Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent energy efficient investment that stops loss of heat in winter months and helps keep your home cooler in 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 suffer from issues like condensation and misting. This can cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open or close.
Broken Panes
A ball that is rogue or a flying stone from your lawnmowers, or a storm that is strong enough can break the double pane windows of your home, leaving you home vulnerable to the elements. While a cracked window can be difficult to fix but you don't need to replace it entirely. In fact, the insulated glass between the two panes is still in good condition, and you can fix your double-pane window using a bit of DIY effort.
First, you'll need to remove any broken glass from the frame. This will be messy work, and you'll want to be careful to stop any glass shards from falling onto the floor or slipping out of the frame. Wear work gloves to protect your hands and use an abrasive cloth around the damaged glass area to prevent further damage or cuts. After removing the broken piece and cleaning the entire frame of the window to eliminate any remaining sealant and debris. Sand rough areas of the frame to create a smooth and even surface to put in 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 way to seal and protect your window. It can also save you energy costs by preventing water and drafts from entering the home. The next step is to choose your glazing material. There are several options, including clear tape that is more durable than regular tape, and can prevent further cracking of your window or glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. The benefit of this option is that it can be painted to match your frame and will also keep out snow and rain as well.
Whatever material you use it's essential to press the glaziers points into that place where the putty joins your frame. These will keep the glass in place and will help it stick to the frame. Glazier's points can be found in hardware stores, and are available in pre-made ropes that you roll onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you're experiencing problems with condensation, it's best to call the window manufacturer. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees to cover these issues. Condensation and fogging between panes of glass is a clear sign that the seals between your windows are broken and can only be fixed by a professional who will replace both panes.
It is a tricky procedure that requires specialized tools to remove and replace the window. A professional can complete this task and supply the tools. It is recommended to leave the work to a professional. These tools can be risky.
If you decide to do this yourself, ensure you wear gloves and safety glasses to shield yourself from any broken glass pieces that might fly away during the process. It is essential to remove all metal or putty points from the grooves that will hold the new window. You will also want to brush the frame with wire and vacuum or wipe it with a damp cloth. Once the frame has dried, you'll need to order an additional piece of glass that is 1/8" shorter in both directions than the existing window. Make sure the glass fits into the grooves.
Based on the frames you have, you will then need to apply a thin layer of silicone caulk on the grooves to ensure that your new pane is secure in position. After the caulk dries it is time to smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding will then be reinstalled.
If the weather suddenly changes, double-glazed windows can become difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames to shrink or expand and cause them to slide or become stuck. If this is the issue you could try wiping the frames with water and then lubricating the joints. However, it might be best to ask the company that installed your windows to help.
Misunderstood
Misted Double Glazing is a window problem that develops when moisture gets trapped between the glass panes of your double-glazed windows. 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 seal that keeps warm air inside and cold air outside, allowing you to keep your temperature in your home comfortable.
In time, however, this seal will begin to break down and moisture will begin to build up between the window panes, which causes them to become misty. This happens because the sun's rays heat the gap between window panes, which causes water to vapourize.
This is a natural process however if it occurs between the windows' panes it could cause problems because it will no longer be able control the temperature inside the room. Instead the temperature outside the window will influence the temperature indoors. If you notice your double-glazed windows are turning misty, call in the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can replace the blown sealed unit without needing to replace the whole window, which is a lot less disruptive than a total replacement. Our misty window repair involves taking off the glass unit, washing it, then replacing it with a fresh one to create an watertight seal.
Certain companies in the business claim that they can inject chemicals through holes drilled into windows with mist to remove the fog and condensation. We do not suggest this method. This is not only ugly, but it could also harm the toughened glass leaving you with a window which doesn't function properly.
It is important to fix the issue as quickly as possible, as left untreated, it could cause mould growth, which not only damages the window, but also poses health risks for your family members. Moisture in the window can also lead to other problems within your home, such as damp or rot. In some instances, it may be necessary to replace the entire window.
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, allowing the cold out and heat in. As time passes, the gas can become depressurized, causing various problems.
One of the most frequent is condensation that forms between the panes. It's not an indication of a window failing, but it could be a sign you need to reseal the panes. Condensation may be an indication that your double glazing is damaged in which case it will need to be replaced completely.
Double-glazed windows can also cause draughts. This could be due to an issue with the seal or a broken handle or lock. It is important to fix this problem as soon as you can. A draught will cause you to spend more on heating. You can test the seals by feeling around the edges of your window frame to determine if you feel any cold air.
Another indication that your window seals are failing is when you start to see water dripping on the inside of your windows. This is an indication that you have to reseal the double glazed windows.
The frames of your windows are designed to move a bit in order to do to keep the glass sheets in place. However, over time, this special packaging material can become compacted and this will break the all-important seal. This allows air to circulate between the panes, and decrease the energy efficiency of your window.
Double glazing that has ruptured a seal is a sign of failure and needs to be repaired as soon as is possible. A blown seal will prevent your double glazing from performing its primary job of keeping cold out and warm inside. Additionally, a blown seal will let your home's moisture in, which can cause mold and other uncomfortable conditions. double glazing repairs Chiswick is recommended to contact a double glazing repair expert as soon as you spot a damaged seal in your double-glazed windows, since they could replace the entire unit.