The Ultimate Guide To Double Glazed Window Repair

Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is a fantastic investment in energy efficiency. It helps prevent loss of heat in the winter months and helps to keep your home cool in summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows when needed is a great way to ensure they remain in good condition.
Over time, your double glazed windows may suffer from issues such as condensation and misting. Double glazed windows may become difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A rogue baseball or a stray pebble from your lawnmower, or even a storm that is heavy could break the double panes of your windows, leaving your home exposed to the elements. While a damaged window may be difficult to fix however, you don't have to replace it completely. In fact the insulated glass between the two panes remains in good shape, and you can fix your double-pane window using some DIY effort.
First, you'll need to take any broken glass from the frame. Be careful to avoid any glass shards falling to the floor or slipping out of the frame. Use work gloves to protect you hands, and a rag to cover the broken glass area to prevent further damage or cuts. After removing the broken glass and cleaning the entire frame of the window to remove any sealant residue and debris. It is essential to sand rough areas of your frame to ensure a smooth surface for your new glass.
Once the frame is cleaned then you can apply a fresh layer of glazing to the seam where the broken pane was removed. This is the most effective 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 a variety of options, including clear tape that is more durable than regular tape and can keep your window safe from further cracking, as well as glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. This choice has the benefit that it can be painted to match your frame and will also block out rain and ice.
No matter what material you decide to use it's essential to press the glaziers points into that seam where the putty meets your frame. They will help keep the glass in place and help it adhere to the frame. The glazier's point can be found in hardware stores, and they come in pre-made ropes that you simply roll onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you're experiencing problems with condensation, it is recommended to contact your window manufacturer. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees that provide coverage for these problems. Condensation or fogging between the windows' panes is a sign that your seals aren't working properly. Only a professional can fix this issue by replacing the panes.
This process is a little difficult and requires specific tools to remove the old pane and then install the new one, however it can be accomplished by a professional who will provide the required equipment. Making use of these tools can be dangerous, however, so it is always best to leave this kind of work to a professional.
Wear safety gloves and glasses if opt to do it yourself. You could be exposed to flying glass fragments. It is also important to remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves where the new window will go. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming it with a damp cloth is also recommended. After 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 in the grooves.
Depending on your frames depending on your frames, you'll need to apply the caulk to the grooves in order to ensure that the new pane is secure in position. Once the silicone caulk has dried you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding will then be reinstalled.
If the weather abruptly changes, double-glazed windows may become difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures may cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, which causes them to slide and become stuck. If this is the issue try wiping down the frames with water and then lubricating the joints. However, it may be best to contact the company who installed your windows for assistance.
Misunderstood
If moisture is trapped between the glass panes it can cause misted double glazing. Double glazing consists of two panes that are separated by a space that is filled with argon for better thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm air inside and cold air outside which allows you to keep your temperature comfortable in your home.
In time, however, this seal will begin to break down and moisture can begin to accumulate between the windows, causing them to become misty. This happens because the sun heats the gap between the window panes, causing water to vapourize.
This is a normal process however, if it occurs between the window panes, it can cause a problem as it will no longer be able to control the temperature in the room, and allows the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. If you notice your double-glazed windows have become misty, call in the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can replace the individual blow-sealed unit without having to replace the whole window, which is a lot less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty window repair involves removing the glass, cleaning it, then replacing it with a new one to make an airtight seal.
There are some companies in the industry that claim to drill holes in your existing misted windows and inject chemicals into them, which claim to eliminate condensation and fog but we don't recommend this method. This method isn't just unsightly but could also damage your toughened glass and leave you with a window that doesn't function properly.
If you don't take care to fix the issue quickly it could result in mold, which could not only cause damage to the window, but also pose health risks to your loved ones. Moisture can cause other issues within your home, such as dampness or rot. In some cases windows, they may have to be replaced entirely.
Blown or Failed
Modern double glazed windows have two glass panes with an inert gas or air between them. This increases their thermal efficiency, allowing heat in and cold out. As time passes, the gas can depressurize, leading to a number of problems.
One of the most frequent is condensation occurring between the panes. It's not a sign of a window failure however it could be a sign you should reseal the panes. Condensation may be an indication that your double glazing has failed in which case it will need to be replaced completely.
It is also important to look for draughts coming from the double-glazed windows. It could be due to an unsound seal or a damaged handle or a damaged lock. A draught can be quite obvious and result in more expensive heating bills Therefore, it is essential that you get this fixed sooner rather than later. Check the seals around the window frame by feeling the cold air.
There will also be water beads on the outside of windows if your window seals are failing. This is a clear indication that you need to re-seal your double glazed windows.
Your window frames have been designed to move a bit, which is necessary to keep the glass sheets in their place. In time, this special packaging material may become compacted. This can cause the seal to become broken. This will allow air to circulate between the panes and reduce the energy efficiency of your window.
Double glazing that has ruptured an air seal is an indication of failure and should be repaired as soon as possible. A blown seal will stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary purpose, which is to keep the cold out and warm air in. A blown seal could let moisture into your home, which could cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. You should call a specialist in double glazing repair as soon as you spot a damaged seal on your double-glazed windows, as they are able to replace the entire unit.