Double Glazed Door Repairs
Double-glazed windows and doors keep heat out, draughts out in, and noise out, reducing disturbance from dogs barking or traffic on nearby roads. They also provide a valuable deterrent for burglars as they are difficult to break.
Like any other home improvement product, they can be a problem. This article will address some of the most common problems and solutions.
Broken panes
A pebble that has fallen from your lawnmower or a drink that is placed too heavy on a glass-topped table can all break windows. This can leave your house exposed to weather and is an unattractive sight. 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 can be completed by you when you are familiar with wood-framed windows and have some basic tools.
The first step in repairing a damaged window is to take off old glazing and glazing points. This requires some attention, as the old glazing is often brittle and hard. Wear gloves and a face mask to protect yourself from flying pieces of glass. Make use of a putty knife to pry out the old glazing compound from the recesses and the glazing points.
After the old glass has been removed, take measurements of the opening to fit the new window pane. The pane should be slightly smaller than the size of the rabbet grooves in order to give the window room to expand and contract with the weather's changing. Hardware stores can cut panes to precise dimensions.
Once the new pane has been set, wrap a string of glaziers' glue around the frame's perimeter and into the glass-frame joint. If the putty is difficult to work, dip a knife into linseed oil to soften it. Smooth the compound into the joint to create a clean, even joint.
Once the putty has dried, paint it with exterior house paint. Allow it to cure for several days. If you don't happen to have any exterior house paint, you could refinish your putty using wood varnish. Make sure you remove the varnish from the glass prior to attempting to apply it again. This will stop the putty from sticking to the glass, leaving a smudge of water that could cause permanent damage.
Misted panes
Double glazing can help your home look modern and clean. If you have double glazing that is misting or condensed between the panes it's not just ugly, but can also make your home feel cold and uncomfortable.
Double-glazed windows are constructed by sealing two sheets of glass together, and then filling the gap with gas or air (such as argon or xenon) to create an insulation barrier that keeps heat in and cold out. However, 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 cloudy, you must fix the issue in the earliest time possible. If left untreated, it could cause more damage and lower the efficiency of your home's energy consumption.
Repairing double glazing is not difficult. You can use a desiccant bag to absorb moisture and then re-instate the air seal, or you can drill holes into the window and then clean the area with rubbing alcohol. This technique requires certain level DIY expertise and is not recommended to people who do not feel comfortable drilling holes into double pane windows.
Another alternative is to put an unsoaked towel between the window panes. This will help in absorbing the moisture and stop future condensation build-up. After the towel has been soaked the towel, allow it to remain in place for a few hours, then wash the window thoroughly with water to eliminate any vinegar residue.
There are kits that allow you to repair double-glazed windows without drilling any holes. The glass is cleared from the outside by using dry pellets that disintegrate over time. These kits are usually inexpensive and can be extremely efficient in removing condensation and restoring double-glazed windows to their former glory. However, it's worth remembering that this method is only effective for a short period of time and could require repeated use according to the amount of moisture in the air between the windows.
Sagging panes
If windows are not properly fastened or supported they could begin to sag over time. A window that is sliding is not only unsightly but also indicates that the seals are failing, which reduces the efficiency of the glass and frame. Condensation visible can be a sign of sealant failure. It's also a sign it's time for the windows to be replaced. The space between the panes of double-paned windows usually filled with silica gel that is capable of absorbing water vapour to 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 can stop the sash from sagging below the lower hinge shoe. This can be done easily by a double-glazing repair company and is a relatively affordable method to fix your windows that have sagged.
Broken seals
The window seals of modern double glazed windows play an important part in keeping your home energy efficient and free of draft. However, they may become damaged or destroyed due to wear and tear, as well as extreme weather conditions. If a uPVC window seal breaks it could allow cold air to enter your home during winter, and hot air to escape during summer, which can result in an increase in your heating and cooling costs.
There are a few signs that you may have broken window seals. double glazing repair include unidentified drafts coming in from the window frame and fogging of the glass. The latter is a clear indication that the seals have been damaged and the gas (usually argon or Krypton) which was sealed between the two panes has escaped, allowing moisture into the window. If not addressed the moisture can lead to dampness and mold, which could impact the health and well-being of your family members as well as cause structural damage to the building.
A broken window seal can also be detected by the presence of condensation on the glass, either on the inside or outside. This is a common issue with modern double-pane windows that are sealed with an inert gas, which may form when temperatures of the air and the glass are at odds. 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 damaged or blown out, but that they are just old and in need of replacement.
Last but not least, make sure that the window frame and surrounding area of the glass are free of any chips, cracks or discoloration. These signs of damage could suggest that the frame is moving around the glass panes and could cause the seal to fail. It is recommended that your windows are professionally resealed at least once per year to ensure that they are working correctly.
There are a myriad of methods for resealing your windows, but the best method is determined by the severity of the damage and the condition of your windows. To ensure you use the correct materials and techniques, it's best to consult a professional before attempting any DIY project on your windows.
