Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is a fantastic investment in energy efficiency. It stops heat loss during the winter months and keeps your home cool during summer. Having your double glazed windows repaired as needed is a great way to keep them working effectively.
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 rogue baseball or a flying pebble from your lawnmowers, or even a severe storm can shatter the double panes of your windows, leaving your home exposed to the elements. Although a cracked glass window isn't easy to fix but it doesn't have to be replaced. In fact, the insulated glass between the two panes remains in good condition and you can repair your double-pane windows with a bit of DIY effort.
To start, you'll need to take the broken glass out of the frame. This is a messy job and you'll need to be careful to stop any glass fragments from falling on the floor or sliding out of the frame. Make sure to wear a pair of gloves to shield your hands from injury and a rag to protect the area surrounding the broken glass to avoid further damage or breaks. After removing the broken piece, carefully clean the entire frame of the window to eliminate any remaining sealant or debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth surface to install your new glazing.
After cleaning the frame and dried, you can apply a new layer of glazing to the place where the broken pane was removed. This is the best method to ensure your window stays sealed and protected and save you money by keeping water and drafts from entering the house. The next step is to choose your glazing material. There are several options including clear tape which is more durable than regular tape and prevents further cracking of your window or glazing film which is similar to clear plastic wrapping. The benefit of this option is that it can be painted to match your frame, and it will keep out snow and rain as well.
No matter what material you choose it's essential to press the glaziers points into the seam where the putty meets your frame. They will help keep the glass in place and help it adhere to the frame. The glazier's point can be found in hardware stores, and they are available in pre-made ropes that you simply roll over the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you have a problem with condensation, it is best to contact your window manufacturer. A lot of windows come with warranties and guarantees to cover these issues. Fogging or condensation on the windows' panes is a sign that your seals aren't working properly. Only double glazing repair East Grinstead can fix this issue by replacing the panes.
This procedure is a bit difficult and requires special tools to take off the old pane and then install the new one, however it can be accomplished by an expert who will provide the required equipment. It is best to delegate the job to a professional. These tools could be risky.
If you decide to do it yourself, ensure you wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from broken pieces of glass that may 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. You should also brush the frame with wire and vacuum or wipe it clean with a damp cloth. Once the frame is dry and clean you'll need to purchase a replacement glass that is 1/8 inch smaller in each direction than your window that you have and then fit it into the grooves.
You'll require a layer of silicone caulk in the grooves of frames to ensure your glass is securely installed. Once the silicone caulk has dried and cured, you can smooth it out and make any adjustments. Then the wood molding can be reinstalled.
Double-glazed windows can become difficult to open or close when the weather is extremely changing. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames to shrink or expand and this can make them sag or stick. Try wiping the frames with water and lubricating them if this is the case however, it's better to seek help from the company who installed your windows.
Misunderstood
Misted Double Glazing is a problem with windows that is caused by moisture getting trapped between the glass panes of double glazed windows. Double glazing is made up of two panes which are separated by a space that is filled with argon to improve thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm air inside and cold air outside, allowing you to keep your temperature in your home comfortable.
The seal may become damaged over time and moisture may build up between the glass panes and cause them to become to appear misty. This occurs because the sun heats the gap between the window panes, causing water to evaporate.
This is a natural process however if it occurs between the windows' panes it could be a problem because it won't be able to control the temperature in the room. Instead, the temperature outside the window will affect the temperature indoors. If you notice that your double-glazed windows are turning cloudy, contact the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can replace the individual sealed blown unit without having to replace the whole window, which is a lot less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty window repair involves removing the glass unit, washing it, and replacing it with a fresh one to make an airtight seal.
Some companies in the field claim to inject chemicals through holes into misted windows to remove the fog and condensation. We do not suggest this method. This is not just unattractive, but it could also damage the toughened glass and can result in windows that don't completely perform the function it was intended to.
If you don't fix the issue immediately it could cause mould, which could not only harm the window, but could also risk health issues for your family members. The condensation in the window could also lead to other problems in your home, such as damp or rot. In some cases it is possible to replace the entire window.
Blown or Failed
Double-glazed windows are made up of two glass panes with an inert or air between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. Over time, the gas can become depressurised and cause various problems.
Condensation in between the panes is one of the most frequent. While it is a natural occurrence and doesn't mean that your window is damaged but it could be an indication that you need to re-seal your windows. Condensation can also be a sign of a broken double glazing that will require a re-installation.
Also, look out for drafts coming through your double-glazed windows. It could be due to a failed seal or handle that is broken, or a broken lock. A draught can be quite obvious and result in more expensive heating bills Therefore, it is essential to fix it sooner rather than later. Check the seals around the window frame by feeling for cold air.
You may also see water beads on the interior of windows when your window seals aren't performing as they should. This is an indication that you need to replace the seals on your double-glazed windows.
The frames of your windows are designed to move slightly, as they need to do in order to keep the glass sheets in place. In time, this special packaging material can become compressed. This could result in the seal being broken. This allows air to flow between the panes, which will reduce your window's energy efficiency.
Double glazing that has blown an air seal is an indication of a failure and needs to be repaired immediately. A blown seal stops your double glazing from fulfilling its primary purpose which is to keep the cold out and warm air in. In addition, a blown seal can let moisture in, which could result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. Contact a double glazing expert immediately you notice a blowing window seal. They can replace the entire unit.