Double-glazed windows and doors keep draughts away, heat in and noise out, minimising the noise of barking dogs or traffic on nearby roads. They also provide a valuable deterrent to burglars because they are difficult to break.
However, just like other home improvement products they are susceptible to issues from time to time. This article will discuss the most frequently encountered issues and their solutions.
Broken panes
Snow, a rogue pebble from your lawnmowers' hose or a drink that is placed too heavily on a glass-topped coffeetable can all break windows. This could leave your home vulnerable to weather damage and create a distasteful view. Double paned windows are easily repaired by replacing the damaged glass and then restoring their frames. A professional window manufacturer can produce glass panes that can be replaced, but the repair is fairly simple to fix yourself if you have some experience with wood-frame windows and a few tools.
The first step in repairing a damaged window is to remove old glazing and glazing points. This requires a bit of care since the old glass is often fragile and hard. Wear gloves and a mask to shield your face from glass fragments flying around. Make use of a putty knife to pry out the old glaze compound from the recesses and the glazing points.
Once the old glass is 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 give the window room to expand and contract in response to the weather's changes. Hardware stores can cut panes precisely to the required measurements.
After the new pane is set, wrap a string of glaziers' glue around the perimeter of the frame and into the glass-frame joint. 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 clean and even joint.
Once the putty is dry, paint over it with a quality exterior house paint and allow it to cure completely. If you don't have any exterior paint on hand You can finish the putty with wood varnish. Make sure to remove any varnish from the glass prior re-glazing it. This will prevent the putty from sticking to the glass and leaving a water stain that could cause permanent damage.
Misted panes
Double glazing can help your home look modern and fresh. If you have double glazing with misted or condensation in between panes it's not just ugly but could make your home feel uncomfortable and cold.
Double glazed windows are made by sealing two panes of glass together and filling in the gap with air or gas (such as argon or xenon) to create an insulation barrier that keeps heat inside and cold out. Unfortunately, over time, this seal may fail due to a variety of causes. 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 in the earliest time possible. If not addressed, it can cause more damage and reduce the efficiency of your home's energy consumption.
Repairing double glazing isn't difficult. You can use a desiccant bag to absorb moisture and re-instate the air seal, or drill holes into the window and then clean the window using ruby alcohol. This method requires a certain amount of DIY abilities and is not recommended for people who do not feel comfortable drilling into double pane windows.
Another 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. After the towel has been soaked, leave it in place overnight, and then wash the window thoroughly with water to eliminate any vinegar residue.
There are kits available that allow you to repair double-glazed windows without drilling any holes. The glass is removed from the outside with dry pellets which disappear with time. These kits are usually inexpensive and are extremely effective at removing condensation and restoring your double glazed windows to their former glory. Read the Full Write-up to remember that this remedy is only effective for a short duration and may have to be repeated depending on the amount of moisture present in the air between your windows.
Sagging panes
Over time, windows will begin to lose their shape if they are not properly secured or supported. The windows that are sagging are not just visually unattractive but also indicate that the seals on the frame and glass have failed. This can reduce the energy efficiency. Condensation that is visible could be an indication of sealant failure. It's also a signal that it's time for the windows to be replaced. The space between the panes of double-paned windows is typically filled with silica gel that is capable of absorbing water vapour to stop condensation. This is the primary reason why double glazing is more energy efficiency than single pane windows.
Install L-brackets on the bottom of your frame to fix windows that are sagging. This will help to prevent the sash from sliding down until it sinks below the lower hinge shoe and starts to sag. This can be done easily by a double-glazing repair service and is a fairly inexpensive way to restore your sagging windows.
Broken seals
The window seals in modern double-glazed windows play a vital part in keeping your home energy-efficient and draught-free. They are susceptible to being damaged or worn out, and even impacted by extreme weather conditions. If a uPVC window seal becomes broken it could let cold air into your property during winter and hot air to escape during summer, which will result in an increase in your cooling and heating bills.
There are a few signs that you might have broken window seals. These include unidentified drafts that are coming from the frame of the window or fogging of the glass. This is a clear sign that the seals are damaged and the inert gas (usually argon or krypton) which was sealed between the two panes has escaped which has let moisture in the window. If not addressed the moisture can cause dampness and mold which can affect the health and comfort of your family members and even cause structural damage to the building.
A broken window seal can also be identified by the presence of condensation on the glass, either inside or on the outside. This is a common problem for modern double-pane windows that are sealed with an inert gas which can form when the air temperature and glass temperature are at odds. If your windows are still providing a comfortable living environment and are still insulate, it is unlikely that the seals are damaged or blowing. They're likely to be old and require to be replaced.
The last thing to do is ensure that the window frame and surrounding area of the glass are free of any chips, cracks, or discoloration. These signs of damage may suggest that the frame is shifting around the glass panes, and this can cause the seal to break. It is recommended to get your windows resealed by professionals at least each year to ensure they are operating correctly.
There are many ways to seal your windows. The best method depends on the damage and condition of your windows. To ensure that you are using the right materials and techniques, it's best to seek advice from an expert prior to undertaking any DIY project for your windows.
