Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an energy efficient investment that stops loss of heat during winter months and helps keep your home cooler during the summer. Having your double glazed windows repaired when needed is a great way to ensure that they function effectively.
Over time your double glazed windows can suffer from issues such as condensation and misting. Double glazed windows may be difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A rogue baseball or a flying pebble from your lawnmowers, or even a severe 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 but you don't need to replace it entirely. In fact, the insulated glass between the two panes is in good condition and you can fix your double-pane window with a bit of DIY effort.
You'll first need to remove any broken glass from the frame. You'll need to be cautious to prevent glass shards from falling to the floor or slipping from the frame. Make sure you wear gloves to shield your hands from injury and a cloth to cover the area around the broken glass to prevent further breakage or cuts. After removing the broken pane and cleaning the entire frame of the window to remove any remaining sealant or debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth surface to put in your new glass.
Once the frame is cleaned then you can apply a fresh layer of glass to the place where the broken pane was removed. This is the best way to seal and protect your window, and will save you energy costs by preventing water and drafts from entering the home. The next step is to choose your glazing material. There are several options available, including clear tape, which is a bit more durable than regular tape and will keep your window safe from further cracking, and glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. This type of wrap has the advantage that it can be painted to match your frame and will also keep out the elements like ice and rain.
Whatever material you decide to use, it's important to press the glaziers points into that gap where the putty meets your frame. These will keep the glass in place and help it adhere to the frame. The glazier's point can be found in hardware stores, and they come in pre-made ropes that you roll onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing is susceptible to condensation issues. If you experience this problem it is recommended to contact the company that provided the window. Many have warranties and guarantees to address these problems. Condensation and fogging in the panes of glass is a clear indication that the seals between your windows are damaged and must be repaired by a professional who will fix both panes.
The process is complicated and requires special tools to remove the old pane and install the new one, but it can be done by an expert who will provide the necessary equipment. It is recommended to leave the task to an expert. These tools could be hazardous.
Wear safety gloves and glasses if you opt to do it yourself. You could be exposed to glass fragments flying around. It is also crucial to remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves that the new window will go. You should also brush the frame with wire, and then vacuum or wipe it clean with a damp cloth. When the frame is dry and clean, you will need to order a piece of replacement glass which is 1/8 inch less in each direction than the window, and then test it in the grooves.
You will have to apply a layer of silicone caulk to the grooves of frames to ensure your glass is secure in its installation. Once the silicone caulk has dried and cured, you can smooth it out and make any adjustments. The wood molding can be reinstalled.
If the weather abruptly changes, double-glazed windows could become difficult to open or close. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, causing them to become sagging and stick. If this is the case, you can try wiping the frames with water and lubricating the joints. However, it may be a good idea to call the company that installed your windows for assistance.
Misted
Misted Double Glazing is a window problem that develops when moisture gets trapped between the glass panes of your double glazed windows. Double glazing consists of two glass panes that are separated by an insulating space, typically filled with argon gas to provide better thermal efficiency. This results in an airtight seal that keeps warm indoor air inside and cold air outside.
Over time however, this seal may break and moisture will begin to build up between the window panes, causing them to turn misty. This happens because the space between the panes gets heated by the sun, causing water vapour to develop in it.
This is a natural occurrence however, if it happens between the panes of the window it could be a problem because it won't be able to regulate the temperature within the room. Instead the temperature outside of the window will influence the temperature inside. Northfield Glass can help you when your double-glazed windows begin to mist.
We can replace the individual blow-sealed unit without having to replace the whole window, which is a lot less disruptive than a total upvc windows repair replacement. Our misty window repair involves taking off the glass unit, cleaning it, and replacing it with a fresh one to create an watertight seal.
Some companies in the field claim to inject chemicals through holes into misted windows to remove the condensation and fog. We do not recommend using this method. This method is not just unsightly but could also damage your toughened glass, leaving you with a window which does not function properly.
If you don't address the issue quickly it could cause mould, which could not only harm the window, but also risk health issues for your loved ones. Moisture can also cause other issues in your home, like dampness or rot. In certain situations it might be necessary to replace the entire window.
Failed or Blown
Modern double-glazed windows come with two glass panes that have an inert gas or air in between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and the cold out. As time passes the gas will become depressurised and cause various problems.
Condensation between the panes is one of the most common. While it is a natural occurrence and doesn't mean that your window is failing, it can be an indication that you need to re-seal your windows. Condensation may also be a sign that your window repair near me double glazing has failed in which case it's time to get it replaced completely.
Double-glazed windows can also cause drafts. This could be due to the seal being damaged or a broken handle or lock. It is important to fix this problem as soon as you can. A draught will cause you to pay more for heating. You can test the seals by feeling around the edges of the window frame click here to see whether you feel 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 have to seal your double-glazed windows.
The frames of your windows are designed to move a little bit as they have 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 will allow air to flow between the panes, and decrease the energy efficiency of your window.
A damaged seal is a clear indication click here that your double glazing is damaged and should be repaired immediately. A blown seal will prevent your double glazing from performing its primary job of keeping the cold out and warm in. A blown seal can also let moisture into your home, which could result in mold and other unpleasant upvc window repairs near me conditions. You should call a specialist in double glazing repair immediately if you notice a blown seal in your double-glazed windows, as they can replace the whole unit.