Double Glazed Door Repairs
Double-glazed windows and doors keep heat out, draughts out in and noise out, minimising the noise of barking dogs or traffic on nearby roads. They also serve as a deterrent to burglars because they are tough to break.
However, just like other home improvement products they can suffer from problems from time to time. This article will look at some of the most frequent issues and solutions.
Broken panes
A stray piece of gravel from the lawn mower, drinking too heavy on the glass-topped table, or the sudden weight of snow could all shatter window panes. The result is that your home is vulnerable to the weather and can be a dreadful sight. Double paned windows are easily repaired by replacing the damaged glass and then restoring their frames. A professional window company can provide glass panes that can be replaced, but the repair is relatively easy to make yourself if have some experience working with wood-framed windows and a few basic tools.
The first step in repairing a damaged window is to take off old glazing and glazing points. This requires some care as the old glass is usually fragile and hard. Wear gloves and a mask to shield yourself from flying pieces of glass. Make use of a putty knife to remove the old glazing compound from the recesses as well as the glazing points.
Measure the opening for the new glass after removing the old one. The pane should be slightly smaller than the size of the rabbet grooves to give the window room to expand and contract with the weather's changes. Hardware stores can cut panes precisely according to the required dimensions.
Roll a piece of putty for glaziers into the joint between the glass and frame after the new pane is put in place. If the putty is too hard to work with, put a knife into linseed oil to soften it. Then smooth the compound into place 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 have any exterior paint, you could also refinish the putty with wood varnish. Make sure you remove the varnish from the glass prior to trying to glaze it again. double glazing Enfield will prevent the putty from sticking to the glass, causing a stain of water that could cause permanent damages.
Misted panes
Double glazing can make your home look modern and clean. If you have double glazing with misted or condensation between panes, it's not just unsightly, but could make your home feel cold and uncomfortable.
Double-glazed windows are constructed by securing two panes of glass together and filling 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. These include age, environmental factors such as high humidity levels and temperature fluctuations, and issues with the installation.
If your double glazed windows are beginning to appear cloudy, you must fix the issue in the earliest time possible. If you leave it untreated, it could cause further damage and reduce the energy efficiency of your home.
Repairing double glazing isn't difficult. You can use a desiccant packing to absorb moisture and then re-instate the air seal, or drill holes into the window and then clean the window using rubbing alcohol. This technique requires certain level of DIY skills and is not recommended for those who aren't at ease drilling into double pane windows.
Another great alternative is to put a towel soaked in vinegar between the window panes. This will help in absorbing moisture and prevent further condensation build-up. Once the towel is saturated, leave it in place overnight, and then wash the window thoroughly with water to remove any excess vinegar.
There are kits that will allow you to repair double-glazed windows without drilling holes. The glass is cleared from the outside by using dry pellets which disappear over time. These kits are affordable and highly effective in getting rid of condensation from your double-glazed window. But, it's important to remember that this remedy only works for a short period of time and could require repeated use according to the amount of moisture present in the air between the windows.
Sagging panes
Over time, windows may begin to lose their shape if they are not properly supported or fastened. A window that is sliding is not just ugly, but also indicates that the seals have failed, which can reduce the energy efficiency of the frame and glass. Condensation visible can be an indication of sealant failure. It's also a sign that it's time to be replaced. The space between the panes of double-paned windows is usually filled with silica gel, that is capable of absorbing water vapor and helping stop condensation. This is a key reason why double glazing is more energy efficiency than single-paned windows.
Sagging windows can be corrected by adding support to the frame's bottom by using L-brackets. This can prevent the sash from moving down until it sinks below the lower hinge shoe and begins to sag. Double-glazing companies can easily do this and it is an affordable method to fix windows that are sagging.
Broken seals
The window seals found in modern double-glazed windows play an important part in keeping your home energy efficient and free of draft. However, they may become damaged or broken due to wear and tear, as well as extreme weather conditions. If a uPVC window seal breaks, it can allow cold air to enter your property during winter and hot air to escape during summer, which can result in a rise in your cooling and heating costs.
It is possible to have damaged seals if you notice drafts coming from the window frame or if the glass appears to be fogging. The fogging of the glass is an indication that the seals are damaged and that the inert gases (usually the argon or Krypton), which were vacuum sealed between two panes, are escaping. This allows moisture to get inside the window. If not addressed, the moisture could lead to dampness and mold, which could impact the health and well-being of your family members and even damage the structure of the building.
A window seal that is damaged can also be detected by the presence of condensation on the glass, either inside or on the outside. Modern double-paned windows sealed by an inert gas may have this issue. It happens when the glass and air temperatures are at odds. If your windows are still protecting your home from the elements and allowing an inviting living space, it is unlikely that the seals have been broken or blown away, but that they are just old and need to be replaced.
Lastly, you should check whether your window frame and the surrounding area of the glazing is free from cracks, chips, and discoloration. These indications of damage could mean that the frame has moved around the glass panes which can cause the seals to crack. It is recommended that you have your windows sealed by an expert at least every year to ensure that they are operating well.
There are a variety of ways to seal your windows, but the most effective approach depends on the extent of the damage and the state of your windows. Always seek advice from a professional before undertaking any DIY projects for your windows to ensure you are using the correct materials and methods.