Double Glazed Door Repairs
Double-glazed doors and windows keep draughts away, heat in, and noise out, reducing noise from barking dogs or traffic on nearby roads. They also provide a valuable deterrent to burglars because they are extremely difficult to break.
However, just like other home improvement products they are susceptible to issues from time to time. This article will cover the most frequent issues and their solutions.
Broken panes
A stray piece of gravel from your lawn mower, an unintentionally spilled drink laid heavily on your glass-topped coffee table or the sudden weight of snow can cause windows to shatter. This can leave your house vulnerable to the weather and is an unattractive sight. Fortunately, double-paned windows can be repaired by replacing the damaged glass and restoring the frame. A professional window manufacturer can provide glass panes that can be replaced, but the repair is relatively easy to make yourself if have some experience with wood-frame windows and a few tools.
The first step to repairing a damaged window is to take off old glazing and glazing points. This requires a bit of care since the old glass is often brittle and hard. Wear gloves and a face mask to protect yourself from flying pieces of glass. Use a putty knife to remove the old glazing compound and the glazing points from the frames' recesses.
Measure the opening for the new glass after you have removed the old one. The pane size should be slightly smaller than the rabbet grooves in order to allow the window to expand and shrink in response to weather changes. Hardware stores can cut panes precisely to the needed dimensions.
Once the new pane has been positioned, roll a cord of glaziers' putty around the perimeter of the frame and into the glass-frame joint. If the putty is difficult to work with, use a knife to dip it into linseed oil to soften it. Smooth the compound into the joint to create a smooth and even joint.
After the putty is dry paint it over with a high-quality exterior house paint and let it cure completely. If you don't have exterior paint on hand, you can finish the putty using wood varnish. Be sure to remove the varnish from the glass before trying to glaze it again. This will prevent the putty from sticking to the glass and leaving a water stain that could cause permanent damage.
Misted panes
Double glazing is a fantastic option to keep your home looking tidy and modern. If you have double glazing that has misted or condensed between the panes, it's not just unsightly, but can also make your home feel cold and uncomfortable.
Double-glazed windows are created by sealing two panes together and filling the gap with gas (such as xenon or argon). This creates an insulating barrier which keeps heat in and cold outside. However, over time, this seal can break due to a variety of causes. This could be due to aging environmental factors such as high humidity and temperature fluctuations as well as problems with the installation.
If your double-glazed windows are beginning to appear misty, it's crucial to repair the issue as soon as you can. If left untreated, it can cause further damage and decrease the 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 drill holes in the window and then clean the window using ruby alcohol. This technique requires certain level DIY skills and is not recommended to those who aren't comfortable drilling into double pane windows.
Another option is to place a towel soaked in vinegar between the window panes. This will help absorb the moisture and stop future condensation build-up. Once the towel is saturated, leave it in place overnight and then rinse the window thoroughly with water to eliminate any vinegar residue.
There are kits that will allow you to repair double-glazed windows without drilling holes. The glass is cleaned from the outside using dry pellets which disappear with time. These kits are cheap and highly efficient in getting rid of condensation from your double glazed window. It's important to note that this method is only effective for a short period of time and may have to be repeated depending on the amount moisture in the air between your windows.
Sagging panes
If windows aren't correctly fixed or supported, they can begin to lose their support over time. A window that is sliding is not just unsightly, but also means the seals are failing, which reduces the efficiency of the glass and frame. Visible condensation is the main indicator of sealant failure and is a indication that it's time to get the windows replaced. In double-paned window frames, the space between each pane is filled with silica. The gel can absorb water vapor and stop condensation. This is one of the main reasons why double-paned windows have higher energy efficiency than single-paned windows.
Sagging windows can be corrected by adding support to the bottom of the frame by using L-brackets. This can stop the sash from sagging below the lower hinge shoe. This can be easily done by a double-glazing repair service and is a relatively inexpensive way to restore your windows that are sagging.
Broken seals
Modern double-glazed windows have window seals which are essential to keep your home energy efficient and draught free. They are susceptible to being damaged or worn out and even by extreme weather conditions. If a uPVC window seal becomes broken it could allow cold air to enter your home during winter, and hot air to escape during summer, which will result in an increase in your cooling and heating bills.
It is possible to have damaged seals if you notice drafts emanating from the frame of the window or if the glass appears to be fogged. The fogging of the glass is an indication that the seals are damaged and the inert gases (usually the argon or krypton) which were sealed between two panes, have escaped. This allows moisture to get into the window. If moisture is not taken care of, it can cause mold and dampness which can be detrimental to your family's health as well as comfort.
Another sign of a broken window seal is the appearance of condensation that cannot be wiped away from the inside or outside of your glass. This is a common issue with modern double-pane windows that are sealed by an inert gas which can form when the temperature of the air and the temperature of the glass clash. If your windows are protecting your home from the elements and allowing the space you want to live in it is likely that the seals have been broken or blown, but rather that they are just old and need to be replaced.
Finally, double glazing window repairs must ensure that your window frame and the area surrounding the glass are free of chips, cracks, and discoloration. These signs of damage could indicate that the frame is shifting around the glass panes and could cause the seal to break. It is recommended that you have your windows resealed by a professional at least once every year to ensure they are working correctly.
There are many ways to reseal your windows. The most effective method is dependent on the damage and condition of your windows. Always consult an expert before attempting any DIY projects for your windows to ensure you're using the correct materials and techniques.