Double Glazed Window Repair Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that stops loss of heat in winter and keeps 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, your double-glazed windows may experience problems like condensation and misting. This could cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open and close. Broken Panes A stray ball, a flying pebble from your lawnmowers or even a storm that is heavy could 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 have it replaced entirely. In fact the insulated glass that is between the two panes is in good condition and you can fix your double-pane window with a bit of DIY effort. You'll first need to remove any broken glass from the frame. This will be an unpleasant task and you'll need to be careful to stop glass shards from falling on the floor or falling out of the frame. Wear gloves for your hands and use an abrasive cloth around the damaged glass area to prevent further damage or cuts. After removing the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly to get rid of any sealant or debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth surface on which to install your new glazing. After cleaning the frame, you can apply a fresh layer of glazing to the seam where the damaged pane was removed. This is the most effective way to ensure your window stays sealed and protected, and it will aid in reducing energy costs by stopping drafts and water from getting into your home. The next step is to choose the right glazing material. There are many options available such as clear tape, which is more durable than regular tape and helps prevent further cracking of your window, or glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrapping. The advantage of this choice is that it can be painted over to match your frame, and it will keep snow and rain out as well. Whatever material you pick, it is important to press glazier's points into the place where the putty joins the frame. These will hold the glass in place and aid in adhering to the frame. Hardware stores carry glazier's point ropes, which you can roll out onto the frame rabbets. Condensation If you are experiencing issues with condensation, it's best to contact your window manufacturer. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees that provide coverage for these issues. Fogging or condensation on the windows' panes is a sign that the seals are broken. Only a professional can fix this problem by replacing both panes. This procedure is a bit complicated and requires special tools to take off the old pane and install the new one, but it can be accomplished by an expert who will supply the necessary equipment. Making use of these tools can be dangerous it is best to leave this kind task to an expert. Wear safety gloves and glasses if decide to do it yourself. You could be exposed to glass fragments flying around. It is also important to remove all the putty and metal glazing points from the grooves that the new window will go. You should also brush the frame with wire and vacuum or wipe with a damp cloth. When the frame is dry and clean you'll need to order a piece of replacement glass that is 1/8 inch smaller in each direction than the window that you have and then fit it in the grooves. You will need to apply a layer silicone caulk into the grooves of frames to ensure your new glass is properly installed. After the silicone caulk has dried and cured, you can smooth it out and make any adjustments. The wood molding can then be put back in place. 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, causing them to become sagging and stick. If this is the problem you could try wiping the frames with water and then lubricating the joints. However, it may be a good idea to call the company that 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 consists of two panes of glass which are separated by an insulating area, typically filled with argon gas for better thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm air inside and cold outdoor air outside which allows you to keep your temperature at a comfortable level in your home. In time, however, this seal will begin to break down and moisture can begin to accumulate between the window panes, causing them to become cloudy. This happens because the space between the panes is heated by sun, which causes water vapour to develop in it. 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 within the room. Instead the temperature outside of the window will influence the temperature indoors. Northfield Glass can help you in the event that your double-glazed windows begin to fog. We can replace a single sealed unit without needing to replace the entire window. This is far less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty window repair involves taking off the glass, cleaning it, and replacing it with a new one to make an airtight seal. Some companies in the field claim that they can inject chemicals through holes drilled into misted windows to remove the condensation and fog. We do not recommend using this method. This is not only ugly, but it could also harm your toughened glass leaving you with a window that isn't functioning properly. If window repairs don't fix the problem immediately it could result in mould, which could not only cause damage to the window, but could also risk health issues for your loved ones. Moisture can also cause problems in your home, such as dampness or rot. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the entire window. Blown or failed Double-glazed windows consist of two panes of glass with an air or inert between them. This increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and the cold out. Over time, the gas can depressurize and cause a variety of issues. One of the most frequently encountered is condensation between the panes. It's not a sign of a window failure, but it could be a sign you need to reseal the windows. Condensation may be an indication that your double glazing has failed and, in that case, it's time to get it replaced completely. Double-glazed windows can also create draughts. This could be due to the seal being damaged or a broken handle or lock. It is crucial to address this problem as soon as possible. A draught will cause you to pay more for heating. You can test the seals by placing your finger around the edges of your window frame to determine if you feel any cold air. Another sign that the seals on your windows have failed is when you begin 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 slightly, which is necessary to keep the glass sheets in place. However, with time, this special packaging material may get compacted, and this could crack the crucial seal. This allows air to circulate between the panes and reduce the efficiency of your window. A damaged seal is a clear sign that your double glazing has failed and should be repaired immediately. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from performing its primary purpose of keeping the cold out and warm inside. In addition, a blown seal will let your home's moisture in, which could cause mold and other uncomfortable conditions. It is important to contact a double glazing repair specialist when you spot a damaged seal in your double-glazed windows, as they can replace the entire unit.
window repairs
