Double glazing is a fantastic investment in energy efficiency. It stops loss of heat in the winter months and helps to keep your home cool in the summer. The ability to have your double-glazed windows fixed when they need to is a great way to keep them working properly.
Over time, your double-glazed windows can suffer from problems like condensation and misting. This can cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A unruly ball or a flying stone from your lawnmower or even a storm that is strong enough can break the double pane windows of your home which can expose your home to the elements. Although a cracked glass window is difficult to repair, it doesn't need to be replaced. In fact the insulated glass that is between the two panes is in good shape and you can repair your double-pane window using a little DIY effort.
First, you'll need to take any broken glass from the frame. This can be messy work and you'll need to be careful to stop any glass fragments from falling onto the floor or falling out of the frame. Make sure to wear a pair of work gloves to shield your hands from injury and a cloth to protect the area around the broken glass to prevent further breakage or cuts. After you have removed the broken glass clean the frame of the window thoroughly, removing any sealant or other debris. It's important to sand rough areas of your frame to create an even surface for the new glazing.
After cleaning the frame then you can apply a new layer of glazing to the place where the damaged pane was removed. This is the best way to ensure your window stays secure and sealed and will help you save energy costs by keeping water and drafts from getting into your home. Next, you will need to choose your glazing material. Some options include clear tape that is more robust than regular tape and will help keep your window from further cracking, as well as glazing film that resembles clear plastic wrap. The benefit of this option is that it can be painted over to match your existing frame, and it will keep out rain and snow as well.
Whatever material you pick regardless of the material you choose, it is essential to press glazier's facets into the seam where the putty meets the frame. These will hold the new glass in place and assist it adhere to the frame. Hardware stores carry glazier's point ropes, which you can roll out onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing can be prone to condensation issues. If you experience this issue, it is recommended to contact the company that supplied the window. Many have warranties and guarantees that cover these problems. Condensation and fogging in the panes of glass is a clear sign that the seals between your windows have been damaged and can only be fixed by a professional who will repair both panes.
It's a difficult procedure that requires specialized tools to remove and replace the old window. A professional can handle this task and supply the equipment. Using these tools can be dangerous, however it is best to leave this type task to professionals.
If you do decide to undertake this yourself, be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses to shield yourself from any broken glass pieces that could fly off during the process. It is also essential to remove all the putty and metal glazing points from the grooves where the new window will be. Wire-brushing the frame, vacuuming or wiping with a damp cloth is recommended. After the frame has dried you'll have to purchase a replacement piece of glass that is 1/8" shorter in both directions than the existing window. Test-fit the glass into the grooves.
You will have to apply a layer of silicone caulk to the grooves of your frames to ensure the glass you are installing is securely installed. After the silicone caulk is dried and cured, you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. Then the wood molding can be put back in place.
If the weather suddenly changes, double-glazed windows can become difficult to open or close. Extreme temperatures can cause frames to shrink or expand and this can make them fall or stick. If this is the issue try wiping the frames down using water and lubricating joints. However, it may be a good idea to call the company who installed your windows for assistance.
Misunderstood
When moisture gets trapped between the glass panes it can cause misty double glazing. Double glazing consists of two panes that are separated by a gap filled with argon for greater thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm room air inside and cold outdoor air outside, allowing you to keep your temperature at a comfortable level in your home.
Over time however, this seal may break and moisture will begin to build up between the windows, causing them to become misty. This occurs because the sun's heat causes the gap between the panes of windows, causing the water to evaporate.
This is a normal process, but when it occurs between the window panes it can be a problem since it will no longer be able to control the temperature in the room, and allows the outside temperature to influence the indoor temperature. Northfield Glass can help you when your double-glazed windows begin to fog.
We can repair the individual blown sealed unit without needing to replace the entire window, which is a lot less disruptive than a total replacement. Our misty glass repair consists of removing and cleaning the glass before replacing it with a new one. This will result in an airtight seal and will be watertight.
Certain companies in the business claim to inject chemicals through holes into misted windows to remove the condensation and fog. We don't recommend using this method. This is not just unattractive, but it could also damage the toughened glass and leave you with windows that don't fully perform its function.
If you don't address the issue quickly it could result in mould, which can not only cause damage to the window, but could also pose health risks to your family members. Moisture can also cause other issues within your home, such as dampness or rot. In some cases, 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 by keeping heat in and cold out. As time passes, the gas can depressurize, leading to a number of problems.
One of the most frequent is condensation that forms between the panes. While it is a natural event, it doesn't necessarily mean that your window is damaged however it could be an indication that you need to seal your windows. Condensation could be an indication that your double glazing has failed, in which case it will need to be replaced completely.
Double-glazed windows may also cause draughts. It could be due to an issue with the seal or a broken handle or lock. A draught can be noticeable and will lead to higher heating bills It is therefore essential to fix it sooner rather than later. Test the seals around the window frame by feeling for cold air.
You may also see water beads on the outside of windows if your window seals are failing. This is a clear indication that you need to seal your double-glazed windows.
The window frames you have purchased were designed to move a bit in order to keep the glass sheets in position. In time, this special packaging material could be compressed. This could cause the seal to become broken. This allows air to flow between the panes and reduce the energy efficiency of your window.
A blown seal is an obvious sign that your double glazing is damaged and must be fixed as soon as possible. A blown seal will prevent your double glazing from fulfilling its primary purpose of keeping the cold out and warm inside. Furthermore, a blow-off seal can let moisture in, which can cause mold and other uncomfortable conditions. It is important to contact a double glazing repair specialist when you notice a blown seal in your double glazed windows, as they can replace the whole unit.