Double Glazed Window Repair Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that stops loss of heat in winter months and helps keep your home cool in the summer. The ability to have your double-glazed windows fixed when they need to is a great way to ensure that they function properly. Over time condensation and misting may impact your double-glazed windows. Double glazed windows may become difficult to open and close. Broken Panes A stray baseball or a stray pebble from your lawnmower, or even a heavy storm can break the double panes of your windows and expose your home to the elements. Although a window that is cracked can be difficult to fix, you don't have to have it replaced entirely. In fact the insulated glass that is between the two panes is still in good condition and you can fix your double-pane window with a little DIY effort. You'll first need to remove any broken glass from the frame. This will be a messy job and you'll need to take care to prevent any glass fragments from falling onto the floor or sliding out of the frame. Make sure you wear gloves to protect your hands and a rag to cover the area around the broken glass to prevent further breakage or cuts. After removing the broken glass take care to clean the entire frame of the window to get rid of any remaining sealant or debris. It is important to sand rough areas of the frame to create an even surface for the new glazing. After cleaning the frame, you can apply another layer of glass on the seam where you removed the broken pane. This is the best way to seal and protect your window. It will also save you money by preventing water and drafts from entering your home. The next step is to choose the material for your glazing. There are a variety of 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. This choice has the benefit that it can be painted to match your frame and can also shield your windows from snow and ice. Whatever material you pick regardless of the material you select, it is crucial to press the glazier's points into the place where the putty joins the frame. These will hold the newly-formed glass in place and help it to adhere to the frame. You can find glazier's points in hardware stores, and they come in pre-made ropes that you simply roll onto the frame rabbets. Condensation Double glazing is susceptible to condensation issues and if you experience this issue, it is best to call the company that installed the window. A lot of windows come with 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 damaged and can only be repaired by a professional who will replace both panes. It's a difficult procedure that requires specialized tools to remove and replace the window. A professional can handle this task and supply the tools. Using these tools can be dangerous, so it is always best to leave this kind of work to professionals. If you decide to undertake this yourself, be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from broken pieces of glass that might fly away during the process. It is also crucial to carefully remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves where the new window will be. It is also recommended to brush the frame with wire, and then vacuum or wipe it with a damp cloth. After the frame has dried, you'll need to order an additional piece of glass that is 1/8 shorter in both directions than your existing window. Check the glass's fit into the grooves. Depending on your frames You will then have to apply the caulk to the grooves to ensure that the new pane is secured in the right place. After the caulk dries, you will need to smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding can be put back in place. If the weather abruptly changes, double-glazed windows can become difficult to open or close. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames to shrink or expand and this can make them fall or stick. If this is the problem you could try wiping the frames down with water and lubricating the joints. However, it may be best to contact the company that installed your windows to help. Misunderstood Misted Double Glazing is a window problem that occurs when moisture gets trapped between the glass panes of your double glazed windows. Double glazing is made up of two panes, which are separated by a space that is filled with argon for greater thermal efficiency. This results in an airtight seal that keeps warm indoor air in, and cold outdoor air out. This seal can fail over time, and moisture may build up between the panes of glass, causing them to become cloudy. This happens because the space between the panes is heated by the sun, causing water vapour to form within it. It is a natural phenomenon however if it occurs between the panes of the window it can 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 indoors. Northfield Glass can help you if your double-glazed windows start to fog. We can replace the blow-sealed unit without having to replace the whole window and is less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty glass repair involves taking off and cleaning the glass, then replacing it with a brand new one. This creates an airtight seal again. Some companies in the field claim to inject chemicals through holes drilled into misted windows to remove the fog and condensation. We do not recommend this method. This method is not only unattractive, but it could cause damage to the toughened glass and can result in a window that does not completely perform its function. It is important to fix the problem as soon as possible, as left untreated, it can result in the growth of mould which can not only damage the window but also poses health risks for your family. The moisture in the window may also lead to other problems in your home like damp or rot. In some instances, it may be necessary to replace the entire window. Blown or failed Modern double-glazed windows feature two glass panes, with an inert gas or air in between them. This helps to improve their thermal efficiency, allowing the cold out and heat in. Over time, this gas can depressurize and cause a variety of problems. One of the most frequent is condensation between the panes. While it is a natural event, it doesn't necessarily mean that your window has failed but it could be an indication that you need to re-seal your windows. Condensation can be a sign your double glazing has failed in which case it's time to get it replaced completely. It is also important to look for drafts coming through the double-glazed windows. This could be because of an unsound seal, a broken handle, or a damaged lock. It is crucial to address the issue as quickly as possible. A draught will cause you to spend more on heating. Test the seals around the window frame by feeling for cold air. There will also be water beads on the inside of windows if the window seals are failing. This is a good indicator that you need to re-seal your double glazed windows. Your window frames are designed to move a bit in order to do to keep the glass sheets in their place. In time, this special packaging material may become compacted. This will cause the seal to be broken. This allows air to flow between the panes, and decrease the efficiency of your window. Double glazing that has ruptured seals is an indication of failure and needs to be repaired immediately. window repairs damaged seal can stop your double glazing from performing its primary purpose that is to keep the cold out and warm air in. A damaged seal could let moisture into your home, which could lead to mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is recommended to contact a specialist in double glazing repair immediately if you discover a blowing seal on your double-glazed windows, since they could replace the whole unit.
window repairs
