14 Common Misconceptions About Double Glazed Window Repair
Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent investment in energy efficiency. It stops loss of heat during winter months and helps to keep your home cool during summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows when needed is a great way to ensure they are in good working order.
Over time condensation and misting may be detrimental to your double-glazed windows. Double glazed windows can be difficult to open and close.
Broken Panes
A rogue baseball, a flying pebble from your lawnmower, or even a heavy storm can break the double panes of your windows, leaving your home exposed to the elements. While a cracked window can be difficult to fix, you don't have to have it replaced entirely. In fact the insulated glass that is between the two panes is in good shape and you can fix your double-pane window with a little DIY effort.
To begin, you'll need remove the broken glass from the frame. You'll need to be careful to avoid any glass shards falling onto the floor or sliding out of the frame. Wear gloves for your hands and use a rag around the broken glass to avoid any further injury or cuts. After you have removed the broken glass clean the frame of the window thoroughly to get rid of any sealant or other debris. Sand rough areas of the window frame to create a smooth and even surface to put in your new glass.
After cleaning the frame after cleaning, you can apply a second layer of glass to the area where you removed the broken pane. This is the best way to ensure your window stays safe and sealed and save you money by preventing drafts and water from getting into your home. The next step is to select the material for your glazing. There are a variety of options, including clear tape that is more durable than regular tape and can keep your window safe from further cracking, as well as glazing film that resembles clear plastic wrap. This option has the advantage that it can be painted to match your frame and will also keep out the elements like ice and rain.
Regardless of the material you choose regardless of the material you select, it is crucial to press glazier's points into the seam where the putty meets the frame. These will keep the glass in place, and will help it stick to the frame. You can find glazier's points in hardware stores, and they are available in pre-made ropes which you roll over the frame rabbets.
glass window repair
If you are experiencing issues with condensation, it is recommended to contact the window manufacturer. A lot of windows come with warranties and guarantees to cover these issues. Condensation and fogging in the panes of glass is an obvious sign that the seals between your windows have been damaged and can only be fixed by an expert who will replace both panes.
It's a difficult procedure that requires special tools to remove and replace the window. A professional can do this task and provide the equipment. It is best to delegate the task to a professional. These tools can be dangerous.
Wear safety gloves and glasses if you decide to do it yourself. You could be exposed to flying glass fragments. It is important to take out any putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will be receiving the new window. It is also recommended to brush the frame with wire and vacuum or wipe with a damp cloth. When the frame is clean and dry, you will need to order a piece of replacement glass that is 1/8 inch shorter in each direction than your window that you have and then fit it in the grooves.
You'll require a layer of silicone caulk to the grooves of frames to ensure your new glass is secure in its installation. After the silicone caulk is dried you can smooth it out and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding can be reinstalled.
If the weather abruptly changes, double-glazed windows could be difficult to open and close. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames to expand or shrink and cause them to sag or stick. You can try wiping the frames with water and lubricating them if this is the case, but it may be better to seek advice from the company who installed your windows.
Misted
When moisture gets trapped in between the glass panes it can cause misted double glazing. Double glazing consists of two panes which are separated by a gap filled with argon for better thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight seal that keeps warm room air inside and cold air outside which allows you to keep your temperature comfortable in your home.
Over time however, this seal will begin to break down and moisture will start to build up between the window panes, causing them to become cloudy. This happens because the space between the panes is heated by the sun, which causes water vapour to build up within it.
This is a normal thing to happen however, if 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 allow the outside temperature to influence the indoor temperature. If you notice that your double-glazed windows are turning blurred, call the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can replace the blow-sealed unit without having to replace the entire window which is less disruptive than a total replacement. Our misty glass repair consists of removing and cleaning the unit of glass before replacing it with a brand new one. This creates a watertight seal again.
There are companies within the industry which claim to drill holes in your existing misted windows and inject chemicals into them, which claim to eliminate fog & condensation but we do not recommend this method. This is not only unsightly, but it could cause damage to the toughened glass and can leave you with a window that does not completely perform the function it was intended to.
It is crucial to resolve the issue as quickly as you can, because if left untreated it can lead to mould growth, which not only damages the window but also poses health risks for your family members. Moisture can cause other issues within your home, including dampness or rot. In some instances windows, they may have to be completely replaced.
Failed or Blown
Modern double-glazed windows feature two glass panes with an inert gas or air in between them. This helps to improve their thermal efficiency, keeping warm air in and cold air out. As time passes, the gas can be depressurized and cause various issues.
One of the most common is condensation occurring between the panes. While it is a natural occurrence and doesn't mean that your window is damaged however it could be a sign that you need to seal your windows. Condensation could also be an indication of broken double glazing that will need to be replaced.
Also, look out for draughts that are coming from your double-glazed windows. It could be due to a failed seal or handle that is broken, or a broken lock. It is important to fix this problem as soon as you can. A draft will force you to pay more for heating. Test the seals around the window frame by feeling the cold air.
Another sign that your window seals are failing is when you begin to see water dripping on the inside of your windows. This is a clear indication that you will need to re-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. However, over time this particular packaging material will become compacted and this will crack the crucial seal. This allows air to flow between the panes, and decrease the efficiency of your window.
A damaged seal is an obvious sign that your double glazing is damaged and should be repaired immediately. A blown seal will prevent your double glazing from fulfilling its primary function of keeping cold out and warm inside. Furthermore, a blow-off seal can let moisture in, which could cause mold and other uncomfortable conditions. It is important to contact a double glazing repair expert as soon as you discover a blowing seal in your double-glazed windows, as they are able to replace the entire unit.