Double-glazed windows and doors keep noise and draughts away while allowing heat to enter. This reduces the disruption caused by barking dogs as well as traffic on the nearby roads. They also serve as a protection against burglars as they are difficult to break.
As with any other home improvement product, they could be a problem. This article will address some of the most frequent problems and solutions.
Broken panes
A small stray pebble from the lawn mower a drink set down too heavy on your glass-topped coffee table, or the sudden weight of snow could break windows. This can leave 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 rebuilding the frame. Professional window companies can supply replacement glass panes. However the repair is possible by yourself if you are familiar with wood-framed windows and have some basic 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 often brittle and hard. double glazing repairs near me and a mask to shield your face from flying glass fragments. Use a putty blade to remove the old glazing compound from the recesses as well as the glazing points.
Find the opening for the new glass after removing the old one. The pane size should be a little smaller than that of the rabbet grooves to allow the window to expand and expand depending on the weather conditions. Hardware stores can cut panes to precise dimensions.
After the new pane is positioned, roll a cord of glaziers' glue around the perimeter of the frame 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 neat and even joint.
After the putty has dried paint it with exterior house paint. Let it dry for several days. If you don't have any exterior house paint, you can also finish your putty with wood varnish. Be sure to remove any varnish from the glass prior to reglazing it. This will stop the putty from sticking to the glass, leaving a smudge of water which could cause permanent damage.
Misted panes
Double glazing is a great way to keep your home looking tidy and modern. If you have double glazing that has misted or condensed between the panes, it is not only unsightly but also makes your home feel cold and uncomfortable.
Double-glazed windows are constructed by sealing two sheets 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. Sadly, this seal can be damaged over time due to a variety of reasons. These include aging, environmental factors such as high temperatures and humidity levels, and issues with the installation.
If your double-glazed windows are beginning to appear misted, it's important to fix the issue as soon as possible. If left untreated, it could cause more damage and reduce the efficiency of your home's energy consumption.
Repairing double-glazed windows isn't difficult. You can use a desiccant to absorb moisture, and then reinstall the air seal, or you can drill through the window. Clean the window with ruby alcohol. This method does require a certain level of DIY expertise and is not recommended to those who aren't comfortable drilling into double pane windows.
A towel soaked with vinegar can be placed between the window panes. This will help in absorbing the moisture and stop future condensation build-up. Once the towel is saturated, leave it in place for a few hours, then wash the window thoroughly with water to get rid of any vinegar residue.
There are kits available that allow you to repair double-glazed windows with no drilling holes. The glass is cleared from the outside using dry pellets which disappear over time. These kits are inexpensive and highly efficient in getting rid of condensation from your double glazed window. But, it's important to remember that this solution only works for a short period of time and could need to be repeated often according to the amount of moisture present in the air between the windows.
Sagging panes
If windows aren't properly fastened or supported, they can begin to lose their support over time. A sagging window is not only unsightly but also means the seals are failing, which reduces the efficiency of the glass and frame. Visible condensation can be an indication of a sealant failing. It's also a signal that it's time to be replaced. The space between the panes of double-paned windows are typically filled with silica gel which has the capacity of absorbing water vapor and helping prevent condensation. This is the main reason why double-paned glass windows are more energy efficient than single-paned windows.
Add L-brackets to the bottom of your frame to fix windows that are sagging. This will stop the sash from sliding below the lower hinge shoe. Double-glazing companies can easily do this and is an affordable method to fix windows that are sagging.
Broken seals
The window seals of modern double glazed windows play an important role in keeping your home energy efficient and free of drafts. However, they could be broken due to damage or wear and tear, as well as extreme weather conditions. If a uPVC seal is damaged it allows cold air to get into your home during winter, and hot air could escape in summer. This will increase your heating and cooling costs.
There are several indications that you may have broken window seals, such as unprovoked drafts coming through 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 vacuum sealed between the two panes is now escaping which has let moisture in the window. If left unaddressed the moisture may cause dampness and mold that could affect the health and well-being of your family members and even cause structural damage to the building.
Another sign of a broken window seal is the appearance of condensation that is unable to be wiped away from the inside or outside of your glass. Modern double-paned windows that are sealed with inert gas can have this problem. It happens when the glass and air temperatures are in conflict. If your windows are still protecting your home from the elements and allowing an inviting living space It is not likely that the seals have failed or blown, but rather they're simply old and in need of replacement.
Finally, you must ensure that the frame of your window and the surrounding area of the glazing is free from chips, cracks, or discoloration. These signs of damage may suggest that the frame is shifting around the panes of glass, and this can cause the seal to break. It is recommended to have your windows professionally replaced every year, at a minimum, to ensure that they're functioning correctly.
There are a myriad of ways to reseal your windows. The best method depends on the damage and condition of your windows. To ensure you're using the right materials and methods, it's recommended to consult with an expert before undertaking any DIY work on your windows.
