Double Glazed Window Repair Double glazing is an energy efficient investment that stops loss of heat during winter and keeps your home cooler during the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows when needed is a great way to keep them in good condition. Over time, condensation and misting can be detrimental to your double-glazed windows. Double glazed windows can become difficult to open and close. Broken Panes A stray baseball or a stray pebble from your lawnmower, or even a severe storm can break the double panes of your windows and expose your home to the elements. While a damaged glass window isn't easy to fix but it doesn't have 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 bit of DIY effort. First, you'll need to remove any broken glass from the frame. Be window repairs to keep glass shards from falling to the floor or slipping from the frame. Use a pair of work gloves to protect your hands, and a cloth to cover the area surrounding the broken glass to prevent further cuts or breakage. After removing the broken glass, carefully clean the entire frame of the window to remove any remaining sealant or debris. It's important to sand rough areas of the frame to create a smooth surface for the new glazing. Once the frame is cleaned, you can apply a new layer of glazing to the area in which the broken pane was removed. This is the best way to seal and protect your window. It will also save you money 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 that is more durable than regular tape and helps prevent further cracking of your window, or glazing film, which is similar to clear plastic wrapping. This choice has the benefit that it can be painted to match your frame, and can also shield your windows from rain and ice. Whatever material you choose it is important to press the glaziers points into the gap where the putty meets your frame. These will keep the glass in place and will help it stick to the frame. Glazier's points can be found in hardware stores, and they come in pre-made ropes which you roll over the frame rabbets. Condensation Double glazing can be susceptible to condensation issues. If you encounter this issue, it is best to contact the company that provided the window. A lot of windows come with warranties and guarantees that cover these problems. Fogging and condensation between panes of glass is an obvious sign that the seals between your windows are broken and must be repaired by an expert who will fix both panes. This process is a little tricky and requires special tools to remove the old pane and then install the new one, however it is possible to do this by an expert who will supply the required equipment. Making use of these tools can be dangerous, however it is recommended to leave this kind of work to an expert. Wear safety gloves and glasses if you choose to do it yourself. You could be exposed to glass fragments flying around. It is also essential to remove all the putty and metal glazing points from the grooves where the new window will go. It is also recommended to brush the frame with wire and vacuum or wipe with a damp cloth. Once the frame is dry and clean you'll need to purchase a replacement glass that is 1/8 inch smaller in each direction than your window, and then test it in the grooves. Depending on your frames, you will then need to apply a thin layer of silicone caulk to the grooves to ensure that the new pane is securely in place. Once the silicone caulk has dried, you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. Then the wood molding can be put back in place. If the weather suddenly 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 become sagging and stick. If this is the case try wiping the frames with water and then lubricating the joints. However, it may be best to contact the company that installed your windows for help. 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 glass panes that are separated by an insulating area, typically filled with argon gas to provide better thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm room air inside and cold outdoor air outside which allows you to keep your temperature in your home comfortable. This seal can become damaged over time and moisture can build up between the glass panes which can cause them to turn to appear misty. This happens because the gap between the panes gets heated by the sun, which causes water vapour to develop in it. This is a normal occurrence however, if it occurs between the window panes it could cause problems as it will no longer be able to regulate the temperature of the room and will allow the outside temperature to influence the indoor temperature. Northfield Glass can help you in the event that your double-glazed windows begin to fog. We can replace a single blown sealed unit, without needing to replace the entire window. This is much more streamlined than a total replacement. Our misty glass repair involves removing and cleaning the glass and replacing it with a brand new one. This will result in a seal that is watertight and will be watertight. Some companies in the field claim to inject chemicals through holes into windows with mist to remove the condensation and fog. We do not recommend using this method. This is not only unattractive, but could also damage your toughened glass and leave you with a window which does not function properly. It is important to fix the issue as soon as you can, because if left untreated it can lead to mould growth, which not only damages the window, but can also pose health risks to your family. Moisture in the window can cause other issues in your home such as damp or rot. In some cases windows, they may have to be completely replaced. Failed or Blown Modern double-glazed windows feature two glass panes with an inert gas or air between them. This improves their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. As time passes, the gas can be depressurized and cause many problems. Condensation between panes is among the most frequent. It's not an indication of a failure in the window however it could indicate that you should replace the panes. Condensation can also be an indication of broken double glazing, which could require re-installation. Also, look out for drafts coming through the double-glazed windows. This could be because of an unsound seal or handle that is broken, or a damaged lock. It is essential to fix this problem as soon as possible. A draft can cause you to pay more for heating. Test the seals around the window frame by smelling cold air. Another sign that your window seals have failed is when you start to see water dripping on the inside of your windows. This is a clear indication that you need to re-seal your double glazed windows. The frames of your windows are designed to move a bit as they have to do to keep the glass sheets in place. However, over time, this special packaging material can become compacted and this will break the all-important seal. This will allow air to flow between the panes, and decrease the energy efficiency of your window. A blown seal is an obvious sign that your double glazing has failed and should be repaired immediately. A blown seal will stop your double glazing performing its primary function which is to keep the cold out and warm air in. Furthermore, a blow-off seal will let your home's moisture in, which could cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. Call a double glazing specialist immediately you notice a blown window seal. They can replace the entire unit.
window repairs
