Double Glazed Door Repairs
Double-glazed windows and doors keep draughts away, heat in, and noise out, reducing disturbance from dogs barking or traffic on nearby roads. They also serve as a deterrent to burglars, as they're hard to break.
Like any other home improvement products they can suffer from problems from time to time. This article will look at some of the most common problems and solutions.
Broken panes
A stray piece of gravel from your lawn mower, drinking too heavily on the glass-topped table, or the sudden weight of snow could break windows. This could make your home vulnerable to the elements and can be an unsightly sight to behold. Fortunately, double paned windows can be repaired by replacing the broken glass and fixing the frame. A professional window company can provide replacement glass panes, however the repair is fairly simple to fix yourself if you have experience with wood-frame windows and a few tools.
The first step to fix a broken window is to remove the old glass and glazing points from the frame. This requires a bit of care as the old glass is usually hard and brittle. Wear gloves and a mask to guard yourself from flying bits of glass. Make use of a putty knife to remove the old glazing compound from the recesses and the glazing points.
After the old glass has been removed, take measurements of the opening for the new window pane. The pane should be slightly smaller than the size of the rabbet grooves to allow the window to expand and contract with weather changes. Hardware stores can cut panes precisely to the required measurements.
Roll a cord of glaziers putty into the junction between the frame and glass after the new pane has been positioned. If the putty is too hard to work with, put a knife in linseed oil and use it to soften it. Smooth the compound into the joint to create a neat even joint.
After the putty is dry paint it over with a quality exterior house paint and allow it to set completely. If you don't have exterior paint in your house, you could also refinish the putty using wood varnish. Be sure to clean any varnish from the glass prior re-glazing it. This will stop the putty from sticking to the glass, leaving a stain of water that could cause permanent damages.
Misted panes
Double glazing can make your home look modern and fresh. If you have double glazing that has misted or condensed between the panes, it's not just ugly but also makes your home feel cold and uncomfortable.
double glazing window repairs -glazed windows are created by securing two panes together and filling the gap with gas (such argon or as xenon). This creates a barrier of insulation that keeps warmth inside and cold outside. Unfortunately, over time this seal may fail due to a variety of reasons. This can be due to age environmental factors such as high humidity and temperature fluctuations, and problems with the installation.
If your double glazed windows are beginning to appear misted, it's important to get the problem repaired as soon as possible. If left untreated, it can result in further damage and lower the energy efficiency of your home.
Repairing double-glazed windows isn't difficult. You can use a desiccant bag to absorb moisture and re-instate the air seal, or drill holes in the window and clean the space using ruby alcohol. This method does require a certain level DIY expertise and is not recommended to those who aren't at ease drilling holes into double pane windows.
Another great alternative is to put an unsoaked towel between the window panes. This will help to absorb moisture and prevent future condensation build-up. Once the towel has been saturated, let it sit overnight. Then, wash the window with water to get rid of the vinegar residue.
If you're looking to fix double-glazed windows without drilling holes There are kits available that allow you to clear the glass from the outside with dry pellets that disintegrate over time. These kits are typically inexpensive and are extremely efficient in removing condensation and restoring double-glazed windows to their former glory. It is important to keep in mind that this method is only effective for a limited period of time and may require repeated use based on the amount of moisture in the air between your windows.
Sagging panes
Over time, windows will begin to lose their shape when they aren't properly supported or fastened. Sagging windows are not only unsightly however, they also signify that the seals on the glass and frame have failed. This reduces the efficiency of the energy. Visible condensation can be a sign of sealant failure. It's also a signal that it's time for windows to be replaced. In double-paned windows, the space between each pane is filled with silica. The gel is able to absorb water vapor and prevent condensation. This is the primary reason why double-paned windows have higher energy efficiency than single-paned windows.
Windows that are sagging can be fixed by adding support to the bottom of the frame by using L-brackets. This can prevent the sash from slipping down to the point that it sinks below the lower hinge shoe and begins to lose its shape. This can be accomplished easily by a double-glazing repair company and is a reasonably affordable way to repair your windows that are sagging.
Broken seals
The window seals of modern double-glazed windows play a vital function in keeping your home energy-efficient and free of drafts. They can be damaged or worn out, and even impacted by extreme weather conditions. If a uPVC window seal is damaged, it can allow cold air to enter your home in winter and hot air to escape in summer, which could result in a rise in your heating and cooling bills.
There are a few indications that you may have broken window seals, such as unprovoked drafts coming in from the frame of the window or fogging of the glass. This is a clear indication that the seals are damaged and the inert gas (usually argon or krypton) which was sealed between the two panes is now escaping, allowing moisture into the window. In the absence of attention, moisture can cause dampness and mold which could be hazardous to your family's health as well as comfort.
Another indication of a damaged window seal is the appearance of condensation that is unable to be removed from the inside or outside of your glass. Modern double-paned windows sealed with inert gas can be affected by this issue. It occurs when temperatures of the glass and the surrounding air are in conflict. If your windows are still insulating the property and providing an inviting living space, it is unlikely that the seals have failed or blown, but rather they're simply old and need to be replaced.
Finally, you must ensure that your window frame and the surrounding area of the glass is free of chips, cracks, or discoloration. These indications of damage could mean that the frame has moved around the glass panes which can cause the seals to break. You should have your windows professionally resealed at least once a year to ensure that they are working properly.
There are a myriad of ways to reseal your windows. The most effective method is dependent on the condition and deterioration of your windows. You should always consult with a professional before undertaking any DIY work on your windows to ensure that you are using the right materials and techniques.