Double-glazed windows and doors keep draughts out, heat in, and noise out, reducing disturbance from dogs barking or traffic on nearby roads. They are also a good security measure against burglars since they are difficult to break.
As with any other home improvement product, they can have problems. This article will address some of the most frequently encountered problems and solutions.
Broken panes
A stray piece of gravel from your lawn mower, drinking too heavily on your glass-topped coffee table or the abrupt weight of snow can all shatter window panes. This can leave your home vulnerable to the elements, and is an ugly sight to behold. Fortunately, double-paned windows can be repaired by replacing the broken glass and fixing the frame. Professional window companies can provide replacement glass panes. However the repair can be completed by you in the event that you are comfortable with wood-framed windows and have some basic tools.
The first step to repair damaged windows is to remove the old window and glazing points from the frame. This requires some attention as the old glass is often fragile and hard. Wear gloves and a mask to protect your face from glass fragments flying around. Use a putty knife remove the old compound for glazing and the glazing points from the recesses of the frames.
Once the old glass is removed, measure the opening for the new window pane. The pane size should be slightly smaller than the rabbet grooves, allowing the window to expand and contract as the weather changes. Hardware stores can cut panes precisely to the required measurements.
Roll a cord of putty for glaziers into the joint between the frame and glass after the new pane is placed. If the putty is too hard to work with, put a knife in linseed oil and use it to soften it. Then, smooth the compound to create a neat and even joint.
When the putty has dried paint it over with a good exterior house paint and allow it to cure completely. If you don't happen to have any exterior house paint, you can also restore the finish of your putty by using 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, causing a stain of water that could cause permanent damage.
Misted panes
Double glazing is a great method to keep your home looking clean and modern. But, if you've got double glazing that is misted or has condensation between panes, it's not only unsightly but can cause your home to feel cold and uncomfortable.
Double-glazed windows are constructed by securing two panes of glass together and filling in the gap with air or gas (such as xenon or argon) to create an insulating barrier that keeps heat inside and cold out. Unfortunately, over time this seal may fail due to a variety of causes. This could be due to aging environmental factors, such as high temperatures and humidity as well as problems with the installation.
It is crucial to fix the problem immediately after it happens. Untreated, it can cause more damage and decrease the energy efficiency of your home.
Repairing double-glazed windows isn't difficult. You can use a desiccant pack to absorb moisture, then re-instate the air seal, or you can drill holes in the window and clean the space with ruby alcohol. However, this technique requires a certain degree of DIY expertise and is not recommended for those who are not comfortable drilling holes into double pane windows.
Another great option is to place an unsoaked towel between the window panes. This will help to absorb the moisture and stop future condensation from forming. After the towel is filled with water, allow it to rest for a night. Then wash the window with water to eliminate the vinegar residue.
If you're looking to fix your double glazed windows with out drilling holes There are kits available that allow you to clear the glass from the outside using dry pellets that dissolve over time. These kits are typically inexpensive and can be very efficient in eliminating condensation and restoring double-glazed windows to their former glory. It's important to remember that this solution is only effective for a brief duration and may have to be repeated depending on the amount of moisture present in the air between your windows.
Sagging panes
If windows aren't correctly fixed or supported they could begin to lose their support over time. Sagging windows are not only visually unattractive however, they also signify that the seals on the glass and frame have failed. This can reduce the efficiency of the windows. Visible condensation is the main indicator of sealant failure and is a sign that it's time to have windows replaced. In double-paned window frames, the space between the panes is filled with silica. The gel is able to absorb water vapor and stop condensation. This is the primary reason why double-paned windows are more energy efficient than single paned windows.
Install L-brackets on the bottom of your frame to correct windows that are sliding. This will help to prevent the sash from sliding down until it sinks below the lower hinge shoe and starts to lose its shape. Double-glazing companies can easily do this and is an affordable method to restore sagging windows.
Broken seals
Modern double-glazed windows feature window seals which are essential for keeping your home energy efficient and draught free. However, they could be broken due to damage or wear and wear and tear, or extreme weather conditions. If a uPVC seal is broken, cold air can get into your home during winter, and hot air can escape during summer. This can increase your heating and cooling costs.
There are a few indications that you might have damaged window seals. These include unidentified drafts coming in from the window frame and fogging of the glass. This is a clear sign that the seals have been damaged and the inert gas (usually argon or krypton) that was sealed by vacuum between the two panes has escaped and allowed moisture to enter the window. If double glazing repair unaddressed the moisture can cause dampness and mold which can affect the health and comfort of your family members and even damage the structure of the building.
Another indication of a broken window seal is the appearance of condensation that cannot be removed from the inside or outside of your glass. Modern double-paned windows sealed by an inert gas may have this problem. It happens when the temperatures of the glass and the air are in conflict. If your windows are still insulate your home and provide the space you want to live in, it is unlikely that the seals have been broken or blown away, but they're simply old and need to be replaced.
In the final instance, make sure whether 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 could cause the seals to crack. You should have your windows professionally repaired at least once per year to ensure that they're functioning properly.
There are many ways to seal your windows, but the most effective method is determined by the severity of the damage and the state of your windows. Always seek advice from an expert before attempting any DIY projects on your windows to ensure that you are using the right materials and methods.
