaged handle or a damaged lock. It is crucial to address this problem as soon as you can. A draft can cause you to pay more for heating. You can test the seals by placing your finger around the edges of your window frame to see if you feel any cold air.
You may also see water beads on the outside of windows when your window seals aren't performing as they should. This is a clear indication that you need to replace the seals on your double-glazed windows.
Your window frames are designed to move a bit, as they need to do to keep the glass sheets in the right place. In time, this special packaging material could be compressed. This will cause the seal to be broken. This allows air to circulate between the panes, and decrease the energy efficiency of your window.
Double glazing that has ruptured seals is a sign of failure and needs to be repaired immediately. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary purpose, which is to keep the cold out and warm air in. A blown seal can also let moisture into your home, which can result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. Call a double glazing specialist when you notice a blown window seal. They can repair or replace the entire unit.
