Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an energy efficient investment that reduces loss of heat during winter months and helps keep your home cooler during the summer. Restoring your double-glazed windows as required is a great method to keep them in good condition.
Over time, condensation and misting can impact your double-glazed windows. This could cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open or close.
Broken Panes
A unruly ball or a flying stone from your lawnmowers, or an intense storm could shatter your double-pane windows and leave your home vulnerable to the elements. Although a cracked glass window is difficult to repair however, it does not need to be replaced. In fact the insulated glass between the two panes is still in good condition, and you can fix your double-pane window with a bit of DIY effort.
To begin, you'll need remove the broken glass from the frame. You'll need to be careful to avoid any glass shards falling to the floor or slipping out of the frame. Use work gloves to protect your hands and use a rag around the broken glass to avoid any further injury or cuts. After taking out the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly to get rid of any sealant or debris. It is important to smooth rough areas of the frame to create an even surface for the new glazing.
After the frame has been cleaned and dried, you can apply a fresh layer of glazing to the place in which the broken pane was removed. This is the best method to ensure your window stays safe and sealed and aid in reducing energy costs by keeping water and drafts from entering the house. The next step is to select your glazing material. There are a variety of options, including clear tape that is more robust than regular tape and will keep your window safe from further cracking, as well as glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. The advantage of this choice is that it can be painted to match the frame you have and will keep out snow and rain as well.
Whatever material you use it's essential to press the glaziers points into the place where the putty joins your frame. These will hold the newly-formed glass in place and assist it to adhere to the frame. Hardware stores carry glazier's point ropes that you can use on the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing can be susceptible to condensation issues. If you encounter this issue, it is best to call the company that provided the window. There are warranties and guarantees to cover the issues. Fogging and condensation between panes of glass is an obvious indication that the seals between your windows are broken and must be repaired by a professional who will repair both panes.
This procedure is a bit tricky and requires special tools to take off the old pane and then install the new one, but it is possible to do this by an expert who will provide the required equipment. It is recommended to leave the work to a professional. These tools could be hazardous.
If you choose to do this yourself, ensure you wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from any broken glass pieces that might fly away during the process. It is also crucial to carefully remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves in which the new window will go. It is also recommended to wire-brush the frame and vacuum or wipe with a damp cloth. After the frame has dried, you'll need to order a replacement piece of glass that's 1/8" shorter in both directions than your existing window. Check the glass's fit into the grooves.
You'll need to apply a layer silicone caulk into the grooves of your frames to ensure your new glass is secure in its installation. After the silicone caulk is dried you can smooth it out and make any adjustments. The wood molding will then be put back in place.
If the weather suddenly changes, double-glazed windows could become difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures may cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, which causes them to slide and become stuck. If this is the problem, you can try wiping the frames with water and lubricating the joints. However, it might be best to contact the company who installed your windows for help.
Misted
Misted Double Glazing is a problem with windows that occurs when moisture gets trapped between the glass panes of your double glazed windows. Double glazing is comprised of two glass panes that are separated by an insulating area, typically filled with argon gas for better thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm air inside and cold outdoor air outside, allowing you to keep the temperature in your home comfortable.
In time, however, this seal may break and moisture will begin to accumulate between the window panes, causing them to become misty. This occurs because the sun heats the gap between panes of windows, causing water to vapourize.
This is a normal thing to happen but if it happens between the window panes, it can be a problem since it can no longer regulate the temperature of the room and will allow the outside temperature to influence the indoor temperature. Northfield Glass can help you when your double-glazed windows begin to mist.
window repair can replace the blow-sealed unit without having to replace the whole window, which is a lot less disruptive than a total replacement. Our misty glass repair involves removing and cleaning the unit of glass and replacing it with a brand new one. This will create a seal that is watertight again.
There are companies within the industry who claim to drill holes in your existing misted windows and inject chemicals into them, which they say removes the fog & condensation, however, we don't recommend this method. This method is not only ugly, but it can also damage the toughened glass and result in windows that don't fully function.
If you don't fix the problem immediately it could result in mould, which could not only cause damage to the window, but pose health risks to your family members. Moisture can also cause other issues within your home, such as dampness or rot. In certain cases the window might need to be completely replaced.
Blown or Failed
Modern double glazed windows have two glass panes, with an inert gas or air in between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and the cold out. Over time the gas will become depressurized, causing a variety of issues.
One of the most frequent is condensation between the panes. It's not an indication of a window failure however it could be a sign you should replace them. Condensation can also be an indication of a damaged double glazing, which will need to be replaced.
Double-glazed windows can also create drafts. This could be caused by a failure of the seal or a broken handle or lock. It is important to fix this problem as soon as you can. A draft will force you to pay more for heating. Check the seals around the window frame by feeling the cold air.
You will also notice water beads on the inside of windows if your window seals aren't performing as they should. This is an indication that you need to seal your double-glazed windows.
The window frames you have purchased were designed to move slightly in order to keep the glass sheets in position. However, over time, this special packaging material may get compacted, and this could cause the seal to break. This will allow air to move between the panes, decreasing your window's energy efficiency.
Double glazing that has broken seals is a sign of failure and needs to be repaired immediately. A blown seal stops your double glazing from fulfilling its primary function that is to keep cold air out and warm air in. A blown seal could let moisture in your home, which can cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. Contact a double-glazing specialist when you spot a damaged window seal. They can replace the entire unit.