Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that prevents loss of heat in winter and keeps your home cool in the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows when needed is a great way to ensure they are in good working order.
Over time, your double glazed windows may experience issues such as condensation and misting. Double glazed windows can become difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A stray ball or a stray pebble from your lawnmowers, or even a heavy storm can shatter the double panes of your windows, leaving your home exposed to the elements. While a damaged glass window is difficult to repair, it doesn't need to be replaced. In fact the insulated glass between the two panes is in good condition and you can fix your double-pane window with some DIY effort.
To begin, you'll need to take the broken glass out of the frame. Be careful to avoid any glass shards falling to the floor or slipping off the frame. Wear work gloves to protect your hands and use a rag to cover the broken glass area to prevent further cuts or damage. After removing the broken glass and cleaning the entire frame of the window to remove any remaining sealant and debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth surface to install your new glazing.
After cleaning the frame, you can apply a new layer of glazing to the seam in which the broken pane was removed. This is the best way to keep your window safe and sealed and help you save energy costs by stopping drafts and water from entering the house. Next, you will need to select your glazing material. Some options include clear tape, which is a bit more robust than regular tape and will keep your window secure 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 the frame of your window and will also block out the elements like ice and rain.
Regardless of the material you pick regardless of the material you select, it is crucial to press glazier's facets into the place where the putty joins the frame. They will help hold the new glass in place and aid it adhere to the frame. You can find glazier's points in hardware stores, and are available in pre-made ropes that you simply roll out onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing is susceptible to condensation issues and if you experience this problem it is best to contact the company that provided the window. Many have warranties and guarantees to address these issues. Fogging and condensation between panes of glass is an obvious sign that the seals between your windows are damaged and must be repaired by a professional who will replace both panes.
This procedure is a bit complicated and requires special 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. It is best to leave the work to professionals. These tools could be risky.
If you choose to undertake this yourself, ensure you wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from broken pieces of glass that might fly away during the process. It is also essential to remove all the putty and metal glazing points from the grooves where the new window will go. It is also recommended to brush the frame with wire and vacuum or wipe it clean with a damp cloth. After the frame has dried you'll have to purchase an additional piece of glass that is 1/8" shorter in both directions than your existing window. Test-fit the glass into the grooves.
Depending on your frames depending on your frames, you'll need to apply a thin layer of silicone caulk on the grooves to ensure that your new pane is secure in the right place. Once the caulk has dried it is time to smooth it and make any needed 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 shrink or expand and cause them to slide or become stuck. If this is the problem, you can try wiping the frames down with water and then lubricating the joints. However, it may be best to contact the company who installed your windows to help.
Misted
If moisture is trapped between the glass panes it can cause misted double glazing. Double glazing is made up of two panes, which are separated by a space that is filled with argon for greater thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight sealing that keeps warm air inside and cold outdoor air out.
The seal could fail over time, and water can accumulate between the panes of glass which can cause them to turn to appear misty. This happens because the gap between the panes is heated by the sun, causing water vapour to build up in it.
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 allows the outside temperature to influence the indoor temperature. If you notice your double glazed windows are becoming cloudy, contact the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can replace the individual blown sealed unit without needing to replace the entire window which is less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty window repair involves removing the glass, cleaning it, and replacing it with a new one to make an airtight seal.
There are Walton-on-Thames window repairs in the field which claim to cut holes into your existing misted windows and inject chemicals into them, which they say removes the fog & condensation however, we do not recommend this method. This method is not just unattractive, but could also damage the toughened glass, leaving you with a window that does not function properly.
It is essential to address the problem as soon as you can, as if untreated, it could cause mould growth which can not only damage the window, but also poses health risks to your family members. Moisture can also cause other issues within your home, including dampness or rot. In certain cases the window might need to be replaced completely.
Blown or Failed
Modern double glazed windows have two glass panes, with an inert gas or air in between them. This helps to improve their thermal efficiency, allowing the cold out and heat in. As time passes the gas may become depressurized, causing many issues.
Condensation in between the panes is among the most common. Although it's a normal occurrence and doesn't mean that your window has failed however it could be a sign that you need to seal your windows. Condensation could be a sign your double glazing has failed 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. It is important to fix this problem as soon as you can. A draft will force you to spend more on heating. Test the seals on the window frame by feeling for cold air.
Another indication that your window seals have failed is when you begin to see water dripping on the inside of your windows. This is a sign that you need to seal your double-glazed windows.
The frames of your windows are designed to move a little bit as they have to do to keep the glass sheets in their place. However, with time, this special packaging material may become compacted and this will cause the seal to break. This will allow the air to circulate between the panes, which will reduce the energy efficiency of your window.
Double glazing that has blown an air seal is an indication of a failure and should be repaired as soon as possible. A blown seal will prevent your double glazing from performing its primary job of keeping cold out and warm in. A blown seal could let moisture into your home, which can cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is important to contact a double glazing repair specialist immediately if you notice a blown seal in your double glazed windows, as they are able to replace the whole unit.