Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that stops heat loss in the winter and helps to keep your home cooler during the summer. Having your double glazed windows repaired when needed is a great method to ensure they are operating correctly.
Over time, your double glazed windows may suffer from issues such as condensation and misting. This can cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open or close.
Broken Panes
A ball that is rogue, a flying stone from your lawnmower or even a strong storm can shatter the double pane windows of your home and leave your home vulnerable to the elements. While a damaged window may be difficult to repair but you don’t need to replace it completely. The insulated glass that is between two panes of glass is still in good shape, so you can repair your double-paned window yourself.
To start, you’ll need to take the broken glass out of the frame. This is a messy job, and you’ll want to be careful to stop any glass shards from falling on the floor or sliding out of the frame. Wear gloves for you hands, and an abrasive cloth around the damaged 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 and even surface to put in your new glass.
After cleaning the frame after cleaning, you can apply a second layer of glass to the seam where you removed the broken pane. This is the best method to ensure your window stays sealed and protected and save you money by keeping water and drafts from entering your home. The next step is to choose your glazing material. Some options include clear tape, which is a bit more durable than regular tape and will help keep your window secure from further cracking, and window Doctor glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. The benefit of this type of material is that it can be painted over to match your existing frame, and it will keep snow and rain out as well.
Whatever material you use it is important to press the glaziers points into that place where the putty joins your frame. These will hold the glass in place and help it adhere to the frame. The glazier’s point can be found in hardware stores, and they are available in pre-made ropes which you roll onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you’re experiencing problems with condensation, it’s best to contact the window manufacturer. Many have warranties and guarantees to address these issues. Fogging and condensation between panes of glass is an obvious indication that the seals between your windows are broken and can only be fixed by an expert who will fix both panes.
The process is difficult and requires the use of special tools to take off the old one and replace the new one, but it can be done by a professional who will provide the necessary equipment. Utilizing these tools could be risky, so it is always recommended to leave this kind task to a professional.
Wear safety glasses and gloves if you choose to do it yourself. You may be exposed to flying glass fragments. It is also essential to carefully remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves in which the new upvc window repairs will go. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming a damp cloth are also recommended. After the frame is dry, you’ll need to order a replacement piece of glass that is 1/8″ shorter in both directions than your existing window Doctor. Test-fit the glass into the grooves.
Based on the frames you have You will then have to apply a thin layer of silicone caulk on the grooves to ensure that the new pane is secured in position. After the silicone caulk has dried and cured, 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 or close. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames to expand or shrink and cause them to sag or stick. If this is the case, you can try wiping the frames down with water and then lubricating the joints. However, it might be a good idea to call the company that installed your windows to help.
Misunderstood
When moisture gets trapped between the glass panes, it can cause misty double glazing. Double glazing consists of two glass panes which are separated by an insulating space typically filled with argon gas to provide increased thermal efficiency. This results in an airtight seal that keeps warm air in, and cold outside air out.
The seal could be damaged over time, and moisture may build up between the glass panes and cause 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 occurrence however, if it occurs between the window panes, it can cause a problem as it is no longer able to control the temperature in the room, and allows the outside temperature to affect the indoor temperature. Northfield Glass can help you in the event that your double-glazed windows begin to mist.
We can replace the individual blown sealed unit without needing to replace the whole window and is less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty glass repair involves taking off and cleaning the glass and replacing it with a brand new one. This will result in a seal that is watertight again.
Some companies in the industry claim that they can inject chemicals through holes drilled into windows that have been misty to eliminate the fog and condensation. We do not recommend this method. This is not only ugly, but it could also harm your toughened glass leaving you with a window that does not function properly.
If you don’t take care to fix the problem immediately it could result in mould, which could not only damage the window, but could also pose health risks to your family members. Moisture can also cause other issues in your home, such as dampness or rot. In certain cases windows, they may have to be completely replaced.
Blown or Failed
Double-glazed windows consist of two panes of glass with an air or inert between them. This improves their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and cold out. Over time the gas may become depressurised and cause many issues.
Condensation between the panes is among the most common. It is not a sign of a window failure, but it could be a sign you need to reseal the windows. Condensation can also be a sign that your double glazing has failed and, in that case, it’s time to get it replaced completely.
Double-glazed windows can also create drafts. This could be because of an unsound seal or a damaged handle or a damaged lock. It is essential to fix this problem as soon as you can. A draught will cause you to pay more for 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.
Another sign that your window seals have failed is when you start to notice water beads on the inside of your windows. This is a clear indication that you should replace the seals on your double-glazed windows.
The frames of your windows are designed to move slightly, as they need to do in order to keep the glass sheets in their place. However, over time, this special packaging material may 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 damaged seal is a clear indication that your double glazing is damaged and should be repaired immediately. A blown seal stops your double glazing performing its primary purpose, which is to keep cold air out and warm air in. Additionally, a blown seal can let moisture in, which can cause mold and other uncomfortable conditions. Call a double glazing specialist immediately you spot a damaged window seal. They can repair or replace the entire unit.