Double Glazed Window Repair Double glazing is an excellent investment in energy efficiency. It prevents loss of heat in the winter months and keeps your home cool in summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows when required is a great method to ensure they are in good working order. Over time, your double glazed windows may experience problems like condensation and misting. Double glazed windows may become difficult to open and close. Broken Panes A unruly ball, a flying stone from your lawnmower or even an intense storm could shatter the double pane windows of your home and leave your home vulnerable to the elements. Although a window that is cracked can be difficult to repair however, you don't have to replace it entirely. In fact, the insulated glass between the two panes remains in good shape and you can repair your double-pane windows with some DIY effort. To start, you'll need to take the broken glass out of the frame. This will be messy work and you'll need to be cautious to prevent any glass fragments from falling on the floor or sliding out of the frame. Use a pair of work gloves to protect your hands, and a rag to cover the area surrounding the broken glass to avoid further breakage or cuts. After removing the broken glass, carefully clean the entire frame of the window to get rid of any sealant residue and debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth surface to put in your new glass. After cleaning the frame and removing the dust, you can apply another layer of glass on the seam where you removed the broken pane. This is the best way to seal and protect your window, and will save you money by preventing drafts and water from entering your home. Next, you will need to choose the right glazing material. There are several options available, including clear tape which is more robust than regular tape and will keep your window safe from further cracking, as well as glazing film that resembles clear plastic wrap. This option has the advantage that it can be painted to match the frame of your window and can also shield your windows from rain and ice. No matter what material you use it is important to press the glaziers points into that place where the putty joins your frame. These will hold the newly-formed glass in place and help it to adhere to the frame. Hardware stores sell glazier's ropes, which you can use onto the frame rabbets. Condensation Double glazing is susceptible to condensation issues and if you encounter this issue, it is recommended to contact the company that supplied the window. There are warranties and guarantees to cover the issues. Condensation and fogging between panes of glass is an obvious indication that the seals between your windows are damaged and can only be repaired by a professional who will replace both panes. It's a difficult procedure that requires special tools to remove and replace the old window. A professional can complete this task and provide the equipment. It is best to delegate the task to a professional. These tools can be hazardous. If you do decide to undertake this yourself, be sure to wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from any 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. It is also recommended to wire-brush the frame and vacuum or wipe with a damp cloth. After the frame has dried you'll have to purchase another piece of glass that is 1/8 shorter in both directions than the existing window. Test-fit the glass into the grooves. Based on the frame you have, you will then need to apply a layer of silicone caulk to the grooves in order to ensure that the new pane is secure in place. Once the caulk has dried it is time to smooth it and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding will then be put back in place. If the weather suddenly changes, double-glazed windows could become difficult to open or close. Extreme temperatures may cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or shrink, causing them to slide and become stuck. If this is the case you could try wiping the frames with water and then lubricating the joints. However, it might be best to contact the company who installed your windows for help. Misted Misted Double Glazing is a window issue that is caused by moisture getting trapped between the glass panes of your double-glazed windows. Double glazing consists of two panes, which are separated by a space that is filled with argon to improve thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm air inside and cold outdoor air outside and allows you to keep the temperature at a comfortable level in your home. In time, however, this seal will begin to break down and moisture can begin to build up between the windows, causing them to become misty. This happens because the space between the panes is heated by sun, causing water vapour to develop in it. This is a normal process but if it happens between the window panes, it could cause problems as it will no longer be able to regulate the temperature of the room, and allows the outside temperature to influence the indoor temperature. Northfield Glass can help you if your double-glazed windows start to mist. We can replace a single blow sealed unit, without needing to replace the entire window. This is much less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty window repair involves removing the glass unit, cleaning it, and replacing it with a new one to create an watertight seal. Some companies in the industry claim to inject chemicals through holes into windows that have been misty to eliminate the fog and condensation. We do not recommend using this method. This is not only ugly, but it could also harm your toughened glass, leaving you with a window which doesn't function properly. It is crucial to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, as left untreated, it could cause mould growth, which not only damages the window, but also poses health risks to your family. Moisture can cause other issues within your home, such as dampness or rot. In some instances it might be necessary to replace the entire window. Blown or Failed Double-glazed windows are comprised of two glass panes with an air or inert between them. This improves their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and the cold out. Over time, the gas can depressurize and cause a variety of problems. One of the most frequently encountered is condensation occurring between the panes. Although it's a normal phenomenon, it doesn't mean your window has failed however it could be an indication that you have to seal your windows. Condensation is also a sign of a broken double glazing that will need to be replaced. It is also important to look for drafts coming through your double glazed windows. It could be due to an unsound seal or a damaged handle or a broken lock. It is essential to fix the issue as quickly as you can. A draught will cause you to spend more on heating. You can test the seals by placing your finger around the edges of your window frame to determine if you feel any cold air. There will also be water beads on the outside of windows if the window seals aren't working. This is a sign that you need to seal your double-glazed windows. Your window frames are designed to move a little bit as they have to do in order to keep the glass sheets in their place. As time passes, this particular packaging material could be compressed. This will cause the seal to be broken. This allows air to flow between the panes, and decrease the efficiency of your window. A seal that is blown is an obvious sign that your double glazing is damaged and should be repaired immediately. A blown seal will prevent your double glazing from fulfilling its primary job of keeping cold out and warm inside. A blown seal can also let moisture in your home, which could cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is important to contact a specialist in double glazing repair when you notice a blown seal on your double-glazed windows, as they are able to replace the whole unit.
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