Glazing Repairs
Making repairs to your glazing correctly can boost your home's value. This will also improve the efficiency of your window or doors.
However, it isn't always easy to determine what the issue you're experiencing requires professional assistance. Here are some of the most frequent problems that require to be fixed:
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals are an essential element of your glazing system that protect, insulate, and protect windows from external air and moisture. Although they are designed to last for a long time and could require repair or replacement, the fact is that they will have to be replaced at some time. The good news is that there are several options for repair in accordance with your budget and timeframe.
Fogging in your double-paned insulated glass unit is one of the most frequent indications that the window seals are failing. Foggy windows can be caused by a damaged seal between two glass panes within your IGU. This can allow moisture to seep through, causing condensation. Steamers are a great option to defog the windows or apply window putty. However, it's recommended to get your window seals repaired by an expert.
In addition to allowing fogging and condensation between the window panes, a faulty seal could cause your windows to lose their insulating value. The space between the two panes of glass is filled with an inert gas such as xenon or argon which helps the IGU ward off heat transfer and keep heat in the home. When the window seal fails, the insulating benefit of your IGU will be lost and your energy bills will increase.
As time passes, rubber gaskets will begin to degrade due to aging and exposure. The degradation can be accelerated by insufficient treatment or environmental factors, such as UV radiation. This can cause mildew and mold if not taken care of. This can eat away at the frame and sash on your IGU, destroying the appearance and compromising insulation.
The best way to avoid the loss of window seals is by performing regular maintenance and avoiding common errors. For instance, do not use a high-pressure washer to clean your windows since it could get into the sash and cause damage to the seal. Also, avoid adding a reflective window film to your insulated glass, since it could invalidate the warranty and harm the sealant material. Also, be cautious when using chemical products, such as paint strippers, since they can damage the sealant and cause it to fail.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a common issue that requires immediate attention. A cracked pane of glass within a window could be thrown down and cause additional windows to break or create a draft, or even allow insects or water to enter your home. A broken pane of glass could pose a risk to anyone who comes in contact with it. This is especially true for pets and children. In addition to being a safety risk, shattered glass can be difficult to remove and may result in additional damage to frames, sash and adjacent surfaces.
When a windowpane cracks the first step is to seal it up using a cross-patch of duct tape to stop further shattering and keep rain, bugs and other debris out of your home until you are able to replace the glass. This is particularly important for windows that are higher up.
Wear thick, cut-resistant gloves. Also wear eye protection. With a putty knife or pliers, remove old glazing points, or the tiny fasteners that hold glass into the frame's recesses. After the glass has been removed, clean the entire area to prepare it for a new window.
After measuring the window's opening, it is important to ensure that the replacement is exactly the right size. Most glaziers stock standard-sized panes that are ready to be inserted however if you're looking for energy-efficient or safety glass it's likely to need to be cut specifically to fit your frame. To avoid any mistakes make sure you measure the opening of your window and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inch to fit the new pane.
Once you're ready to put in the new glass, place it carefully into the frame and check for a flush fit with the rabbets that support it. A new glass pane that's too big can swell and cloud the surrounding wood, while one that's too small may fall from the frame or let drafts in your home.
Once you've confirmed that the new pane is secured by a second cord of compound for glaziers' around the edges of the glass to seal it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound using your finger, ensuring it's evenly distributed around the new pane. Once dry paint the newly glazed frame and compound to match the rest of your window.
Structural Issues
The structural integrity and performance of curtain wall and framing system are essential for the safety, compliance and performance of glass surfaces. During an inspection, a professional checks fasteners, anchor points, and supports for signs of corrosion or deterioration or misalignment. He or she also checks the gaskets and sealants to make sure that they are installed correctly and that they aren't leaking.
Rusted frames and sagging walls are structural issues that must be addressed. These issues are risky and could cause serious damage with time. It is important that you address any structural problems promptly so that you avoid costly repairs later on.
Curtain wall systems require extensive structural support to be able to withstand wind loads and other stresses. If these components fail, the water intrusion that occurs could be destructive and costly. double glazing repairs are often caused by poor construction, design mistakes, and poor installation.
Another common problem is warping, which could cause deformed or distorted glass panels and affect the system's appearance, energy efficiency, and security. A glazing inspector will look for warping and recommend repair measures if necessary.
Glazing inspections should begin by making sure the area of work is free of any obstructions and that all workers are wearing the appropriate safety equipment. Gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests are all part of the safety equipment. You can also use a ladder and harness to reach higher or more difficult-to-reach places.
Common repairs for wooden windows are missing or damaged hardware. Two-part epoxy is a good choice to repair minor cracks in window panes made of wood, but severely damaged or rotted wood should be replaced. Sliding sashes that have become stuck in their tracks can be cleared by sanding them and applying graphite grease. More stubborn problems like the replacement of sliding mechanisms as well as major frame or sash parts are typically left to aluminum window companies.
The cost of replacing the curtain wall system is typically higher than the cost of rehabilitation, however the savings in energy consumption as well as the increased comfort of residents could let the initial investment be recouped. A new system could help bring an existing structure into compliance with the more stringent requirements of building codes, such as insulated glass and wind resistance to load.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help diagnose and address many issues with sash windows. A professional window inspection can identify things like rotting wood and paintwork damage as well as broken glass, ensuring that the window is in good condition for future use. The most common problems can be easily fixed and don't require replacement.
Issues like a sash window that isn't able to open or close can be a nuisance and also affect your home's energy efficiency. Your windows could also be risky if they suddenly snap shut. This could result in injuries, property damage, and a loss of heat or air conditioning.
Sliding sash windows need regular maintenance to ensure they look good and functioning well. Cleaning your windows for sash and spraying them with lubricant will allow them to open and close more easily. If the issue persists, it could be a sign that the balances aren't operating correctly or that something is wrong with the sash itself.
Over time the wooden windowsashes absorb moisture and be affected by changing humidity levels. They can expand and shrink which can cause them to become stuck or clogged in the frame. This can be avoided by maintaining a tight seal on the wood, and applying regularly a sash sealer or painting to shield against moisture.
Other sash issues that may occur are a damaged sash lock cord displacement, cord displacement or nail jamming that can make sash windows harder to open and close. These can often be fixed by carpenters who can take off the sash, repair or replace any damaged components and re-cord them.
It is possible to re-stain stained windows to restore their original appearance. It's important to keep them in good condition to guard against water ingress and rot which could occur when the paint begins to crack and peel. Re-leading stained glass is a different way to stop it from leaking into the surrounding wood and causing decay.