Double Glazed Window Repair Double glazing is an excellent investment in energy efficiency. It helps prevent heat loss during the winter months and helps to keep your home cool during summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows when necessary is a great way to keep them in good condition. 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 or close. Broken Panes A ball that is rogue or a flying stone from your lawnmowers or a storm that is strong enough can break your double-pane windows, leaving you home vulnerable to the elements. While a cracked window can be difficult to fix however, you don't have to replace it entirely. In fact the insulated glass between the two panes is still in good shape and you can repair your double-pane window with a little DIY effort. First, you'll need to take any broken glass from the frame. You'll need to be cautious to keep glass shards from falling to the floor or falling from the frame. Make sure you wear work gloves to shield your hands from injury and a cloth to cover the area around the broken glass to avoid further breakage or cuts. After taking out the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly to remove any sealant or other debris. It is important to sand rough areas of your frame to create a smooth surface for the new glazing. After cleaning the frame and dried, you can apply a fresh layer of glass to the place where the broken pane was removed. This is the best method to protect and seal your window. It will also save you money by preventing drafts and water from entering the home. The next step is to choose the material for your glazing. There are several options available, including clear tape that is more durable than regular tape and will help keep your window secure from further cracking, as well as glazing film that resembles clear plastic wrap. This choice has the benefit that it can be painted to match your frame, and will also block out rain and ice. Whatever material you choose it's essential to press the glaziers points into the gap where the putty meets your frame. They will help hold the new glass in place and aid it adhere to the frame. Hardware stores sell glazier's ropes, which can be rolled out on the frame rabbets. Condensation Double glazing is susceptible to condensation issues and if you experience this issue, it is best to contact the company that installed the window. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees that cover the issues. Condensation and fogging between panes of glass is a clear indication that the seals between your windows have been damaged and can only be repaired by a professional who will replace both panes. It's a complicated procedure that requires special tools to remove and replace the old window. A professional can complete this job and provide the tools. Making use of these tools can be risky it is recommended to leave this kind of job to a professional. Wear safety gloves and glasses if you decide to do it yourself. You could be exposed to flying glass fragments. It is important to take out any putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will hold the new window. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming it with a damp cloth is also recommended. When the frame is dry and clean you'll need to purchase a replacement glass which is 1/8 inch less in each direction than the existing window and test-fit it into the grooves. You will require a layer of silicone caulk into the grooves of frames to ensure your glass is properly installed. Once the caulk has dried, you will need to smooth it and make any adjustments needed. The wood molding can be put back in place. If the weather suddenly changes, double-glazed windows could become difficult to open or close. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames to shrink or expand and this can make them sag or stick. If this is the problem you could try wiping the frames down with water and then lubricating the joints. However, it may be best to contact the company that installed your windows to help. Misted Misted Double Glazing is a window issue that develops when moisture gets trapped between the glass panes of your double glazed windows. Double glazing is comprised of two panes of glass that are separated by an insulating space, typically filled with argon gas to provide better thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm room air inside and cold outdoor air outside which allows you to keep your temperature at a comfortable level in your home. In time, however, this seal may break and moisture can begin to build up between the window panes, which causes them to turn misty. This happens because the gap between the panes gets heated by the sun, causing water vapour to build up in it. This is a normal thing to happen, but when it occurs between the window panes it can be a problem since it can no longer regulate the temperature of the room, and allows the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. Northfield Glass can help you if your double-glazed windows start to mist. We can repair the individual sealed blown unit without having to replace the entire window and is less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty window repair involves taking off the glass unit, washing it, then replacing it with a fresh one to create an watertight seal. Some companies in the field claim that they can inject chemicals through holes into windows that have been misty to eliminate the condensation and fog. We do not recommend using this method. This method is not just unattractive, but could also damage the toughened glass leaving you with a window that isn't functioning properly. If you don't fix the issue quickly, it could lead to mold, which could not only harm the window, but cause health risks for your loved ones. The condensation in the window could cause other issues within your home, such as damp or rot. In certain situations it might be necessary to replace the entire window. Failed or Blown Modern double glazed windows have two glass panes that have an inert gas or air in between them. This improves their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. As time passes, the gas can become depressurised and cause many problems. Condensation between panes is one of the most frequent. While it is a natural phenomenon, it doesn't mean your window is failing, it can be a sign that you need to re-seal your windows. Condensation can also be an indication of a damaged double glazing that will require a re-installation. Double-glazed windows can also create drafts. This could be due to an unsound seal or handle that is broken, or a damaged lock. It is important to fix the issue as quickly as possible. A draught will cause you to pay more for heating. You can test the seals by rubbing around the edges of the window frame to see if you feel any cold air. There will also be water beads on the inside of windows if your window seals aren't performing as they should. This is an indication that you have to seal your double-glazed windows. Your window frames are made to move slightly in order to do in order to keep the glass sheets in the right place. As time passes, this particular packaging material could become compressed. This could cause the seal to be broken. This allows air to flow between the panes and reduce the energy efficiency of your window. Double glazing that has broken an air seal is an indication of a failure 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. A damaged seal could let moisture in your home, which can lead to mold and other unpleasant conditions. Call a double glazing specialist when you spot a damaged window seal. They can repair or replace the entire unit.
window repair
