Glazing Repairs
Repairing your glazing correctly can increase the value of your home. It is also a way to ensure that your door or window is operating as well as it can, enhancing its overall efficiency.
It can be a challenge to know if the issue you are experiencing requires professional help. Here are some of the most common problems that require repair:.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals are an important element of your glazing system. They secure, insulate and seal windows against outside air and moisture. They are designed to last for a long period of time, however, the reality is that they could require repair or replacement at some moment. There are many options to repair them, based on your budget.
Fogging in your double paned insulated glass unit is one of the most frequent indications that the window seals are failing. Foggy windows could be the result of an unsound seal between two glass panes within your IGU. This can allow water to get in and create condensation. Steamers can be used to clear the windows or apply window putty. However, it's best to fix your window seals by an experienced professional.
In addition to allowing condensation and fogging between the window panes, a failing seal will also cause your windows to lose their insulating value. The space between the two glass panes is filled with an inert gas, like xenon and argon which helps the IGU resist heat transfer and keep heat in the home. The IGU's insulation benefits will be lost when the window seal fails. Your costs for energy will also increase.
Rubber gaskets begin to degrade over time due to exposure and aging. The degrading process can be accelerated by insufficient care or by environmental factors such as UV radiation. If not addressed, this can cause water intrusion into the building envelope and result in the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause damage to the frame and sash on your IGU, destroying the appearance and weakening insulation.
The best way to avoid a breakdown of window seals is to carry out regular maintenance and avoiding common errors. Avoid using a high pressure washer to clean windows, as it can cause damage to the seal. Additionally, do not add a reflective window film to your insulated glass since it could invalidate the warranty and harm the sealant material. Be careful when using chemicals such as paint strippers, as they can harm sealant and cause failure.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a concern that needs immediate attention. A broken pane in a window may fall and break other windows or cause drafts and even insects or water to infiltrate your home. A broken glass pane can be a danger to anyone who comes into contact with it, particularly pets or children. In addition to being a risk for safety broken glass is difficult to remove and could cause additional damage to frames, sash, and other surfaces.
If double glazing window repairs breaks the first step is to seal it up with a cross-patch of duct tape to stop further shattering and keep rain, bugs, and debris out of your home until you can replace the glass. This is particularly important for windows that are higher up.
Wear thick, cut-resistant gloves. Also, wear eye protection. Utilizing a putty knife, or pliers, pry out old glazing points, which are the tiny fasteners that fix glass into the frame's recesses. After the glass has been removed, wash the entire area to prepare it for new window.
After determining the window's opening, it is important to make sure that the replacement is the exact size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes, but if energy-efficient glass or safety glass is required, it could require cutting to fit your frame. To avoid mistakes take a measurement of the window opening and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inch for the new pane.
Once you're ready to put in the glass you just bought, insert it in the frame with care and ensure it's a flush fit with the rabbets that support it. A glass pane too large could cause the wood to expand and a pane that's too small could fall out of the frame, or allow drafts in.
Once the new pane is secured, you can wrap another cord of glaziers compound around the perimeter to secure the glass to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound with your finger, ensuring it's even all around the new pane. After drying, paint the newly glazed compound and frame to match the rest of your window.
Structural Issues
The structural integrity and performance of curtain wall and framing systems is essential for the safety, compliance, and performance of glazing surfaces. During an inspection, a professional will check fasteners, anchors, and supports to see whether they are corroded degraded or misaligned. They also inspect the sealants and rubber gaskets to make sure they are installed correctly and aren't leaking.
Structural issues that need to be addressed include rusted frames as well as walls that are sagging. These problems can be very hazardous and could result in severe damage over the course of time. It is important that you fix any structural issues as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs in the future.
Curtain wall systems need extensive structural support to withstand wind loads and other strains. Water intrusion caused by these components can be costly and destructive. These failures are often caused by poor construction, design mistakes or improper installation.
Warping can also cause distortion or deformed panels, which can affect the appearance as well as the energy efficiency and safety of the system. A glass inspector will check for warping and recommend repair measures if necessary.
The first step in an inspection of glazing is to ensure that the area of work is free of obstructions and that employees are wearing the appropriate safety equipment. Hard hats, gloves, and high-visibility vests are all a part of the safety equipment. You can also utilize a ladder and harness to reach higher or more difficult-to-reach places.
Common repairs for windows made of wood include loose or missing hardware. Two-part epoxy can be used to repair minor cracks on windows made of wood, however damaged or rotted wood should be replaced. Sliding sashes that are stuck in their tracks can be removed by sanding them, then applying graphite grease. Aluminum window companies are usually the ones to handle more difficult problems like replacing sliding mechanisms, or major frame or sash elements.
Replacing an existing curtain wall system typically involves an upfront cost that is higher than rehabilitation options, however the energy savings and improved occupant comfort may eventually recoup the initial investment. A replacement system may help bring an existing structure in conformity with the stricter requirements of building codes, such as insulation of glass and wind resistance to load.
Sash Issues
Many sash window problems can be identified and resolved through a visual inspection. A professional window assessment can identify issues like rotting wood, paintwork damage and broken glass, assuring that the window is in good shape for its future use. Fortunately, the most common issues are less severe and do not necessarily require replacement.
Issues like a sash window that doesn't close or open can be a hassle and can also affect your home's energy efficiency. Windows can also be risky if they suddenly snap closed. This can cause injuries, property damage and the loss of air conditioning or heat.
Regular maintenance is essential to keep sliding sash windows looking nice and functioning properly. Cleaning the window of your sash and spraying it with lubricant could make them easier to open and shut. However, if the issue persists it could be a sign that the balances aren't functioning correctly or that something is wrong with the sash itself.
Over time wooden window sashes absorb moisture and can be affected by changing levels of humidity. They can expand and shrink, which can cause them to get stuck or trapped in the frame. This can be prevented by maintaining an airtight seal around the wood, and by applying a sash paint or sealer to shield against moisture.
Other sash problems include a broken lock, cord displacement, and nail jamming. These issues make it difficult to open and close sash windows. A carpenter can fix these issues by taking off the sash, replacing or repairing any damaged parts, and then re-cording them.
Stained glass windows can sometimes be stained again to improve their appearance. It is essential to keep them in good condition to protect the glass from water ingress and rot which may occur when the paint begins to peel and crack. Re-leading stained glass is a different option to prevent it from leaking into the surrounding wood and causing decay.