Double glazing is an excellent investment in energy efficiency. It prevents heat loss during the winter months and helps to keep your home cool during summer. Having your double glazed windows fixed when they need to is a great way to keep them working correctly.
Over time condensation and misting may impact your double-glazed windows. This can cause your double-glazed windows to be difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A unruly ball or a flying stone from your lawnmowers, or a storm that is strong enough can break your double-pane windows and leave your home vulnerable to the elements. While a cracked window can be difficult to fix but you don't need to replace it entirely. The insulated glass that is between two panes of glass is in good condition and you can fix your double-paned windows yourself.
To begin, you'll need remove the broken glass from the frame. This is an unpleasant task and you'll need to take care to prevent any glass shards from falling onto the floor or falling out of the frame. Wear gloves for you hands, and an abrasive cloth around the damaged glass to avoid any further injury or cuts. After you have removed the broken glass clean the frame of the window thoroughly to get rid of any sealant or other debris. It's important to sand rough areas of the frame to ensure a smooth surface for the new glazing.
After cleaning the frame and removing the dust, you can apply another layer of glass to the area where you removed the broken pane. This is the best way to ensure that your window is safe and sealed and will aid in reducing energy costs by preventing drafts and water from getting into your home. The next step is to select the material for your glazing. Some options include clear tape that is more durable than regular tape and will keep your window from further cracking, and glazing film that resembles clear plastic wrap. This type of wrap has the advantage that it can be painted to match your frame, and can also shield your windows from the elements like ice and rain.
Whatever material you use it is important 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 adhere to the frame. You can find glazier's points in hardware stores, and they are available in pre-made ropes which you roll over the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you are experiencing issues with condensation, it's recommended to contact the window manufacturer. There are warranties and guarantees to address the issues. Fogging or condensation between the windows' panes is a sign that your seals aren't working properly. Only an expert can fix this problem by replacing both panes.
The process is difficult and requires special tools to take off the old one and replace the new one, but it can be done by an expert who will supply the necessary equipment. It is best to delegate the task to an expert. These tools can be dangerous.
If you decide to do it yourself, make sure you wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from broken glass pieces that could fly off during the process. It is also essential to remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves where the new window will go. It is also recommended to brush the frame with wire and vacuum or wipe with a damp cloth. After the frame is clean and dry, you will need to order a piece of replacement glass that is 1/8 inch shorter in each direction than your existing window and test-fit it into the grooves.
You will require a layer of silicone caulk into the grooves of your frames to ensure the glass you are installing is properly installed. After the silicone caulk is dried you can smooth it out and make any adjustments. The wood molding will then be reinstalled.
If the weather abruptly changes, double-glazed windows could become difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames to expand or shrink and this can make them sag or stick. Try wiping the frames with water and lubricating them when this happens however, it's better to consult the company who installed your windows.
Misted
Misted Double Glazing is a window problem that occurs when moisture gets 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 air outside and allows you to keep the temperature in your home comfortable.
Over time however, this seal will begin to break down and moisture will begin to accumulate between the window panes, which causes them to become cloudy. This happens because the space between the panes is heated by sun, causing water vapour to form in it.
It is a natural phenomenon however, if it happens between the panes of the window it can be a problem because it will no longer be able to control the temperature within the room. Instead the temperature outside the window will influence the temperature inside. 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 a lot less disruptive than a total replacement. Our misty glass repair consists of removing and cleaning the unit of glass, then replacing it with a brand new one. This will create a watertight seal again.
Some companies in the field claim that they can inject chemicals through holes into windows with mist to remove the condensation and fog. We do not recommend using this method. This method is not only unattractive, but it could also harm the toughened glass and leave you with windows that do not completely perform its function.
If you don't fix the problem immediately it could cause mould, which could not only damage the window, but also risk health issues for your family members. The condensation in the window could cause other issues within your home such as damp or rot. In some cases it is possible to replace the entire window.
Failed or blown
Double-glazed windows are made up of two glass panes with an inert or air between them. This improves their thermal efficiency, keeping warm air in and cold air out. Over time, this gas can depressurize, leading to a number of problems.
One of the most common is condensation between the panes. While agree with this is a natural occurrence and doesn't mean that your window is failing however it could be an indication that you need to re-seal your windows. Condensation could also be an indication of a damaged double glazing, which will require re-installation.
You should also look out for draughts coming from your double glazed windows. It could be due to the seal being damaged, a broken handle, or a broken lock. A draught is noticeable and will lead to higher heating bills It is therefore essential to fix it sooner rather than later. You can test the seals by feeling around the edges of the window frame to see whether you feel cold air.
Another sign that your window seals are failing is when you begin to see water dripping on the inside of your windows. This is an indication that you need to seal your double-glazed windows.
Your window frames are designed to move slightly as they have to do to keep the glass sheets in place. In time, this special packaging material can become compacted. This will cause the seal to become broken. This will allow air to flow between the panes and reduce the energy efficiency of your window.
A blown seal is a clear sign that your double glazing is damaged and needs to be fixed immediately. A blown seal stops your double glazing performing its primary purpose, which is to keep the cold out and warm air in. A blown seal could let moisture in your home, which can lead to mold and other unpleasant conditions. Call a double glazing specialist as soon you notice a blown window seal. They can replace the entire unit.
