Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an energy efficient investment that stops loss of heat during winter and helps to keep your home cooler during the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows whenever needed is a great way to ensure they remain in good working order.
Over time condensation and misting could affect your double-glazed windows. This could cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A rogue baseball, a flying pebble from your lawnmower, or even a storm that is heavy could 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, you don't have to replace it entirely. In fact the insulated glass that is between the two panes is still in good shape and you can repair your double-pane windows with some DIY effort.
First, you'll need to remove any broken glass from the frame. You'll need to be careful to avoid any glass shards falling to the floor or slipping off the frame. Make sure you wear gloves to protect your hands and a rag to cover the area around the broken glass to prevent further breakage or cuts. After you have removed the broken glass clean the frame of the window thoroughly, removing any sealant or other debris. Sand rough areas of the frame to create a smooth surface on which to install your new window.
After cleaning the frame, you can apply another layer of glass on the seam where you removed the broken pane. This is the most effective 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 choose your glazing material. There are a variety of options, including clear tape which is more durable than regular tape and can keep your window safe 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 snow and ice.
Whatever material you choose, it's important to press the glazier's points into the place where the putty joins your frame. They will help hold the new glass in place and help it to adhere to the frame. Hardware stores sell glazier's ropes, which you can roll out onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing can be prone to condensation issues and if you encounter this issue, it is best to contact 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 a professional can fix this problem by replacing both panes.
It's a complicated process that requires special tools to remove and replace the old window. A professional can complete this job and provide the equipment. It is best to leave the task to professionals. These tools can be dangerous.
If you do decide to do this yourself, be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from broken glass pieces that could fly off during the process. It is also important to remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves where the new window will be. You will also want to brush the frame with wire, and then vacuum or wipe it with a damp cloth. After the frame has dried, you'll need to order another piece of glass that is 1/8" shorter in both directions than your existing window. Test-fit the glass into the grooves.
You will have to apply a layer of silicone caulk to the grooves of your frames to ensure your new glass is properly installed. Once the silicone caulk has dried, you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding can be put back in place.
Double glazed windows can become difficult to open or close when the weather is extremely changing. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, causing them to sag and stick. You can try wiping down the frames with water and then lubricating them when this happens however, it's better to seek advice from the company who installed your windows.
Misted
When moisture gets trapped in between the glass panes it can cause misted double glazing. Double glazing consists of two panes which are separated by a space filled with argon for better thermal efficiency. This creates a airtight seal that keeps warm air in, and cold outside air out.
This seal can become damaged over time and moisture can build up between the glass panes, causing them to appear misty. This happens because the gap between the panes is heated by the sun, causing water vapour to develop in it.
This is a normal process however, if it occurs between the window panes, it could cause problems as it can no longer control the temperature in 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 mist.
We can replace the individual blow-sealed unit without having to replace the whole window and is less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty glass repair consists of removing and cleaning the glass, then replacing it with a brand new one. This creates a watertight seal again.
There are some companies in the field who claim to cut holes into your existing misted windows and here inject chemicals into them that they say removes the fog & condensation, however, we don't recommend this method. This method isn't just ugly, but it could also harm the toughened glass, leaving you with a window which isn't functioning properly.
If you don't take care to fix the issue immediately, it could lead to mold, which could not only harm the window, but risk health issues for your loved ones. Moisture can also cause other issues in your home, like dampness or rot. In some cases, the window may need to be replaced completely.
Failed or Blown
Modern double-glazed windows come with two glass panes with an inert gas or air in between them. This improves their thermal efficiency, allowing warm air in and cold air out. As time passes the gas will become depressurized, causing various issues.
Condensation between panes is among the most frequent. Although it's a normal event, it doesn't necessarily mean that your window is damaged but it could be a sign that you need to seal your windows. Condensation could be a sign your double glazing has failed, in which case it will need to be replaced completely.
You should also look out for draughts coming from your double-glazed windows. This could be caused by an issue with the seal or a damaged handle or lock. It is essential to fix the issue as quickly as possible. A draft can cause you to pay more for heating. You can test the seals by feeling around the edges of your window frame to see if you feel any cold air.
Another sign that the seals on your windows have failed is when you begin to notice water beading on the inside of your windows. This is an indication that you have to seal your double-glazed windows.
The frames of your windows are designed to move a bit, as they need to do to keep the glass sheets in the right place. As time passes, this particular packaging material could become compressed. This can cause the seal to be broken. This will allow air to move between the panes, which will reduce the efficiency of your window's energy consumption.
A damaged seal is a clear sign that your double glazing is damaged and must be fixed as soon as possible. A blown seal stops your double glazing from fulfilling its primary function that is to keep the cold out and warm air in. A blown seal could let moisture in your home, which could cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. Call a double glazing specialist when you notice a blowing window seal. They can fix the entire unit.