What s Holding Back This Double Glazed Window Repair Industry

Double Glazed Window Repair

Double glazing is an energy efficient investment that reduces loss of heat during winter months and helps keep your home cool in the summer. The ability to have your double-glazed windows repaired as needed is a great method to ensure they are operating effectively.

Over time, your double-glazed windows may suffer from issues such as condensation and misting. Double glazed windows can become difficult to open and close.

Broken Panes

A ball that is rogue or a stone flying from your lawnmowers, or a storm that is strong enough can break your double-pane windows and leave your home vulnerable to the elements. Even though a glass window that has been damaged is difficult to repair, it doesn't need to be replaced. In fact the insulated glass that is between the two panes remains in good shape and you can fix your double-pane window with a little DIY effort.

To begin, you'll need to take the broken glass out of the frame. Be careful to prevent glass shards from falling onto the floor or sliding from the frame. Use work gloves to protect you hands, and an abrasive cloth around the damaged glass to avoid further cuts or damage. After removing the broken piece take care to clean the entire frame of the window to get rid of any sealant residue and debris. It is important to smooth rough areas of the frame to ensure an even surface for the new glazing.

Once the frame is cleaned and dried, you can apply a new layer of glazing to the place in which the broken pane was removed. This is the best method to keep your window safe and sealed, and it will help you save energy costs by stopping drafts and water from entering the house. 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 can prevent further cracking of your window or glazing film, which is similar to clear plastic wrap. This type of wrap has the advantage that it can be painted to match the frame of your window and will also block out rain and ice.

Whatever material you pick regardless of the material you choose, it is essential to press the glazier's points into the seam where the putty meets the frame. These will hold the new glass in place and assist it stick to the frame. The glazier's point can be found in hardware stores, and are available in pre-made ropes that you simply roll over the frame rabbets.

Condensation

Double glazing is susceptible to condensation issues. If you encounter this issue, it is recommended to contact the company that supplied the window. Many companies provide warranties and guarantees that provide coverage for the problems. Condensation and fogging between panes of glass is an obvious sign that the seals between your windows have been damaged and can only be repaired by a professional who will replace both panes.

The process is difficult and requires special tools to take off the old pane and install the new one, however it can be done by a professional who will provide the required equipment. Using these tools can be dangerous, however, so it is always best to leave this type of job to an expert.

If you decide to undertake this yourself, ensure you wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from any broken pieces of glass that may fly off during the process. It is also important to remove all putty and double glazing repair metal glazing points from the grooves in which the new window will go. It is also recommended to wire-brush the frame and vacuum or wipe it with a damp cloth. After the frame has dried you'll have to purchase another piece of glass that is 1/8" shorter in both directions than your existing window. Check the glass's fit into the grooves.

Based on the frame you have, you will then need to apply a thin layer of silicone caulk to the grooves to ensure that the new pane is secured in the right place. After the silicone caulk is dried you can smooth it out and make any adjustments. The wood molding can be put back in place.

Double-glazed windows can be difficult to open and close if the weather changes dramatically. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames to shrink or expand and cause them to slide or become stuck. You can try wiping down the frames with water and lubricating them if this is the case however, it's better to seek help from the company that installed your windows.

Misted

Misted Double Glazing is a window problem that occurs when moisture gets trapped between the glass panes of your double glazed windows. Double glazing consists of two panes that are separated by a space filled with argon for greater thermal efficiency. This creates a airtight seal that keeps warm indoor air in, and cold outside air out.

In time, however, this seal will begin to break down and moisture will start to build up between the window panes, causing them to become 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 normal thing to happen but if it happens between the window panes it can be a problem since it will no longer be able to control the temperature in the room and will allow the outside temperature to influence the indoor temperature. If you notice your double-glazed windows are turning misty, call in the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.

We can repair the individual blown sealed unit without needing to replace the entire window which is less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty glass repair involves taking off and cleaning the glass unit, then replacing it with a brand new one. This creates an airtight seal and will be watertight.

There are companies within the industry who claim to drill holes into your windows with mist and inject chemicals into them that they claim will eliminate the condensation and fog however, we do not recommend this method. This is not just ugly, but it can also damage the toughened glass and can leave you with windows that do not completely function.

If you don't fix the issue quickly, it could lead to mould, which can not only harm the window, but pose health risks to your loved ones. Moisture can also cause problems in your home, including dampness 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 that have an inert gas or air between them. This improves their thermal efficiency by keeping heat in and the cold out. Over time the gas will become depressurized, causing various issues.

One of the most frequent is condensation that forms between the panes. Although it's a normal event, it doesn't necessarily mean that your window is failing, it can be an indication that you have to seal your windows. Condensation may be a sign your double glazing is damaged in which case it will need to be replaced completely.

Double-glazed windows can also cause drafts. This could be caused by a failure of the seal or a damaged handle lock. It is important to fix this problem as soon as you can. A draft can cause you to pay more for heating. You can test the seals by placing your finger around the edges of your window frame to see whether you feel cold air.

There will also be water beads on the inside of windows when your window seals are failing. This is a sign that you will need to seal your double-glazed windows.

Your window frames are designed to move a little bit as they have to do to keep the glass sheets in the right place. However, over time, this special packaging material can be compressed and break the all-important seal. This will allow air to circulate between the panes and reduce the energy efficiency of your window.

A seal that is blown is a clear sign that your double glazing has failed and needs to be fixed immediately. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from fulfilling its primary function of keeping the cold out and warm inside. A blown seal can also let moisture in your home, which could lead to mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is recommended to contact a double glazing repair specialist immediately if you notice a blown seal in your double-glazed windows, as they are able to replace the entire unit.