Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is a fantastic investment in energy efficiency. It prevents heat loss during the winter months and helps to keep your home cool during summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows whenever necessary is a great way to ensure they remain in good condition.
Over time, your double glazed windows may experience issues such as condensation and misting. This can cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open or shut.
Broken Panes
A rogue baseball or a stray pebble from your lawnmowers or even a heavy storm can break the double panes of your windows and expose your home to the elements. While a cracked window can be difficult to fix however, you don't have to replace it completely. In fact the insulated glass that is between the two panes remains in good shape, and you can fix your double-pane windows with some DIY effort.
To begin, you'll need take the broken glass out of the frame. Be careful to keep glass shards from falling onto the floor or sliding off the frame. Use work gloves to protect you hands, and a rag to cover the broken glass to avoid further damage or cuts. After you have removed the broken glass clean the frame of the window thoroughly to remove any sealant or debris. Sand rough areas of the frame to create a smooth surface on which to put in your new glass.
After cleaning the frame and removing the dust, you can apply another layer of glass to the seam where you removed the broken pane. This is the best method to protect and seal your window. It will also save you energy costs by preventing water and drafts from entering your home. The next step is to select your glazing material. There are a variety of options, including clear tape that is more durable than regular tape and will keep your window secure 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 the frame of your window and will also block out snow and ice.
Whatever material you choose, it is important to press glazier's points into the place where the putty joins the frame. These will hold the glass in place and aid in adhering to the frame. Glazier's points can be found in hardware stores, and they are available in pre-made ropes that you simply roll over the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you have a problem with condensation, it is best to contact the window manufacturer. Chingford window repair offer warranties and guarantees that will cover these problems. Condensation and fogging in the panes of glass is a clear sign that the seals between your windows are broken and must be repaired by an expert who will repair both panes.
This process is a little complicated and requires the use of special tools to take off the old one and replace the new one, but it can be accomplished by a professional who will provide the required equipment. It is best to leave the work to professionals. These tools could be hazardous.
If you choose to do this yourself, ensure you wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from any broken glass pieces that may fly off during the process. It is important to take out all metal or putty points from the grooves that will receive the new window. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming a damp cloth are also recommended. After the frame has dried you'll have to purchase a replacement piece of glass that's 1/8" shorter in both directions than your existing window. Make sure the glass fits into the grooves.
You'll need to apply a layer silicone caulk into the grooves of your frames to ensure your new glass is securely installed. After the silicone caulk is dried you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding can then be reinstalled.
Double-glazed windows may be difficult to open or close if the weather changes dramatically. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or shrink, causing them to become sagging and stick. Try wiping the frames with water and lubricating them in the event that this happens, but it may be better to consult the company who installed your windows.
Misunderstood
Misted Double Glazing is a problem with windows that is caused by moisture getting trapped between the glass panes of double glazed windows. Double glazing consists of two panes which are separated by a gap filled with argon for better thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight sealing that keeps warm indoor air inside, and cold air outside.
This seal can be damaged over time, and moisture may build up between the panes of glass and cause them to become to become cloudy. This happens because the gap between the panes gets heated by the sun, which causes water vapour to form within it.
This is a normal process however, if it occurs between the window panes, it can be a problem since it is no longer able to regulate the temperature of the room and will allow the outside temperature to influence the indoor temperature. Northfield Glass can help you if your double-glazed windows start to fog.
We can replace a single blown sealed unit without having to replace the entire window. This is much less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty glass repair involves taking off and cleaning the glass and replacing it with a new one. This will result in a seal that is watertight again.
There are companies in the field which claim to drill holes into your windows with mist and inject chemicals into them, which claim to eliminate condensation and fog however, we don't recommend this method. This is not just unsightly, but it could cause damage to the toughened glass and result in a window that does not completely perform the function it was intended to.
It is crucial to resolve the issue as soon as possible, as left untreated, it could lead to mould growth, which not only damages the window, but also poses health risks to your family. Moisture in the window can also lead to other problems within your home like damp or rot. In certain situations, it may be necessary to replace the entire window.
Failed or blown
Modern double-glazed windows feature two glass panes with an inert gas or air in between them. This helps to improve their thermal efficiency, keeping heat in and cold out. Over time, this gas can depressurize, leading to a number of issues.
Condensation between the panes is among the most frequent. It's not an indication of a window failing however it could indicate that you need to reseal the windows. Condensation may be a sign your double glazing is damaged, in which case it should be replaced completely.
You should also look out for draughts that are coming from your double-glazed windows. This could be caused by a failure of the seal or a broken handle or lock. It is important to fix the issue as quickly as you can. A draught will cause you to spend more on heating. Test the seals on the window frame by feeling for cold air.
You will also notice water beads on the outside of windows if your window seals are failing. This is a sign that you will need to re-seal your double glazed windows.
Your window frames are designed to move a bit as they have to do in order to keep the glass sheets in place. As time passes, this particular packaging material may become compressed. This could cause the seal to be broken. This allows air to flow between the panes, reducing your window's energy efficiency.
Double glazing that has ruptured seals is an indication of a failure and should be repaired as soon as is possible. A blown seal will prevent your double glazing from performing its primary function of keeping the cold out and warm in. Furthermore, a blow-off seal can let moisture in, which can cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. You should call a specialist in double glazing repair when you discover a blowing seal in your double-glazed windows, as they are able to replace the entire unit.