Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an energy efficient investment that reduces loss of heat in winter months and helps keep your home cooler during the summer. Restoring your double-glazed windows as necessary is a great way to ensure they remain in good working order.
Over time condensation and misting may impact your double-glazed windows. Double glazed windows may become difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A unruly ball or 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 damaged window may be difficult to fix however, you don't have to replace it completely. In fact the insulated glass between the two panes is still in good shape and you can repair your double-pane window with a little DIY effort.
To begin, you'll need to take the broken glass out of the frame. Be careful to keep glass shards from falling onto the floor or sliding off the frame. Make sure you wear gloves to protect your hands and a cloth to cover the area surrounding the broken glass to avoid further breakage or cuts. After you have removed the broken glass clean the frame of the window thoroughly to remove any sealant or other debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth surface to install your new window.
Once the frame is cleaned and dried, you can apply a new layer of glass to the seam where the damaged pane was removed. This is the best method to ensure your window stays safe and sealed and save you money by keeping water and drafts from getting into your home. The next step is to select the material for your glazing. Some options include clear tape which is more robust than regular tape and can keep your window secure from further cracking, and glazing film that resembles clear plastic wrap. This choice has the benefit that it can be painted to match your frame and will also block out rain and ice.
Whatever material you use it is important to press the glazier's points into the place where the putty joins your frame. These will hold the glass in place, and aid in adhering to the frame. The glazier's point can be found in hardware stores, and are available in pre-made ropes which you roll onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing is susceptible to condensation issues. If you experience this problem it is recommended to contact the company that provided the window. A lot of windows come with warranties and guarantees to cover these problems. Condensation and fogging in the panes of glass is a clear sign that the seals between your windows are broken and can only be fixed by an expert who will replace both panes.
The process is tricky and requires the use of special tools to take off the old pane and then install the new one, but it can be accomplished by an expert who will supply the necessary equipment. Utilizing these tools could be risky it is recommended to leave this kind of work 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 crucial to remove all the putty and metal glazing points from the grooves where the new window will go. You will also want to brush the frame with wire, and then vacuum or wipe with a damp cloth. Once the frame is clean and dry you'll need to order a piece of replacement glass that is 1/8 inch smaller in each direction than the existing window and test-fit it into the grooves.
Based on the frame you have depending on your frames, you'll need to apply a layer of silicone caulk to the grooves to ensure that the new pane is secured in the right place. After the caulk dries and is dry, you must smooth it and make any necessary adjustments. Then the wood molding can be reinstalled.
Double-glazed windows may be difficult to open or close if the weather changes dramatically. Extreme temperatures may cause the frames of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, which causes them to sag and stick. If this is the case 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 for assistance.
Misunderstood
Misted Double Glazing is a problem with windows that occurs when moisture gets trapped between the glass panes of your double-glazed windows. Double glazing is comprised of two panes of glass that are separated by an insulating space, typically filled with argon gas for improved thermal efficiency. This results in an airtight seal that keeps warm indoor air inside and cold outside air out.
Over time however, this seal can break down and moisture can begin to build up between the window panes, causing them to become cloudy. This happens because the gap between the panes gets heated by the sun, causing water vapour to develop in it.
This is a normal thing to happen however, if it occurs between the window panes it can cause a problem as it is no longer able to regulate the temperature of the room, and allows the outside temperature to influence the indoor temperature. Northfield Glass can help you in the event that your double-glazed windows begin to fog.
We can replace the blow-sealed unit without having to replace the whole window which is less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty window repair involves taking off the glass unit, washing it, and then replacing it with a fresh one to make an airtight seal.
There are companies within the industry that claim to drill holes into your windows with mist and inject chemicals into them that they say removes the fog & condensation but we do not recommend this method. Birmingham window repair is not only unattractive, but it could also damage the toughened glass and can result in a window that does not fully perform the function it was intended to.
It is important to fix the problem as soon as possible, as left untreated, it can result in the growth of mould, which not only damages the window, but also poses health risks to your family members. The moisture in the window may cause other issues in your home like damp or rot. In some instances the window might need to be replaced completely.
Blown or Failed
Double-glazed windows are comprised of two panes of glass with an inert or air between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping warm air in and cold air out. Over time, this gas may depressurize, leading to a number of issues.
One of the most frequent is condensation that forms between the panes. Although it's a normal phenomenon, it doesn't mean your window has failed, it can be a sign that you need to seal your windows. Condensation may also be a sign that your double glazing has broken in which case it will need to be replaced completely.
Double-glazed windows may also cause drafts. This could be due to an unsound seal or a damaged handle or a broken lock. A draught is obvious and result in higher heating costs It is therefore essential that you get this fixed sooner rather than later. Test the seals around the window frame by smelling cold air.
Another indication 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 have to seal your double-glazed windows.
Your window frames have been designed to move a bit and this is essential to keep the glass sheets in position. However, over time this particular packaging material will become compacted and this will break the all-important seal. This will allow air to circulate between the panes, decreasing the efficiency of your window's energy consumption.
Double glazing that has blown an air seal is a sign of failure and should be repaired as soon as possible. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary job of keeping the cold out and warm inside. A blown seal could let moisture in your home, which could lead to mold and other unpleasant conditions. Call a double glazing specialist when you notice a blowing window seal. They can fix the entire unit.