Double Glazed Window Repair Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that stops loss of heat in winter months and helps keep your home cooler in the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows when necessary is a great way to keep them in good working order. Over time, condensation and misting can affect your double-glazed windows. This can cause your double-glazed windows to be difficult to open or shut. Broken Panes A stray baseball, a flying pebble from your lawnmowers, or even a severe storm could break the double panes of your windows, leaving your home exposed to the elements. While a damaged glass window is difficult to repair however, it does not need to be replaced. In fact the insulated glass that is between the two panes remains in good condition and you can repair your double-pane window using a bit of DIY effort. First, you'll need to remove any broken glass from the frame. This can be messy work, and you'll want to be cautious to prevent any glass fragments from falling onto the floor or sliding out of the frame. Wear work gloves to protect you hands, and a rag to cover the broken glass area to prevent any further injury or cuts. After removing the broken pane, carefully clean the entire frame of the window to eliminate any sealant residue and debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth surface to install your new window. Once the frame is cleaned then you can apply a new layer of glass to the seam where the damaged pane was removed. This is the most effective way to ensure your window stays sealed and protected and will help you save energy costs by stopping drafts and water from entering the house. The next step is to choose the material for your glazing. There are a variety of 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 wrap. The benefit of this type of material is that it can be painted to match the frame you have and will also keep out snow and rain as well. Whatever the material you pick regardless of the material you select, it is crucial to press glazier's facets into the seam where the putty meets the frame. These will hold the new glass in place and aid it to adhere to the frame. You can find glazier's points in hardware stores, and are available in pre-made ropes that you roll onto the frame rabbets. Condensation If you're experiencing problems with condensation, it is recommended to contact your window manufacturer. There are warranties and guarantees to address these issues. Fogging and condensation between panes of glass is a clear sign that the seals between your windows are broken and must be repaired by an expert who will repair both panes. The process is complicated and requires the use of special tools to remove the old one and replace the new one, however it can be accomplished by a professional who will provide the necessary equipment. Utilizing these tools could be dangerous, however, so it is always best to leave this kind of job to an expert. If you decide to do it yourself, make sure you wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from broken glass pieces that may fly off during the process. It is also essential to carefully remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves where the new window will be. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming it with a damp cloth is recommended. After the frame is dry and clean you'll need to purchase a replacement glass that is 1/8 inch smaller in each direction than the window that you have and then fit it in the grooves. Based on the frame you have You will then have to apply a layer of silicone caulk to the grooves to ensure that your new pane is secure in place. After the silicone caulk is dried, you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding can then be put back in place. Double-glazed windows can be difficult to open and close in the event of extreme weather. Extreme temperatures may cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or shrink, causing them to slide and become stuck. Try wiping window repairs with water and lubricating them in the event that this happens, but it may be better to seek advice from the company that installed your windows. Misted If moisture is trapped between the glass panes it can cause misty double glazing. Double glazing consists of two panes of glass which are separated by an insulating space typically filled with argon gas for improved thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight sealing that keeps warm air inside, and cold air outside. This seal can fail over time, and moisture may build up between the panes of glass, causing them to become cloudy. This happens because the sun's heat causes the space between the window panes, which causes the water to evaporate. This is a normal occurrence, but when it occurs between the window panes, it can be a problem since it is no longer able to regulate the temperature of 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 sealed blown unit without having to replace the whole window which is less disruptive than a total replacement. Our misty window repair involves taking off the glass unit, washing it, and then replacing it with a fresh one to make an watertight seal. There are companies in the field that claim to drill holes into your windows that are misting and inject chemicals into them which they claim will eliminate the fog & condensation however, we do not recommend this method. This is not just unsightly, but it could cause damage to the toughened glass and result in windows that do not fully function. It is essential to address the issue as quickly as possible, as left untreated it can lead to mould growth which can not only damage the window but also poses health risks for your family members. Moisture can also cause other problems in your home, including dampness or rot. In some cases 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 cold out. Over time, the gas can become depressurized, causing various problems. Condensation between the panes is among the most common. It's not an indication of a window failing however it could indicate that you should reseal the windows. Condensation may be a sign your double glazing is damaged, in which case it will need to be replaced completely. Double-glazed windows can also create draughts. This could be because of a failed seal, a broken handle, or a broken lock. A draught can be obvious and result in higher heating costs Therefore, it is essential that you get this fixed sooner rather than later. Check the seals around the window frame by feeling for cold air. You will also notice water beads on the inside of windows when your window seals aren't working. This is a sign that you need to reseal the double glazed windows. Your window frames have been designed to move a bit and this is essential to keep the glass sheets in their place. In time, this special packaging material could become compacted. This will cause the seal to become broken. This will allow air to circulate between the panes, decreasing the efficiency of your window's energy consumption. Double glazing that has ruptured an air seal is an indication of a failure and should be fixed as soon as is possible. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary job of keeping cold out and warm in. In addition, a blown seal will let your home's moisture in, which can cause mold and other uncomfortable conditions. Call a double glazing specialist immediately you notice a blown window seal. They can fix the entire unit.
window repairs
