Double Glazed Window Repair Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that prevents heat loss in the winter and keeps your home cooler in the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows when needed is a great way to keep them in good working order. Over time your double glazed windows may suffer from issues such as condensation and misting. Double glazed windows can become difficult to open and close. Broken Panes A stray baseball or a stray pebble from your lawnmowers, or even a storm that is heavy can break the double panes of your windows, leaving your home exposed to the elements. While a cracked window can be difficult to fix however, you don't have to replace it completely. In fact the insulated glass between the two panes is in good condition and you can repair your double-pane windows with some DIY effort. First, you'll need to take any broken glass from the frame. Be careful to prevent glass shards from falling to the floor or falling from the frame. Wear gloves for you hands, and an abrasive cloth around the damaged glass to avoid any further injury or cuts. After removing the broken glass and cleaning the entire frame of the window to eliminate any remaining sealant and debris. It's important to smooth rough areas of the frame to create an even surface for your new glass. After cleaning the frame and removing the dust, you can apply another layer of glass to the seam where you removed the broken pane. This is the best method to keep your window safe and sealed and aid in reducing energy costs by keeping water and drafts from entering the house. window repair is to choose your glazing material. Some options include clear tape that is more robust than regular tape and will help keep your window safe from further cracking, and glazing film that resembles clear plastic wrap. This type of wrap has the advantage that it can be painted to match the frame of your window and can also shield your windows from snow and ice. Whatever material you choose, it's important to press the glazier's points into the place where the putty joins your frame. They will help hold the new glass in place and aid it stick to the frame. You can find glazier's points in hardware stores, and they come in pre-made ropes which you roll out onto the frame rabbets. Condensation Double glazing is susceptible to condensation issues and if you experience this problem it is recommended to contact the company that supplied the window. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees that will cover the issues. Condensation and fogging in the panes of glass is an obvious sign that the seals between your windows are damaged and must be repaired by a professional who will repair both panes. This procedure is a bit difficult and requires special tools to remove the old pane and install the new one, but it is possible to do this by a professional who will provide the required equipment. It is best to delegate the job to a professional. These tools can be dangerous. Wear safety gloves and glasses if opt to do it yourself. You may be exposed to glass fragments flying around. It is also crucial to remove all the putty and metal glazing points from the grooves where the new window will be. You will also want to wire-brush the frame and vacuum or wipe with a damp cloth. When the frame is dry and clean, you will need to get a replacement glass that is 1/8 inch smaller in each direction than your window, and then test it into the grooves. Depending on your frames, you will then need to apply a thin layer of silicone caulk to the grooves to ensure that your new pane is secured in place. After the silicone caulk is dried you can smooth it out and make any adjustments. The wood molding can be reinstalled. Double glazed windows can be difficult to open or close if the weather changes dramatically. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames to shrink or expand and cause them to fall or stick. If this is the case try wiping down the frames with water and then lubricating the joints. However, it may be best to ask the company that installed your windows to help. Misunderstood Misted Double Glazing is a window issue that occurs when moisture gets trapped between the glass panes of your double-glazed windows. Double glazing consists of two panes of glass that are separated by an insulating area, typically filled with argon gas for increased thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm room air inside and cold air outside and allows you to keep your temperature comfortable in your home. This seal can be damaged over time, and moisture can build up between the glass panes which can cause them to turn to appear misty. This happens because the gap between the panes gets heated by the sun, which causes water vapour to form in it. This is a natural process however, if it happens between the windows' panes it could cause problems because it won't be able to control the temperature inside the room. Instead the temperature outside of the window will influence the temperature indoors. Northfield Glass can help you when your double-glazed windows begin to fog. We can replace a single sealed unit without having to replace the entire window. This is less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty glass repair involves removing and cleaning the glass unit, then replacing it with a brand new one. This creates a watertight seal again. Certain companies in the business claim that they can inject chemicals through holes into windows with mist to remove the fog and condensation. We do not recommend using this method. This method is not just unattractive, but could also damage your toughened glass, leaving you with a window which isn't functioning properly. If you don't take care to fix the issue quickly it could result in mould, which could not only cause damage to the window, but also pose health risks to your loved ones. The moisture in the window may cause other problems in your home, such as damp or rot. In certain cases the window might need to be replaced entirely. Failed or Blown Modern double-glazed windows come with two glass panes with an inert gas or air in between them. This improves their thermal efficiency, keeping heat in and cold out. As time passes, the gas can become depressurized, causing various issues. Condensation between panes is one of the most frequent. While it is a natural event, it doesn't necessarily mean that your window is damaged however it could be a sign that you need to re-seal your windows. Condensation can also be an indication of broken double glazing, which will require re-installation. Double-glazed windows may also cause drafts. This could be due to the seal being damaged or handle that is broken, or a broken lock. It is crucial to address the issue as quickly as possible. A draft will force you to spend more on heating. Test the seals around the window frame by feeling for cold air. You may also see water beads on the inside of windows when your window seals are failing. This is a clear indication that you should seal your double-glazed windows. Your window frames are designed to move a bit, as they need to do to keep the glass sheets in their place. However, with time, this particular packaging material will be compressed and crack the crucial seal. This will allow air to circulate between the panes and reduce the efficiency of your window. Double glazing that has ruptured a seal is an indication of a failure and should be repaired as soon as is possible. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary job of keeping the cold out and warm in. In addition, a blown seal can let moisture in, which can result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is recommended to contact a double glazing repair specialist as soon as you discover a blowing seal in your double glazed windows, as they are able to replace the whole unit.
window repair
