Double glazing is an excellent investment in energy efficiency. It prevents loss of heat in the winter months and helps keep your home cool in summer. Having your double glazed windows repaired when needed is an excellent way to keep them working correctly.
Over time condensation and misting could be detrimental to your double-glazed windows. Double glazed windows may become difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A unruly ball or a stone flying from your lawnmowers or a strong storm can shatter the double pane windows of your home which can expose your home to the elements. While a cracked window can be difficult to repair 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 window with a bit of DIY effort.
To begin, you'll need to take the broken glass out of the frame. This can be messy work and you'll need to be cautious to prevent any glass fragments from falling on the floor or slipping out of the frame. Make sure to wear a pair of gloves to protect your hands, and a cloth to protect the area around the broken glass to avoid further cuts or breakage. After removing the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly to get rid of any sealant or debris. It is essential to sand rough areas of the frame to create an even surface for your new glass.
After cleaning the frame, you can apply a fresh layer of glazing to the seam in which the broken pane was removed. This is the best way to seal and protect your window, and will reduce your energy bills by preventing water and drafts from entering the home. The next step is to choose your glazing material. There are many options available, including clear tape that is more durable than regular tape and helps prevent further cracking of your window or glazing film which is similar to clear plastic wrap. This type of wrap has the advantage that it can be painted to match your frame and will also keep out the elements like ice and rain.
No matter what material you decide to use it is important to press the glazier's points into that seam where the putty meets your frame. They will help hold the glass in place, and help it adhere to the frame. Hardware stores sell glazier's point ropes, which can be rolled out on the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you're experiencing problems with condensation, it's best to contact the window manufacturer. Many have warranties and guarantees to address these problems. Fogging or condensation between the windows' panes is a sign that the seals are damaged. Only an expert can fix this problem by replacing both panes.
This procedure is a bit difficult and requires specific tools to remove the old pane and then install the new one, however it is possible to do this by an expert who will supply the necessary equipment. Using these tools can be risky it is best to leave this kind of work to professionals.
Wear safety glasses and gloves if you decide to do it yourself. You could be exposed to glass fragments flying around. It is also important to remove all the putty and metal glazing points from the grooves in which the new window will go. You should also brush the frame with wire and vacuum or wipe with a damp cloth. After the frame is clean and dry, you will need to get a replacement glass that is 1/8 inch smaller in each direction than the existing window and test-fit it in the grooves.
Based on the frame you have You will then have to apply a thin layer of silicone caulk to the grooves to ensure that your new pane is secured in place. Once the silicone caulk has dried, you can smooth it out and make any adjustments. The wood molding can then be put back in place.
If the weather abruptly changes, double-glazed windows can be difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames to expand or shrink and cause them to sag or stick. If this is the issue you could try wiping down the frames with water and then lubricating the joints. However, it may be a good idea to call the company who installed your windows for help.
Misted
When moisture gets trapped between the glass panes it can cause misty double glazing. Double glazing is made up of two panes which are separated by a space filled with argon for better thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight sealing that keeps warm air inside and cold outside air out.
The seal could be damaged over time, and moisture may build up between the glass panes which can cause them to turn to appear misty. This occurs because the sun's heat causes the gap between the window panes, causing the water to evaporate.
This is a natural occurrence however if it occurs between the windows' panes it could be a problem because it will no longer be able to control the temperature within the room. Instead the temperature outside of the window will affect the temperature inside. If you notice your double-glazed windows are turning misty, call in the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can replace the blow-sealed unit without having to replace the whole window which is less disruptive than a complete replacement. window repair near me consists of removing and cleaning the unit of glass before replacing it with a new one. This will result in a watertight seal again.
There are companies in the industry that claim to drill holes into your windows that are misting and inject chemicals into them, which they claim will eliminate the fog condensation, however, we do not recommend this procedure. This is not just unattractive, but it could also harm the toughened glass and can leave you with windows that do not completely perform the function it was intended to.
If you don't fix the issue immediately it could cause mould, which can not only harm the window, but also cause health risks for your loved ones. Moisture can also cause other issues in your home, like dampness or rot. In some cases it is possible 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 the cold out. As time passes the gas will be depressurized and cause many problems.
One of the most frequently encountered is condensation between the panes. It's not an indication of a window failure however it could be a sign you need to reseal them. Condensation can be a sign your double glazing has failed and, in that case, it should be replaced completely.
You should also look out for drafts coming through your double glazed windows. This could be due to a failed seal, a broken handle, or a damaged lock. A draught is noticeable and will lead to higher heating bills Therefore, it is essential to get it fixed sooner rather than later. Test the seals on the window frame by smelling cold air.
Another indication that the seals on your windows have failed is when you begin to see water dripping on the inside of your windows. This is an indication that you have to reseal the double glazed windows.
Your window frames have been designed to move slightly, which is necessary to keep the glass sheets in place. However, over time this special packaging material can get compacted, and this could cause the seal to break. This will allow the air to move between the panes, which will reduce your window's energy efficiency.
Double glazing that has ruptured a seal is an indication of a failure and needs to be repaired as soon as possible. A blown seal will stop your double glazing performing its primary purpose that is to keep cold air out and warm air in. Furthermore, a blow-off seal can let moisture in, which can cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. You should call a specialist in double glazing repair immediately if you spot a damaged seal on your double-glazed windows, as they are able to replace the whole unit.
