Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is a fantastic investment in energy efficiency. It stops loss of heat during winter months and keeps your home cool in summer. Double glazing windows repaired when needed is a great way to ensure that they function properly.
Over time, your double-glazed windows may suffer from problems like condensation and misting. This could cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open or close.
Broken Panes
A stray baseball or a stray pebble from your lawnmowers or even a severe storm can shatter the double panes of your windows and expose your home to the elements. Even though a glass window that has been damaged isn't easy to fix however, it does not need to be replaced. The insulated glass that is between two glass panes is in good condition, so you can repair your double-paned window yourself.
First, you'll need to take any broken glass from the frame. You'll need to be careful to prevent glass shards from falling to the floor or falling from the frame. Wear work gloves to protect your hands, and place a rag around the broken 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 other debris. It is important to sand rough areas of the frame to ensure a smooth surface for your new glazing.
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 secure and sealed and aid in reducing energy costs by keeping water and drafts from entering the house. Next, you will need to select your glazing material. There are several options available, including clear tape which is more durable than regular tape and can keep your window safe from further cracking, as well as glazing film that is similar to clear plastic wrap. The benefit of this type of material is that it can be painted over to match your frame and will also keep out rain and snow as well.
No matter what material you decide to use, it's important to press the glaziers points into the place where the putty joins your frame. These will hold the newly-formed glass in place and aid it stick to the frame. The glazier's point can be found in hardware stores, and are available in pre-made ropes that you roll out onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you're experiencing problems with condensation, it's recommended to contact your window manufacturer. There are warranties and guarantees to cover these issues. Fogging and condensation between panes of glass is an obvious sign that the seals between your windows are broken and can only be repaired by a professional who will fix both panes.
The process is tricky and requires the use of special tools to remove the old pane and install the new one, however it is possible to do this by an expert who will provide the required equipment. Making use of these tools can be dangerous it is best to leave this kind task to an expert.
Wear safety glasses and gloves if you opt to do it yourself. You could be exposed to glass fragments flying around. It is essential to remove all metal or putty points from the grooves that will receive the new window. You will also want to brush the frame with wire and vacuum or wipe it clean with a damp cloth. After the frame is clean and dry you'll need to purchase a replacement glass which is 1/8 inch less in each direction than your window, and then test it into the grooves.
You will need to apply a layer silicone caulk to the grooves of your frames to ensure that your glass is securely installed. Once the caulk has dried, you will need to smooth it out and make any needed adjustments. The wood molding can be put back in place.
Double-glazed windows can become difficult to open or close in the event of extreme weather. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames to shrink or expand and this can make them slide or become stuck. You can try wiping the frames with water and then lubricating them if this is the case however, it's better to seek advice from the company that installed your windows.
Misted
If moisture is trapped between the glass panes it can cause misty double glazing. Double glazing is comprised of two glass panes that are separated by an insulating space, typically filled with argon gas to provide improved thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm air inside and cold air outside and allows you to keep your temperature at a comfortable level in your home.
Over time however, this seal can break down and moisture will begin to build up between the window panes, causing them to turn misty. This happens because the space between the panes gets heated by the sun, causing water vapour to build up in it.
This is a natural occurrence however, if it happens between the windows' panes it can be a problem since it will no longer be able control the temperature inside the room. Instead the temperature outside of the window will affect the temperature indoors. Northfield Glass can help you in the event that your double-glazed windows begin to mist.
We can replace a single blow sealed unit, without the need to replace the entire window. This is less disruptive than a complete replacement. Our misty glass repair involves taking off and cleaning the glass before replacing it with a new one. This creates a seal that is watertight again.
Certain companies in the business claim to inject chemicals through holes into misted windows to remove the condensation and fog. We do not recommend this method. This method is not only unattractive, but it could also harm the toughened glass and can result in windows that don't fully perform the function it was intended to.
It is essential to address the problem as soon as you can, as if untreated, it could result in the growth of mould which can not only damage the window but also poses health risks for your family members. Moisture can also cause other issues within your home, including dampness or rot. In certain situations it is possible 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 increases their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and the cold out. Over time the gas will be depressurized and cause various problems.
Condensation in between the panes is one of the most common. Although it's a normal event, it doesn't necessarily mean that your window is failing however it could be an indication that you have to re-seal your windows. Condensation is also a sign of a broken double glazing, which will require re-installation.
Double-glazed windows may also cause draughts. This could be because of the seal being damaged or handle that is broken, or a damaged lock. A draught is evident and can result in higher heating bills It is therefore essential to fix it sooner rather than later. You can test the seals by rubbing around the edges of your window frame to determine if you feel any cold air.
You may also see water beads on the inside of windows when your window seals aren't performing as they should. This is a sign that you need to replace the seals on your double-glazed windows.
Your window frames have been designed to move a bit, which is necessary to keep the glass sheets in place. However, over time this special packaging material may become compacted and this will break the all-important seal. This will allow the air to move between the panes, decreasing the efficiency of your window's energy consumption.
Double glazing that has broken an air seal is an indication of failure and needs to be repaired as soon as is possible. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary purpose of keeping cold out and warm inside. A blown seal could let moisture in your home, which could cause mold and other unpleasant conditions. Contact double glazing Sunbury-on-Thames glazing expert immediately you notice a blown window seal. They can repair or replace the entire unit.