Double Glazed Window Repair Double glazing is an excellent investment in energy efficiency. It stops loss of heat during winter months and helps to keep your home cool in summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows whenever needed is a great way to ensure they are in good condition. Over time, condensation and misting can affect 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 cracked glass window is difficult to repair however, it does not need to be replaced. In fact the insulated glass that is between the two panes is still in good shape, and you can fix your double-pane window with a little DIY effort. To begin, you'll need remove the broken glass from the frame. This is an unpleasant task and you'll need to be cautious to prevent glass shards from falling on the floor or slipping out of the frame. Wear gloves for your hands and use a rag around the broken glass to avoid any further injury or cuts. After removing the broken pane, carefully clean the entire frame of the window to eliminate any remaining sealant or debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth surface on which to install your new glazing. After the frame has been cleaned and dried, you can apply a new layer of glazing to the place where the broken pane was removed. This is the best method to seal and protect your window. It can also save you energy costs by preventing water and drafts from entering the home. The next step is to select your glazing material. There are several options including clear tape which is more durable than regular tape, and can prevent further cracking of your window or glazing film which is similar to clear plastic wrap. This choice has the benefit that it can be painted to match your frame and will also keep out rain and ice. No matter what material you use it is important to press the glazier's points into that gap where the putty meets your frame. They will help hold the new glass in place and assist it stick to the frame. Hardware stores carry glazier's point ropes, which you can roll out on the frame rabbets. Condensation Double glazing is susceptible to condensation issues. If you experience this issue, it is best to call the company that supplied the window. A lot of windows come with warranties and guarantees to cover these issues. Fogging or condensation on the panes of your windows is a sign that your seals are broken. Only an expert can fix this issue by replacing the panes. This procedure is a bit complicated and requires the use of special tools to take off the old pane and install the new one, however it is possible to do this by an expert who will provide the required equipment. It is best to leave the work to an expert. These tools could be dangerous. If you choose to undertake this yourself, make sure you wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from any broken pieces of glass that might fly away during the process. It is important to remove all putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will hold the new window. You should also brush the frame with wire and vacuum or wipe it with a damp cloth. Once the frame is dry and clean then you'll need get a replacement glass that is 1/8 inch smaller in each direction than your existing window and test-fit it in the grooves. You'll need to apply a layer silicone caulk to the grooves of frames to ensure your new glass is secure in its installation. After the caulk dries it is time to smooth it and make any adjustments needed. The wood molding will then be put back in place. If the weather suddenly changes, double-glazed windows may be difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures can cause frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, causing them to slide and become stuck. If this is the case, you can try wiping down the frames with water and then lubricating the joints. However, it might be a good idea to call the company who installed your windows for assistance. Misunderstood Misted Double Glazing is a window problem that occurs when moisture gets trapped between the glass panes of 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 creates an airtight seal that keeps warm air inside and cold air outside, allowing you to keep your temperature at a comfortable level in your home. The seal may fail over time, and moisture may build up between the glass panes, causing them to appear misty. This happens because the sun heats the gap between the panes of windows, causing the water to evaporate. This is a normal thing to happen, but when 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 affect the indoor temperature. If you notice that your double-glazed windows have become cloudy, contact the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate. We can replace a single blow sealed unit, without the need to replace the entire window. This is far more streamlined than a total replacement. Our misty window repair involves removing the glass unit, cleaning it, then replacing it with a fresh one to create an watertight seal. There are companies in the industry that claim to cut holes into your windows with mist and inject chemicals into them which they claim will eliminate the fog & condensation however, we don't recommend this method. This method isn't just unattractive, but could also damage the toughened glass leaving you with a window which does not function properly. It is essential to address the issue as quickly as you can, because if left untreated, it could result in the growth of mould, which not only damages the window, but can also pose health risks to your family. Moisture can also cause problems in your home, like dampness or rot. In certain cases windows, they may have to be replaced entirely. Blown or Failed Modern double-glazed windows come with two glass panes, with an inert gas or air between them. This increases their thermal efficiency, allowing warm air in and cold air out. Over time the gas will be depressurized and cause a variety of problems. One of the most frequent is condensation occurring between the panes. While it is a natural occurrence and doesn't mean that your window has failed, it can be a sign that you need to seal your windows. Condensation could also be a sign of a broken double glazing, which will require re-installation. You should also look out for draughts that are coming from your double glazed windows. This could be due to a failure of the seal or a damaged handle lock. A draught is evident and can result in more expensive heating bills Therefore, it is essential that you get this fixed sooner rather than later. Test the seals around the window frame by feeling for cold air. There will also be water beads on the outside of windows if your window seals are failing. This is an indication that you have to seal your double-glazed windows. Your window frames are designed to move a bit in order to keep the glass sheets in place. As time passes, this particular packaging material could become compacted. This will cause the seal to become broken. This allows air to flow between the panes, reducing the energy efficiency of your window. A seal that is blown is an obvious sign that your double glazing has failed and must be fixed as soon as possible. A blown seal stops your double glazing from performing its primary purpose which is to keep cold air out and warm air in. A damaged seal could let moisture into your home, which could lead to mold and other unpleasant conditions. Contact a double-glazing specialist as soon you spot a damaged window seal. They can repair or replace the entire unit.
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