Double Glazed Window Repair 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 the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows whenever required is a great method to ensure they remain in good working order. Over time condensation and misting could affect your double-glazed windows. This can cause your double-glazed windows to be difficult to open or shut. Broken Panes A unruly ball, a flying stone from your lawnmowers or an intense storm could shatter your double-pane windows and leave your home vulnerable to the elements. While a cracked window can be difficult to repair, you don't have to have it replaced entirely. The insulated glass that is between two panes of glass is in good condition and you can fix your double-paned window on your own. 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 off the frame. Use work gloves to protect your hands, and place a rag to cover the broken glass area to prevent further damage or cuts. After taking out the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly, removing any sealant or other debris. It is important to smooth rough areas of the frame to create a smooth surface for the new glazing. After the frame has been cleaned, you can apply a new layer of glazing to the seam in which the broken pane was removed. This is the most effective method to seal and protect your window. It can also save you energy costs by preventing water and drafts from entering your home. Next, you will need to choose your glazing material. There are several options such as clear tape, which is more durable than regular tape and helps prevent 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 existing frame and will keep out rain and snow too. No matter what material you decide to use it is important to press the glaziers points into the seam where the putty meets your frame. They will help keep the glass in place and aid in adhering to the frame. The glazier's point can be found in hardware stores, and are available in pre-made ropes that you roll onto the frame rabbets. Condensation Double glazing is susceptible to condensation issues. If you encounter this issue, it is recommended to contact the company that supplied the window. Many companies provide warranties and guarantees that will cover the issues. Condensation or fogging between the panes of your windows is a sign that the seals are broken. Only an expert can fix this problem by replacing both panes. It is a tricky procedure that requires special tools to remove and replace the window. A professional can do this task and supply the tools. It is best to leave the task to a professional. These tools can be dangerous. Wear safety gloves and glasses if you choose 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. It is also recommended to wire-brush the frame and vacuum or wipe it with a damp cloth. Once the frame has dried it is time to order an additional piece of glass that's 1/8 shorter in both directions than the existing window. Make sure the glass fits into the grooves. Based on the frame you have depending on your frames, you'll need to apply a layer of silicone caulk to the grooves to ensure that the new pane is secured in the right place. After the caulk is dry and is dry, you must smooth it and make any adjustments needed. The wood molding can be reinstalled. Double-glazed windows may be difficult to open and 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. You can try wiping down the frames with water and then lubricating them if this is the case however it is better to seek advice from the company that installed your windows. Misted If moisture is trapped between the glass panes, it can cause misty double glazing. Double glazing is made up of two panes which are separated by a gap filled with argon to improve thermal efficiency. This results in an airtight seal that keeps warm indoor air inside, and cold air outside. The seal could fail over time, and moisture may build up between the panes of glass, causing them to become cloudy. This happens because the gap between the panes is heated by sun, which causes water vapour to develop in it. This is a natural process however if it occurs between the windows' panes it could cause problems because it will no longer be able to regulate the temperature within the room. Instead, the temperature outside the window will influence the temperature indoors. If you notice that your double-glazed windows are turning blurred, call the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate. We can replace a single blow sealed unit, without having to replace the entire window. This is less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty window repair involves removing the glass unit, cleaning it, then replacing it with a fresh one to create an watertight seal. There are some companies in the field that claim to drill holes into your existing misted windows and inject chemicals into them which they claim will eliminate the fog & condensation, however, we do not recommend this procedure. This method is not just unsightly but could also damage the toughened glass, leaving you with a window that doesn't function properly. It is crucial to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, as left untreated, it could lead to mould growth that not only damages the window, but can also pose health risks to your family members. The moisture in the window may also lead to other problems with your property, such as damp or rot. In some cases, it may be necessary 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 helps to improve their thermal efficiency, allowing the cold out and heat in. As time passes the gas may become depressurized, causing various issues. One of the most frequently encountered is condensation between the panes. While it is a natural event, it doesn't necessarily mean that your window is damaged however it could be an indication that you need to seal your windows. Condensation can also be an indication of a damaged double glazing, which will require re-installation. You should also look out for drafts coming through your double glazed windows. It could be due to an unsound seal or a damaged handle or a damaged lock. A draught can be obvious and result in higher heating costs, so it is important that you get this fixed sooner rather than later. Test the seals around the window frame by feeling for 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 a clear indication that you should replace the seals on your double-glazed windows. Your window frames are designed to move a bit, which is necessary to keep the glass sheets in place. As time passes, this particular packaging material may be compressed. This will cause the seal to be broken. This will allow air to circulate between the panes and reduce the energy efficiency of your window. Double glazing that has ruptured seals is an indication of failure and should be repaired immediately. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary job of keeping cold out and warm inside. Furthermore, a blow-off seal can let moisture in, which could result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is recommended to contact a double glazing repair expert as soon as you spot a damaged seal on your double-glazed windows, as they can replace the whole unit.
window repair
