Double-glazed windows and doors keep draughts and noise away and allow warmth to penetrate. This minimizes disruption caused by barking dogs and traffic on nearby roads. They also serve as a protection against burglars as they are difficult to break.
Like any other home improvement product, they can have issues. This article will discuss some of the most common problems and their solutions.
Broken panes
A pebble that has fallen from your lawnmower or a drink poured too overly on a coffee table with glass tops can all shatter windows. This could make your home vulnerable to the elements, and is an ugly sight to behold. Fortunately, double-paned windows can be repaired by replacing the damaged glass and fixing the frame. A reputable window company can produce replacement glass panes, but the repair is relatively easy to do yourself if you have some experience with wood-frame windows and some basic tools.
The first step to repairing a damaged window is to take off old glazing and glazing points. This requires some care as the old glass is usually hard and brittle. Wear gloves and a mask to shield yourself from flying bits of glass. Use a putty knife to pry up the old glazing compound as well as the glazing points from the recesses of the frames.
Take measurements of the opening to the new glass after you have removed the old one. The pane's dimensions should be slightly smaller than the rabbet grooves in order to allow the window to expand and shrink depending on the weather conditions. Hardware stores can cut panes to precise dimensions.
After the new pane is set, wrap a string of glaziers' putty around the frame's perimeter and into the glass-frame joint. If the putty appears too hard it can be softened by dipping a knife in Linseed. Smooth the compound into the joint to create a neat, even joint.
After the putty has dried, paint it with exterior house paint. Let it cure for several days. If you don't have any exterior paint in your house You can also refinish the putty using wood varnish. Make sure you remove the varnish from the glass prior to attempting to re-glaze it. This will prevent the putty from adhering to the glass and leaving a water stain that could cause permanent damage.
Misted panes
Double glazing can make your home look modern and fresh. If you have double glazing that is misting or condensed between the panes, it is not only unsightly but also can make your home feel cold and uncomfortable.
Double glazed windows are made by sealing two panes of glass together, and then filling the gap with air or gas (such as xenon or argon) to create an insulation barrier that keeps heat inside and cold out. Unfortunately, this seal could be damaged over time due to various reasons. These include aging, environmental factors such as high humidity levels and temperature fluctuations and problems with the installation.
If your double glazed windows are starting to become misted, it's important to fix the issue as soon as possible. Untreated, it can cause more damage and lower the efficiency of your home's energy consumption.
The good news is that fixing your double glazing is simple. You can use a desiccant pack to absorb moisture and re-instate the air seal, or you can drill holes in the window and clean the area with ruby alcohol. This method does require a certain amount of DIY expertise and is not recommended to people who aren't at ease drilling into double pane windows.
Another great alternative is to put an unsoaked towel between the window panes. This will help in absorbing the moisture and stop future condensation build-up. Once the towel is saturated the towel, allow it to remain in place overnight and then rinse the window thoroughly with water to eliminate any excess vinegar.
There are kits that allow you to repair double-glazed windows with no drilling holes. The glass is cleared from the outside by using dry pellets which disappear as time passes. These kits are affordable and highly effective in removing condensation from your double-glazed window. But it is important to keep in mind that this solution only works for a short period of time and could require repeated use according to the amount of moisture present in the air between the windows.
Sagging panes
If windows aren't correctly fastened or supported, they can begin to sag over time. A window that is sagging is not just unsightly, but also indicates that the seals have failed, which can reduce the energy efficiency of the frame and glass. Visible condensation is the main indicator of sealant failure and a indication that it's time to get the windows replaced. The space between the panes of double-paned windows are usually filled with silica gel which has the capacity of absorbing water vapour to stop condensation. This is one of the main reasons why double-paned windows have higher energy efficiency than single-paned windows.
Add L-brackets to the bottom of your frame to fix windows that are sagging. This will help to prevent the sash from sliding down to the point that it sinks below the lower hinge shoe, and then begins to slide. Double-glazing firms can do this and is a relatively cheap way to fix windows that are sagging.
Broken seals
The window seals of modern double glazed windows play a vital function in keeping your home efficient and free of drafts. However, they could be broken due to damage or wear and wear and tear, or extreme weather conditions. When the uPVC seal is damaged it allows cold air to get into your home during winter, and hot air can escape in summer. This will increase your heating and cooling costs.
There are a few signs that you may have broken window seals, including unexplained drafts coming in from the frame of the window and fogging of the glass. The latter is a clear sign that the seals are damaged and the gas (usually argon or Krypton) which was vacuum sealed between the two panes has escaped, allowing moisture into the window. Unattended moisture can lead to dampness and mold which could be hazardous to your family's health and comfort.
Another sign of a broken window seal is the appearance of condensation that can't be wiped away from the outside or inside of your glass. This is a frequent issue with modern double-pane windows that are sealed with an inert gas, which can form when the temperature of the air and the temperature of the glass are at odds. If your windows still provide an ambiance that is comfortable and are still insulating, it is unlikely the seals are broken or damaged. They're likely to be old and require to be replaced.
Finally, you must ensure whether your window frame and the surrounding area of the glazing is free from cracks, chips, and discoloration. double glazing repair of damage could indicate that the frame is shifting around the glass panes and could cause the seal to crack. It is recommended to have your windows sealed by an expert at least every year to ensure that they are operating well.
There are many ways to seal your windows, but the best solution is determined by the extent of the damage and the condition of your windows. To ensure that you are using the right materials and techniques, it's best to seek advice from an expert before undertaking any DIY work on your windows.
