Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that reduces loss of heat in winter months and helps keep your home cooler in the summer. Restoring your double-glazed windows as needed is a great way to ensure they remain in good working order.
Over time your double glazed windows can suffer from issues such as 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 stone flying from your lawnmower or even a storm that is strong enough can break your double-pane windows and leave your home vulnerable to the elements. While a damaged window may be difficult to repair however, you don't have to replace it completely. In fact, the insulated glass between the two panes is still in good condition and you can repair your double-pane window with a little 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 your hands, and place an abrasive cloth around the damaged glass to avoid any further injury or cuts. After removing the broken pane and cleaning the entire frame of the window to get rid of any remaining sealant or debris. It's important to smooth rough areas of the frame to create an even surface for your new glazing.
After cleaning the frame then you can apply a fresh layer of glazing to the seam in which the broken pane was removed. This is the most effective method to protect and seal your window. It will also save you energy costs by preventing drafts and water from entering the home. The next step is to choose your glazing material. There are a variety of options, including clear tape that is more robust than regular tape and will help keep your window from further cracking, and 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 the elements like ice and rain.
Whatever material you choose it's essential to press the glaziers points into the gap where the putty meets your frame. These will hold the new glass in place and aid it adhere to the frame. You can find glazier's points in hardware stores, and are available in pre-made ropes that you roll out onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you have a problem with condensation, it's recommended to contact the window manufacturer. There are warranties and guarantees to address these problems. Condensation and fogging between panes of glass is a clear indication that the seals between your windows are damaged and must be repaired by a professional who will repair both panes.
The process is complicated and requires special tools to take off the old pane and install the new one, however it is possible to do this by a professional who will provide the necessary equipment. It is recommended to leave the work to a professional. These tools could be hazardous.
If you decide to do this yourself, be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from any broken pieces of glass that might fly away during the process. It is also important to remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves where the new window will go. You should also wire-brush the frame and vacuum or wipe with a damp cloth. Once the frame is clean and dry you'll need to get a replacement glass that is 1/8 inch shorter in each direction than your window that you have and then fit it in the grooves.
You'll have to apply a layer of silicone caulk into the grooves of your frames to ensure your glass is properly installed. Once Ilford double glazing repair has dried you can 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 and close. Extreme temperatures may cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, causing them to slide and become stuck. If this is the issue you could try wiping the frames down using water and lubricating joints. However, it may be a good idea to call the company that installed your windows for assistance.
Misted
When moisture gets trapped in between the glass panes, it can cause misty double glazing. Double glazing is made up of two panes that are separated by a gap filled with argon for better thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm air inside and cold air outside and allows you to keep your temperature in your home comfortable.
This seal can be damaged over time, and water can accumulate between the panes of glass and cause them to become misty. This happens because the sun's rays heat the gap between the panes of windows, causing the water to evaporate.
This is a natural occurrence however if it occurs between the windows' panes it can be a problem because it will no longer be able to regulate the temperature inside the room. Instead the temperature outside of the window will affect the temperature indoors. Northfield Glass can help you when your double-glazed windows begin to mist.
We can replace a single blow sealed unit without having to replace the entire window. This is much less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty glass repair involves removing and cleaning the unit of glass, then replacing it with a brand new one. This creates a seal that is watertight and will be watertight.
Some companies in the field claim to inject chemicals through holes into misted windows to remove the fog and condensation. We do not suggest this method. This is not just unattractive, but it could also harm the toughened glass and can result in a window that does not fully perform its function.
It is essential to address the issue as quickly as you can, as if untreated it can cause mould growth, which not only damages the window, but also poses health risks to your family members. Moisture can also cause issues in your home, such as dampness or rot. In some cases, the window may need to be replaced entirely.
Blown or Failed
Double-glazed windows are comprised of two panes of glass with an inert or air between them. This improves their thermal efficiency, keeping warm air in and cold air out. Over time, the gas can become depressurised and cause many problems.
One of the most common is condensation that forms between the panes. It's not an indication of a window failure however it could be a sign that you should reseal the windows. Condensation can also be a sign that your double glazing is damaged 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 damaged handle or a broken lock. It is crucial to address this issue as soon as possible. A draft will force you to pay more for heating. Test the seals on the window frame by feeling for cold air.
Another sign that your window seals have failed is when you begin to notice water beads on the inside of your windows. This is an indication that you need to replace the seals on your double-glazed windows.
The frames of your windows are designed to move a little bit in order to do to keep the glass sheets in the right place. However, with time, this particular packaging material will be compressed and break the all-important seal. This will allow the air to flow between the panes, decreasing your window's energy efficiency.
A damaged seal is an obvious sign that your double glazing is damaged and needs to be fixed immediately. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary function of keeping cold out and warm in. Furthermore, a blow-off seal can let moisture in, which could result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. Contact a double glazing expert immediately you notice a blowing window seal. They can fix the entire unit.