5 Tools That Everyone Working Who Works In The Double Glazed Window Repair Industry Should Be Utilizing
Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an excellent investment in energy efficiency. It helps prevent loss of heat in the winter months and helps keep your home cool in the summer. Repairing your double-glazed windows when necessary is a great way to ensure they are in good working order.
Over time, condensation and misting can affect your double-glazed windows. This can cause your double-glazed windows to be difficult to open or close.
Broken Panes
A stray baseball, a flying pebble from your lawnmowers or even a storm that is heavy can shatter the double panes of your windows, leaving your home exposed to the elements. While a damaged window may be difficult to repair however, you don't have to replace it completely. In fact the insulated glass between the two panes remains in good condition, and you can fix your double-pane window with a little DIY effort.
To start, you'll need to take the broken glass out of the frame. You'll need to be cautious to keep glass shards from falling to the floor or falling from the frame. Make sure you wear work gloves to protect your hands and a rag to cover the area surrounding the broken glass to prevent further cuts or breakage. After removing the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly to remove any sealant or other debris. It is essential to sand rough areas of the frame to ensure an even surface for your new glass.
Once the frame is cleaned and dried, you can apply a fresh layer of glazing to the seam where the broken pane was removed. This is the best way to keep your window secure and sealed and will help you save energy costs by stopping drafts and water from entering the house. The next step is to select your glazing material. There are a variety of options including clear tape which is more durable than regular tape and helps prevent further cracking of your window or glazing film, which is similar to clear plastic wrapping. The benefit of this option is that it can be painted to match your frame and will also keep out rain and snow as well.
No matter what material you use it is important to press the glazier's points into that seam where the putty meets your frame. These will hold the newly-formed glass in place and assist it adhere to the frame. The glazier's point can be found in hardware stores, and they come in pre-made ropes that you roll over the frame rabbets.
Condensation
If you are experiencing issues with condensation, it's recommended to contact the window manufacturer. Many have warranties and guarantees that cover these problems. Fogging or condensation on the panes of your windows is a sign that the seals are broken. Only an expert can fix this problem by replacing the panes.
This procedure is a bit tricky and requires the use of special tools to remove the old one and replace the new one, however it can be done by an expert who will provide the required equipment. Utilizing these tools could be dangerous, however, so it is always best to leave this type of work to a professional.
Wear safety gloves and glasses if opt to do it yourself. You may be exposed to glass fragments flying around. It is essential to take out any putty or metal glazing points from the grooves that will hold the new window. Wire-brushing the frame, vacuuming or wiping with a damp cloth are also recommended. After the frame is dry you'll have to purchase another piece of glass that is 1/8" shorter in both directions than your existing window. Test-fit the glass into the grooves.
You will have to apply a layer of silicone caulk in the grooves of frames to ensure your new glass is secure in its installation. Once the silicone caulk has dried and cured, you can smooth it out and make any adjustments. The wood molding will then 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 of double-glazed windows to expand or contract, causing them to become sagging and stick. If this is the case try wiping down the frames with water and then lubricating the joints. However, it may be best to ask the company who installed your windows to help.
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 is made up of two panes that are separated by a gap filled with argon for greater thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight sealing that keeps warm air in, and cold air outside.
As time passes, the seal can break down and moisture can begin to accumulate between the window panes, causing them to turn misty. This happens because the sun's rays heat the space between the panes of windows, causing water to evaporate.
It is a natural phenomenon, but if it occurs between the panes of the window it can be a problem because it will no longer be able to regulate the temperature within the room. Instead the temperature outside the window will influence the temperature indoors. If you notice that your double-glazed windows have become misty, call in the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can replace a single blown sealed unit without having to replace the entire window. This is far more streamlined than a total replacement. Our misty window repair involves removing the glass unit, cleaning it, and replacing it with a new one to create a watertight seal again.
Some companies in the industry claim to inject chemicals through holes drilled into windows with mist to remove the fog and condensation. We don't recommend this method. This is not only ugly, but it can also harm the toughened glass and can result in windows that do not completely function.
If you don't fix the issue quickly it could result in mould, which can not only harm the window, but also cause health risks for your loved ones. The moisture in the window may cause other problems in your home like damp or rot. In some instances it might 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, allowing warm air in and cold air out. Over time the gas may become depressurised and cause many problems.
One of the most frequently encountered is condensation occurring between the panes. While it is a natural phenomenon, it doesn't mean your window has failed however it could be a sign that you need to re-seal your windows. Condensation can also be an indication of a damaged double glazing that will need to be replaced.
Also, look out for draughts coming from the double-glazed windows. It could be due to an issue with the seal or a damaged handle or lock. It is crucial to address this issue as soon as you can. A draught will cause you to spend more on heating. You can test the seals by rubbing around the edges of your window frame to see whether you feel cold air.
Another sign that your window seals are failing is when you start to see water dripping on the inside of your windows. This is a sign that you will need to seal your double-glazed windows.
Your window frames have been designed to move slightly and this is essential to keep the glass sheets in place. In time, this special packaging material may be compressed. This will cause the seal to be broken. This will allow air to circulate between the panes, reducing the efficiency of your window's energy consumption.
window repair near me glazing that has blown seals is an indication of a failure and needs to be repaired as soon as is possible. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from performing its primary function which is to keep the cold out and warm air in. In addition, a blown seal will let your home's moisture in, which could cause mold and other uncomfortable conditions. Contact a double glazing expert immediately you notice a blown window seal. They can replace the entire unit.