Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an energy efficient investment that prevents heat loss in the winter months and helps keep your home cooler in the summer. Restoring your double-glazed windows as required is a great method to ensure they are in good working order.
Over time, your double glazed windows may experience issues such as condensation and misting. This can cause your double-glazed windows to be difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A unruly ball, a flying stone from your lawnmowers, or a storm that is strong enough can break the double pane windows of your home which can expose your home to the elements. While a cracked window can be difficult to fix, you don't have to replace it completely. The insulated glass between two panes of glass is in good condition and you can fix your double-paned window on your own.
To begin, you'll need to take the broken glass out of the frame. This can be messy work, and you'll want to be cautious to prevent any glass shards from falling on the floor or sliding out of the frame. Wear work gloves to protect your hands and use an abrasive cloth around the damaged glass to avoid any further injury or cuts. After removing the broken glass take care to clean the entire frame of the window to get rid of any remaining sealant or debris. It's important to smooth rough areas of the frame to ensure a smooth surface for the new glazing.
Once the frame is cleaned and dried, you can apply a fresh layer of glazing to the area in which the broken pane was removed. This is the most effective method to protect and seal your window. It will also save you energy costs by preventing drafts and water from entering the home. The next step is to select your glazing material. There are a variety of 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 option has the advantage that it can be painted to match the frame of your window and can also shield your windows from the elements like ice and rain.
Regardless of the material you choose regardless of the material you select, it is crucial to press glazier's points into the seam where the putty meets the frame. They will help hold the new glass in place and assist it stick to the frame. Hardware stores sell glazier's point ropes that you can roll out 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 the issues. Condensation and fogging in the panes of glass is a clear indication that the seals between your windows have been damaged and can only be fixed by an expert who will fix both panes.
It is a tricky process that requires special tools to remove and replace the window. A professional can do this task and provide the equipment. Utilizing these tools could be risky it is best to leave this kind of job to an expert.
If you do decide to do this yourself, be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses to shield yourself from any broken pieces of glass that could fly off during the process. It is also important to carefully remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves in which the new window will be. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming a damp cloth is also recommended. After the frame is dry, you'll need to order another piece of glass that is 1/8" shorter in both directions than your existing window. Check the glass's fit into the grooves.
You'll have to apply a layer of silicone caulk into the grooves of your frames to ensure the glass you are installing is securely installed. After double glazing repair Chelmsford has dried, you can smooth it out and make any adjustments. The wood molding can be reinstalled.
Double glazed windows can be difficult to open and close if the weather changes dramatically. Extreme temperatures may cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or shrink, causing them to become sagging and stick. If this is the case try wiping down the frames with water and then lubricating the joints. However, it may be best to contact the company who installed your windows to help.
Misunderstood
When moisture gets trapped between the glass panes, it can cause misted double glazing. Double glazing is comprised of two glass panes which are separated by an insulating space typically filled with argon gas to provide increased thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm air inside and cold outdoor air outside and allows you to keep the temperature at a comfortable level in your home.
Over time however, this seal may break and moisture will start to accumulate between the window panes, causing them to become misty. This happens because the space between the panes is heated by the sun, which causes water vapour to develop in it.
This is a natural occurrence however, if it happens between the panes of the window it could be a problem because it will no longer be able to regulate the temperature in the room. Instead, the temperature outside the window will influence the temperature inside. If you notice your double glazed windows are becoming misty, call in the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can replace a single blown sealed unit without needing to replace the entire window. This is much less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty window repair involves removing the glass unit, cleaning it, and replacing it with a new one to make an watertight seal.
Some companies in the industry claim to inject chemicals through holes into misted windows to remove the fog and condensation. We don't recommend using this method. This is not only ugly, but it can cause damage to the toughened glass and leave you with windows that do not completely function.
It is essential to address the issue as quickly as you can, as if untreated, it could result in the growth of mould which can not only damage the window, but can also pose health risks to your family. The condensation in the window could cause other problems in your home like damp or rot. In certain cases, the window may need to be replaced entirely.
Failed or Blown
Double-glazed windows consist of two panes of glass with an air or inert between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping the cold out and heat in. As time passes, the gas may depressurize, leading to a number of issues.
Condensation between panes is among the most common. While it is a natural occurrence and doesn't mean that your window has failed but it could be an indication that you need to re-seal your windows. Condensation may be an indication that your double glazing has broken, in which case it should be replaced completely.
It is also important to look for drafts coming through the double-glazed windows. It could be due to an issue with the seal or a damaged handle lock. A draught is obvious and result in higher heating bills It is therefore essential to get it fixed sooner rather than later. Test the seals around the window frame by feeling the cold air.
You will also notice water beads on the interior of windows if the window seals are failing. This is a good indicator that you will need to seal your double-glazed windows.
Your window frames have been designed to move slightly in order to keep the glass sheets in place. Over time, this special packaging material may become compacted. This will cause the seal to become broken. This allows air to circulate between the panes, which will reduce the energy efficiency of your window.
A damaged seal is a clear indication that your double glazing is damaged and must be fixed as soon as 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. You should call a double glazing repair specialist when you discover a blowing seal in your double-glazed windows, as they are able to replace the entire unit.