Double-glazed doors and windows keep draughts out, heat in, and noise out, reducing noise of barking dogs or traffic on nearby roads. They also act as a protection against burglars as they are tough to break.
Like any other home improvement product, they may have problems. This article will address some of the most frequent problems and their solutions.
Broken panes
A small stray pebble from your lawn mower, drinking too heavy on the glass-topped table, or the sudden weight of snow can cause windows to shatter. This can leave your house vulnerable to the weather and can be a dreadful sight. Double pane windows can be repaired by replacing the damaged glass and then restoring their frames. Professional window companies can offer replacement glass panes. However repairs is possible by yourself when you are familiar with wood-frame Windows and have some basic tools.
The first step in repairing a damaged window is to take off old glazing and glazing points. Doing this requires some care because the old glass is usually hard and brittle. Wear gloves and a face mask to shield yourself from flying bits of glass. Use a putty knife to scrape the old glazing compound and the glazing points from the recesses of the frames.
Find the opening for the new glass after you have removed the old one. The pane's dimensions should be slightly smaller than the rabbet grooves to allow the window to expand and shrink in response to weather changes. Hardware stores can cut panes to precise measurements.
Once the new pane has been placed, roll a piece of glaziers' putty around the frame's perimeter and into the glass-frame joint. If the putty seems too hard to handle, you can soften it by dipping a knife into Linseed. Smooth the compound into the joint to create a clean and even joint.
After the putty has dried paint it with exterior house paint. Allow it to cure for a few days. If you don't have exterior paint in your house, you could also refinish the putty with wood varnish. Be sure to remove the varnish from the glass prior to attempting to glaze it again. This will prevent the putty from sticking to the glass, leaving a smudge 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 is misting or condensed between the panes, it is not only unsightly, but can also make your home feel cold and uncomfortable.
Double-glazed windows are created by securing two panes together and then filling the gap with gas (such as xenon or argon). This creates an insulating barrier which keeps heat in and cold outside. Unfortunately, over time, this seal may fail due to various reasons. These include aging environmental factors, such as high humidity levels and temperature fluctuations, and issues with the installation.
If your double glazed windows are starting to become misty, it's crucial to fix the issue as soon as you can. If left untreated, it can cause further damage and decrease the energy efficiency of your home.
Repairing double glazing isn't difficult. You can use a desiccant bag to absorb moisture, then re-instate the air seal, or drill holes into the window and clean the space using ruby alcohol. However, this method requires a certain amount of DIY skill and is not recommended for those who aren't comfortable drilling holes into their double pane windows.
Another great alternative is to put a towel soaked in vinegar between the window panes. This will help in absorbing the moisture and stop future condensation build-up. Once the towel has been submerged, let it sit for a few hours. Then wash the window with water to remove the excess vinegar.
If you're looking to fix your double glazed windows without drilling holes there are kits that let you clear the glass from the outside with dry pellets that disappear over time. These kits are cheap and extremely efficient in eliminating condensation from your double-glazed window. It is important to keep in mind that this method is only effective for a limited period of time and could have to be repeated depending on the amount of moisture in the air between your windows.
Sagging panes
If windows aren't correctly fixed or supported they may begin to lose their support over time. Sagging windows aren't just ugly but also indicate that the seals on the frame and glass have failed. This can reduce the energy efficiency. double glazing near me is the main indication of a sealant's failure and a signal that it's the right time to have windows replaced. The space between the panes of double-paned windows is typically filled with silica gel which is capable of absorbing water vapour to stop condensation. This is the primary reason why double-paned glass windows are more energy efficient than single-paned windows.
Sagging windows can be corrected by adding support to the frame's bottom by using L-brackets. This can prevent the sash from sliding downwards until it sinks below the lower hinge shoe and begins to lose its shape. Double-glazing companies can easily do this and it is a relatively cheap way to restore sagging windows.
Broken seals
The window seals in modern double-glazed windows play a crucial function in keeping your home energy efficient and draught-free. However, they may become damaged or destroyed due to wear and wear and tear, or extreme weather conditions. If a uPVC seal is damaged it allows cold air to be able to enter your home in winter, and hot air could escape in summer. This will increase your cooling and heating costs.
You may have broken seals if you notice drafts emanating from the frame of the window or if your glass appears fogging. This is a clear indicator that the seals are damaged and the gas (usually argon or krypton) which was sealed between the two panes has leaked out which has let moisture in the window. If not addressed, the moisture could lead to dampness and mold that could affect the health and well-being of your family members and even cause structural damage to the building.
Another indication of a damaged window seal is the appearance of condensation that cannot be removed either from the outside or the inside of your glass. Modern double-paned windows insulated with an inert gases can have this issue. It happens when the temperatures of the glass and the air are at odds. If your windows are still insulating the property and providing an inviting living space it is likely that the seals have been damaged or blown away, but they're simply old and in need of replacement.
Finally, you must ensure that your window frame and the area surrounding the glazing is free from cracks, chips, and discoloration. These signs of damage could indicate that the frame has moved around the glass panes which can cause the seals to fail. You should have your windows professionally resealed at least once per year to ensure that they are working properly.
There are many ways to seal your windows, but the best method is determined by the severity of the damage and the state of your windows. To ensure you use the correct materials and techniques, it is recommended to consult with a professional before attempting any DIY project for your windows.
