Double Glazed Door Repairs
Double-glazed windows and doors keep draughts out, heat in and noise out, minimising the noise of barking dogs or traffic on nearby roads. They also act as a security measure against burglars since they are extremely difficult to break.
Like any other home improvement products they can suffer from problems from time to time. This article will address the most common problems and their solutions.
Broken panes
A small stray pebble from your lawn mower, an unintentionally spilled drink laid heavily on your glass-topped coffee table or the sudden weight of snow could cause windows to shatter. This could leave your home vulnerable to weather damage and can be a dreadful sight. Fortunately, double-paned windows can be repaired by replacing the broken glass and rebuilding the frame. A professional window manufacturer can produce replacement glass panes, however the repair is fairly simple to do yourself if you have some experience with wood-frame windows and a few basic tools.
The first step in repairing a damaged window is to remove the old glass and glazing points. This requires some attention as the old glass is often hard and brittle. Wear gloves and a mask to shield your face from flying glass fragments. Use a putty blade remove the old glaze compound from the recesses and the glazing points.
Measure the opening for the new glass after taking out the old one. The pane should be a little smaller than the rabbet grooves to give the window room to expand and contract with the weather's changing. Hardware stores can cut panes according 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 is too hard to work with, use a knife to dip it into linseed oil to soften it. Smooth the compound into the joint to create a neat and even joint.
Once the putty has dried, paint it with exterior house paint. Allow it to cure for a few days. If you don't happen to have any exterior house paint, you could restore the finish of your putty by using wood varnish. Be sure to remove any varnish that is on the glass prior to re-glazing it. This will stop the putty from sticking to the glass, causing a stain of water which could cause permanent damage.
Misted panes
Double glazing is an excellent option to keep your home looking neat and modern. If you have double glazing that is misting or condensed between the panes, it's not just unsightly but also can make your home feel cold and uncomfortable.
Double-glazed windows are created by sealing two panes together and then filling the gap with gas (such argon or as xenon). This creates a barrier of insulation that keeps warmth inside and cold outside. Unfortunately, over time, this seal can fail due to a variety of causes. This includes age, environmental factors such as high temperatures and humidity levels, and issues with the installation.
If your double-glazed windows are beginning to appear cloudy, you must fix the issue as soon as possible. Leaving it untreated can result in further damage and lower the efficiency of your home.
Fortunately, repairing your double glazing is relatively simple. You can use a desiccant to absorb moisture, and then put back the air seal. Alternatively, you can drill through the window. Then, clean the area by using ruby alcohol. This method, however, requires a certain level of DIY expertise and is not recommended for those who aren't comfortable drilling into their double pane windows.
A towel that has been soaked in vinegar can also be placed between the window panes. This will help absorb moisture and prevent future condensation from forming. Once the towel is saturated the towel, allow it to remain in place for a few hours, then wash the window thoroughly with water to remove any vinegar residue.
There are double glazing repairs that will allow you to repair double-glazed windows with no drilling holes. The glass is removed from the outside using dry pellets that disintegrate as time passes. These kits are usually inexpensive and are extremely efficient in removing condensation and restoring your double glazed windows to their former glory. It's important to remember that this remedy is only effective for a short duration and may need to be repeated based on the amount of moisture in the air between your windows.
Sagging panes
Over time, windows may begin to shrink if they are not properly supported or fastened. Sagging windows aren't just visually unattractive, but they also indicate that the seals on the frame and glass have failed. This reduces the efficiency of the windows. Condensation visible is the primary indication of a sealant's failure and a sign that it's time to get the windows replaced. The space between the panes of double-paned windows typically filled with silica gel which has the capacity of absorbing water vapor to prevent condensation. This is the primary reason why double-paned windows have higher energy efficiency than single-paned windows.
Windows that are sagging can be fixed by securing the bottom of the frame with L-brackets. This can stop the sash from sliding below the lower hinge shoe. This can be done easily by a double-glazing repair company and is a fairly affordable method to fix your sagging windows.
Broken seals
Modern double-glazed windows come with window seals that are crucial to keep your home energy efficient and draft free. They are susceptible to being damaged or worn out or even damaged by extreme weather conditions. When a uPVC window seal becomes broken it could let cold air into your home in winter and hot air to escape during summer, which will result in a rise in your cooling and heating costs.
There are several indications that you might have damaged window seals, including unexplained drafts coming through the frame of the window and fogging of the glass. The latter is a clear indicator that the seals have been damaged and the gas (usually argon or Krypton) which was vacuum sealed between the two panes has escaped and allowed moisture to enter the window. Unattended moisture can lead to dampness and mold, which can be harmful to your family's health as well as comfort.
Another sign of a broken window seal is the appearance of condensation that can't be removed from the inside or outside of your glass. Modern double-paned windows insulated by an inert gas may be affected by this issue. It occurs when glass and air temperatures are at odds. If your windows are insulating the property and providing an inviting living space it is likely that the seals have failed or blown out, but that they are just old and in need of replacement.
The last thing to do is make sure that the window frame and surrounding area of the glass are free from any chips, cracks, or discoloration. These signs of damage could indicate that the frame has moved around the glass panes, which can cause the seals to crack. It is recommended to have your windows resealed by professionals at least each year to ensure they are operating properly.
There are a variety of methods for resealing your windows, but the most effective approach depends on the extent of the damage and the state of your windows. To ensure that you are using the correct materials and techniques, it is best to consult an expert before undertaking any DIY project for your windows.