Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is a fantastic investment in energy efficiency. It prevents loss of heat in the winter months and helps to keep your home cool during summer. Restoring your double-glazed windows as necessary is a great way to keep them in good working order.
Over time, your double glazed windows can suffer from problems like 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, leaving your home exposed to the elements. While a cracked window can be difficult to repair but you don't need to have it replaced entirely. In fact the insulated glass that is 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 to take the broken glass out of the frame. You'll need to be careful to keep glass shards from falling to the floor or slipping from the frame. Make sure to wear a pair of work gloves to protect your hands and a rag to cover the area surrounding the broken glass to avoid further cuts or breakage. After taking out the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly to get rid of any sealant or other debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth surface to install your new window.
After the frame has been cleaned, you can apply a new layer of glazing to the seam where the broken pane was removed. This is the best method to seal and protect your window, and will save you energy costs by preventing drafts and water 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. The benefit of this option is that it can be painted to match your existing frame and will keep out rain and snow too.
Whatever material you pick regardless of the material you select, it is crucial to press glazier's points into the seam where the putty meets the frame. These will hold the glass in place and help 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. If you experience this issue, it is recommended to contact the company that installed the window. Many have warranties and guarantees that cover the issues. Condensation and fogging in the panes of glass is a clear sign that the seals between your windows are damaged and can only be repaired by a professional who will repair both panes.
This procedure is a bit difficult and requires the use of special tools to take off the old pane and then install the new one, however it can be done by a professional who will provide the required equipment. Utilizing these tools could be dangerous, however it is best to leave this type task to a professional.
Wear safety gloves and glasses if opt to do it yourself. You could be exposed to flying glass fragments. It is crucial to remove all putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will receive the new window. It is also recommended to wire-brush the frame and vacuum or wipe with a damp cloth. When the frame is clean and dry you'll need to purchase a replacement glass that is 1/8 inch shorter in each direction than your window, and then test it into the grooves.
You will require a layer of silicone caulk in the grooves of your frames to ensure that your glass is secure in its installation. After the caulk is dry, you will need to smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding will then be reinstalled.
Double glazed windows can be difficult to open and close in the event of extreme weather. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames to shrink or expand and cause them to slide or become stuck. You can try wiping down the frames with water and then lubricating them if this is the case however it is better to consult the company that installed your windows.
Misted
Misted Double Glazing is a window problem 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 seal that keeps warm room air inside and cold air outside and allows you to keep your temperature in your home comfortable.
As time passes, the seal will begin to break down and moisture will begin to build up between the windows, causing them to become cloudy. This happens because the sun's heat causes the space between the window panes, which causes water to vapourize.
This is a normal process however, if it occurs between the window panes it could cause problems as it is no longer able to regulate the temperature of the room and allow the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. Northfield Glass can help you when your double-glazed windows begin to mist.
We can repair the individual blown sealed unit without needing to replace the whole window and is less disruptive than a total replacement. Our misty glass repair involves taking off and cleaning the glass unit and replacing it with a new one. This will create a seal that is watertight and will be watertight.
Certain companies in the business claim to inject chemicals through holes into windows with mist to remove the fog and condensation. We don't recommend using this method. This method is not only unattractive, but it could also harm the toughened glass and can leave you with a window that does not fully function.
If you don't take care to fix the issue quickly, it could lead to mold, which could not only cause damage to the window, but cause health risks for your family members. The moisture in the window may cause other issues with your property, such as damp or rot. In some instances it might be necessary to replace the entire window.
Failed or Blown
Double-glazed windows consist of two glass panes with an inert or air between them. This improves their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and the cold out. Over time, the gas can become depressurized, causing various issues.
One of the most frequent is condensation occurring between the panes. It is not a sign of a window failing however it could indicate that you should reseal the panes. Condensation could also be a sign of a broken double glazing, which could require re-installation.
Double-glazed windows can also create draughts. This could be due to the seal being damaged or a damaged handle lock. It is crucial to address this problem as soon as possible. A draft will force you to spend more on heating. You can test the seals by rubbing around the edges of your window frame to determine whether you feel cold air.
There will also be water beads on the outside of windows when your window seals aren't performing as they should. This is a good indicator that you need to replace the seals on your double-glazed windows.
Your window frames are made to move slightly, as they need to do in order to keep the glass sheets in place. As time passes, this particular packaging material may become compacted. This can cause the seal to be broken. This will allow the air to move between the panes, which will reduce your window's energy efficiency.
A seal that is blown is a clear indication that your double glazing has failed and needs to be fixed immediately. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from performing its primary function of keeping cold out and warm inside. A blown seal could let moisture into your home, which could lead to mold and other unpleasant conditions. double glazing repair Northampton is recommended to contact a double glazing repair expert as soon as you notice a blown seal in your double glazed windows, as they can replace the whole unit.