7 Things About Double Glazed Window Repair You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
Double Glazed Window RepairDouble glazing is a great investment in energy efficiency. It helps prevent loss of heat during winter months and keeps your home cool during summer. Restoring your double-glazed windows as required is a great method to ensure they are in good working order.
Over time condensation and misting may be detrimental to your double-glazed windows. Double glazed windows can be difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A rogue ball or a flying stone from your lawnmowers or a strong storm can shatter your double pane windows which can expose your home to the elements. Although a window that is cracked can be difficult to repair, you don't have to replace it entirely. The insulated glass that is between two panes of glass is in good condition and you can fix your double-paned windows yourself.
To start, you'll need to take the broken glass out of the frame. This can be messy work, and you'll want to take care to prevent any glass shards from falling onto the floor or sliding out of the frame. Make sure you wear work gloves to protect your hands, and a cloth to protect the area surrounding the broken glass to prevent further cuts or breakage. After removing the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly to get rid of any sealant or debris. It is essential to sand rough areas of the frame to ensure an even surface for your new glazing.
After cleaning the frame, you can apply another layer of glass on the seam where you removed the broken pane. This is the best way to ensure your window stays sealed and protected and help you save energy costs by stopping drafts and water from entering your home. The next step is to select your glazing material. There are several options including clear tape which is more durable than regular tape and prevents further cracking of your window or glazing film which is similar to clear plastic wrap. This type of wrap has the advantage that it can be painted to match your frame, and will also keep out snow and ice.
Whatever material you decide to use, it's important to press the glaziers points into the place where the putty joins your frame. These will keep the glass in place, and aid in adhering to the frame. Hardware stores sell glazier's ropes, which you can use onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing can be susceptible to condensation issues. If you experience this problem it is recommended to contact the company that provided the window. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees to will cover the problems. Fogging and condensation between panes of glass is a clear indication that the seals between your windows are damaged and must be repaired by a professional who will fix both panes.
It is a tricky procedure that requires special tools to remove and replace the old window. A professional can handle this task and provide the tools. It is recommended to leave the work to a professional. These tools can be risky.
Wear safety gloves and glasses if you opt to do it yourself. You may be exposed to flying glass fragments. It is also essential to remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves that the new window will go. You should also wire-brush the frame and vacuum or wipe with a damp cloth. Once 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 that you have and then fit it in the grooves.
You'll need to apply a layer silicone caulk to the grooves of frames to ensure your new glass is securely installed. After the caulk dries and is dry, you must smooth it and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding will then be reinstalled.
Double-glazed windows can become difficult to open or close if the weather changes dramatically. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, causing them to become sagging and stick. You can try wiping down the frames with water and lubricating them when this happens, but it may be better to seek help from the company that installed your windows.
Misunderstood
When moisture gets trapped between the glass panes it can cause misted double glazing. Double glazing consists of two panes that are separated by a gap 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.
As time passes, the seal will begin to break down and moisture will start to build up between the windows, causing them to become misty. This occurs because the sun's heat causes the space between the window panes, which causes the water to evaporate.
This is a natural process however, if it happens between the panes of the window it can be a problem because it won't be able to control the temperature in the room. Instead, the temperature outside the window will affect the temperature indoors. If you notice your double glazed windows are becoming cloudy, contact the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can replace a single blown sealed unit, without needing to replace the entire window. This is less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty window repair involves removing the glass unit, washing it, then replacing it with a fresh one to make an airtight seal.
Some companies in the field claim to inject chemicals through holes drilled into misted windows to remove the fog and condensation. We don't suggest this method. This is not just unattractive, but it could also damage the toughened glass and result in windows that do not fully perform the function it was intended to.
If you don't fix the problem immediately it could cause mold, which could not only harm the window, but could also pose health risks to your loved ones. The condensation in the window could also lead to other problems with your property like damp or rot. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the entire window.
Blown or Failed
Modern double glazed windows have two glass panes that have an inert gas or air in between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and the cold out. As time passes, the gas can become depressurised and cause a variety of problems.
Condensation between the panes is one of the most frequent. Although it's a normal phenomenon, it doesn't mean your window is failing but it could be a double glazing repair sign that you need to seal your windows. Condensation can also be an indication of a damaged double glazing that will need to be replaced.
Also, look out for draughts coming from the double-glazed windows. It could be due to the seal being damaged or a damaged handle or a damaged lock. A draught can be quite noticeable and will lead to more expensive heating bills It is therefore essential to fix it sooner rather than later. Test the seals around the window frame by feeling for cold air.
Another sign that your window seals are failing is when you start to notice water beads on the inside of your windows. This is an indication that you need to seal your double-glazed windows.
Your window frames are designed to move slightly, which is necessary to keep the glass sheets in their place. However, over time this particular packaging material will become compacted and this will crack the crucial seal. This allows air to flow between the panes and reduce the energy efficiency of your window.
Double glazing that has ruptured seals is an indication of a failure and needs to be repaired as soon as possible. A blown seal will prevent your double glazing from fulfilling its primary job of keeping cold out and warm in. A blown seal can also let moisture into your home, which could cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. Call a double glazing specialist when you notice a blown window seal. They can repair or replace the entire unit.