Double Glazed Window Repair Double glazing is an excellent investment in energy efficiency. It helps prevent heat loss during the winter months and keeps your home cool in the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows when needed is a great way to ensure they remain in good working order. Over time condensation and misting may be detrimental to your double-glazed windows. This can cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open or close. Broken Panes A rogue ball, a flying stone from your lawnmowers or a strong storm can shatter the double pane windows of your home and leave your home vulnerable to the elements. While a damaged window may be difficult to fix however, you don't have to have it replaced entirely. In fact the insulated glass between the two panes is in good shape and you can fix your double-pane window using some DIY effort. First, you'll need to remove any broken glass from the frame. Be careful to avoid any glass shards falling to the floor or slipping off the frame. Use work gloves to protect your hands and use an abrasive cloth around the damaged glass area to prevent further damage or cuts. After you have removed the broken glass clean the frame of the window thoroughly to get rid of any sealant or other debris. It is important to smooth rough areas of the frame to create an even surface for your new glass. After cleaning the frame then you can apply a new layer of glass to the area where 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 drafts and water from entering your home. The next step is to choose your glazing material. There are several options available, including clear tape which is more durable than regular tape and will help keep your window secure from further cracking, and glazing film that resembles clear plastic wrap. The advantage of this choice is that it can be painted to match your existing frame, and it will keep out rain and snow as well. Whatever material you choose it's essential to press the glaziers points into the place where the putty joins your frame. These will keep the glass in place, and will help it stick to the frame. You can find glazier's points in hardware stores, and they come in pre-made ropes that you simply roll out onto the frame rabbets. Condensation If you are experiencing issues with condensation, it's best to contact the window manufacturer. A lot of windows come with warranties and guarantees to address these issues. Fogging or condensation on the panes of your windows is a sign that your seals aren't working properly. Only an expert can fix this problem by replacing the panes. It's a complicated procedure that requires special tools to remove and replace the window. A professional can handle this job and provide the tools. Using these tools can be dangerous, however it is recommended to leave this kind of job to a professional. If you choose to do this yourself, ensure you wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from any broken pieces of glass that could fly off during the process. It is essential to take out all metal or putty points from the grooves that will hold the new window. It is also recommended to wire-brush the frame and vacuum or wipe with a damp cloth. Once the frame is dry and clean then you'll need order a piece of replacement glass which is 1/8 inch less in each direction than your window, and then test it into the grooves. Based on the frame you have, you will then need to apply the caulk to the grooves to ensure that the new pane is secure in position. Once the silicone caulk has dried and cured, you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding will then be reinstalled. If the weather suddenly changes, double-glazed windows may become difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, which causes them to become sagging and stick. If this is the problem you could try wiping the frames down with water and then lubricating the joints. However, it might be a good idea to call the company who installed your windows for help. Misunderstood Misted Double Glazing is a window issue that occurs when moisture gets trapped between the glass panes of double glazed windows. 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 a airtight seal that keeps warm indoor air inside, and cold air outside. The seal may be damaged over time, and moisture may build up between the glass panes and cause them to become misty. This happens because the space between the panes is heated by sun, which causes water vapour to build up within it. This is a natural occurrence however, if it happens between the panes of the window it could be a problem because it will no longer be able to regulate the temperature inside the room. Instead, the temperature outside the window will influence the temperature inside. Northfield Glass can help you when your double-glazed windows begin to mist. We can repair the individual blown sealed unit without needing to replace the entire window and is less disruptive than a total replacement. Our misty window repair involves removing the glass, cleaning it, then replacing it with a new one to make an airtight seal. There are companies in the industry which claim to drill holes into your windows that are misting and inject chemicals into them that they say removes the condensation and fog however, we do not recommend this procedure. This method is not only unsightly, but it could also harm the toughened glass and leave you with windows that don't completely perform the function it was intended to. It is crucial to resolve the issue as quickly as you can, because if left untreated, it could lead to mould growth that not only damages the window but can also pose health risks to your family members. Moisture can cause other problems in your home, including dampness or rot. In certain situations it is possible to replace the entire window. Failed or Blown Modern double-glazed windows feature two glass panes that have an inert gas or air between them. This increases their thermal efficiency, allowing warm air in and cold air out. Over time, this gas can depressurize, leading to a number of problems. One of the most frequently encountered is condensation between the panes. Although it's a normal occurrence and doesn't mean that your window is damaged but it could be a sign that you need to seal your windows. Condensation could also be an indication of a damaged double glazing that will require a re-installation. You should also look out for drafts coming through your double glazed windows. This could be caused by a failure of the seal or a broken handle or lock. It is essential to fix this issue as soon as possible. A draught will cause you to pay more for heating. You can test the seals by placing your finger around the edges of your window frame to see whether you feel cold air. You may also see water beads on the outside of windows when your window seals are failing. This is a sign that you need to replace the seals on your double-glazed windows. The frames of your windows are designed to move a little bit as they have to do to keep the glass sheets in place. However, over time this special packaging material may be compressed and cause the seal to break. This will allow air to flow between the panes, and decrease the energy efficiency of your window. A seal that is blown is an obvious sign that your double glazing has failed and should be repaired immediately. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing performing its primary purpose, which is to keep the cold out and warm air in. In addition, a blown seal can let moisture in, which can result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. Contact a double-glazing specialist as soon you notice a blown window seal. They can repair or replace the entire unit.
window repair
