Double glazing is a great investment in energy efficiency. It helps prevent heat loss during the winter months and helps to keep your home cool in summer. Double glazing windows repaired when needed is a great method to ensure they are operating correctly.
Over time your double glazed windows may experience issues like condensation and misting. This can cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A unruly ball, a flying stone from your lawnmower or even a strong storm can shatter the double pane windows of your home, leaving you home vulnerable to the elements. Although a window that is cracked can be difficult to fix however, you don't have to replace it completely. In fact the insulated glass that is between the two panes is 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. You'll need to be careful to keep glass shards from falling to the floor or falling out of the frame. Wear gloves for your hands and use a rag around the broken glass area to prevent further cuts or damage. After removing the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly to get rid of any sealant or debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth and even surface to put in your new glass.
After cleaning the frame and removing the dust, you can apply another layer of glass on the seam where you removed the broken pane. This is the most effective method to seal and protect your window. It can also save you money by preventing water and drafts from entering your home. The next step is to select the material for your glazing. There are a variety of options, including clear tape that is more durable than regular tape and helps prevent further cracking of your window, or glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrapping. The benefit of this option is that it can be painted over to match your frame, and it will keep snow and rain out as well.
Whatever the material you pick regardless of the material you select, it is crucial to press the glazier's points into the place where the putty joins the frame. They will help hold the new glass in place and help it adhere to the frame. You can find glazier's points in hardware stores, and they are available in pre-made ropes that you roll out onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you're experiencing problems with condensation, it is best to call the window manufacturer. A lot of windows come with warranties and guarantees to cover these problems. Condensation and fogging in the panes of glass is an obvious indication that the seals between your windows are broken and can only be fixed by an expert who will repair both panes.
It's a difficult procedure that requires special tools to remove and replace the old window. A professional can do this job and provide the tools. Utilizing these tools could be dangerous, however it is recommended to leave this kind task to a professional.
Wear safety glasses and gloves if you decide to do it yourself. You may be exposed to flying glass fragments. It is important to take out any putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will receive the new window. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming a damp cloth are also recommended. After the frame is dry, you'll need to order a replacement piece of glass that's 1/8" shorter in both directions than the existing window. Make sure the glass fits into the grooves.
You'll require a layer of silicone caulk into the grooves of your frames to ensure your glass is secure in its installation. After the silicone caulk has dried, you can smooth it out and make any adjustments. Then the wood molding can be put back in place.
Double glazed windows can become difficult to open or close if the weather changes dramatically. Extreme temperatures may cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, which causes them to sag and stick. Try wiping the frames with water and then lubricating them in the event that this happens however, it's better to seek help from the company who installed your windows.
Misunderstood
When moisture gets trapped between the glass panes it can cause misty double glazing. Double glazing consists of two glass panes that are separated by an insulating space, typically filled with argon gas for increased thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight sealing that keeps warm indoor air in, and cold air outside.
This seal can become damaged over time and moisture may build up between the panes of glass which can cause them to turn misty. This happens because the gap between the panes is heated by the sun, which causes water vapour to develop within it.
It is a natural phenomenon, but if it occurs between the panes of the window it could cause problems because it will no longer be able control the temperature inside the room. Instead the temperature outside of the window will affect the temperature indoors. Northfield Glass can help you when your double-glazed windows begin to fog.
We can replace the blown sealed unit without needing to replace the whole window, which is a lot less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty window repair involves taking off the glass, cleaning it, and replacing it with a new one to create an airtight seal.
Some companies in the field claim to inject chemicals through holes drilled into windows that have been misty to eliminate the condensation and fog. We don't recommend using this method. This method is not only ugly, but it can also harm the toughened glass and result in windows that don't completely function.
It is crucial to resolve the problem as soon as possible, as left untreated it can cause mould growth, which not only damages the window, but can also pose health risks to your family members. Moisture can cause other problems in your home, like dampness or rot. In some instances the window might need to be replaced completely.
Blown or Failed
Modern double glazed windows have two glass panes that have an inert gas or air between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and the cold out. Over time, the gas can be depressurized and cause a variety of issues.
One of the most frequently encountered is condensation between the panes. It's not an indication of a window failing however it could indicate that you need to reseal the windows. Condensation can also be a sign that your double glazing is damaged, in which case it's time to get it replaced completely.
It is also important to look for draughts coming from your double glazed windows. It could be due to a failure of the seal or a damaged handle lock. It is essential to fix this issue as soon as possible. A draught will cause you to spend more on heating. Test the seals around the window frame by feeling the cold air.
There will also be water beads on the outside of windows when your window seals aren't performing as they should. This is a clear indication that you will need to re-seal your double glazed windows.
The window frames you have purchased were designed to move a bit, which is necessary to keep the glass sheets in position. However, over time this special packaging material can become compacted and this will crack the crucial seal. This will allow air to flow between the panes, and decrease the energy efficiency of your window.
A damaged seal is a clear indication that your double glazing is damaged and must be fixed as soon as possible. A blown seal will prevent your double glazing from performing its primary job of keeping the cold out and warm inside. A damaged seal could let moisture in your home, which could lead to mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is recommended to contact a double glazing repair specialist immediately if you discover a blowing seal in your double glazed windows, as they are able to replace the whole unit.
