Glazing Repairs
Making repairs to your glazing correctly can boost your home's value. It also ensures that your window or door is working as well as possible, improving its overall performance.
It can be difficult to determine if the issue you encounter requires professional assistance for repair. Here are a few of the most frequently encountered problems that require fixing:.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are an important component of your glazing system. They protect the windows, insulate them and seal against the elements of air and water. Although they are designed to last for a long time and could require repair or replacement, the fact is that they'll need to be replaced at some time. There are many options for repair, depending on your budget.
One of the most frequent indications that your window seals are failing is a fogging issue in your double pane insulated glass unit (IGU). Foggy windows can be caused by an unsound seal between two glass panes in your IGU. This allows water to get in and cause condensation. Steamers can be used to defog the windows or apply window putty. However, it is recommended that you fix your window seals by an experienced professional.
A leaky seal can cause your windows' insulation to decrease. The space between your two panes is filled with an inert gas such as argon or xenon, which helps the IGU resist thermal transfer and keep heat in the home. The IGU's insulation benefits will be lost when the window seal fails. Your energy bills will also rise.
Rubber gaskets start to degrade with time because of exposure and age. The degradation can be accelerated by insufficient maintenance or environmental factors, such as UV radiation. If not addressed, this can cause water infiltration into the building envelope resulting in mold and mildew. This can eat through the frame and sash of your IGU, ruining the appearance and compromising your insulation.
The best way to prevent the possibility of a leak in window seals is to perform regular maintenance and avoiding common errors. For instance, avoid using high-pressure washers to clean your windows since it could work its way into the sash and damage the seal. Additionally, do not add a reflective window film to your insulated glass because it could void the warranty and damage the sealant material. Be cautious when using chemical products, such as paint strippers, as they could damage the sealant and cause it to fail.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a common problem that requires immediate attention. A pane shattered in a window can fall and break further windows or cause drafts and even insects or water to enter your home. A glass pane that has been broken can be dangerous for anyone who comes in contact with it. This is especially true for pets and children. Glass that is shattering is not just an hazard to safety but can also be difficult to remove and cause further damage to sash and frames as well as adjacent surfaces.
If a window pane breaks, the first step is to seal it up using a cross-patch of ducttape 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.
Take precautions by wearing thick protective eyewear and gloves that are cut-resistant. With pliers or a putty, pry old glazing points out of the frame recesses. Once the glass is removed, clean the entire area to prepare it for new window.
After measuring the window's opening, it is important to ensure that the replacement is the exact size. Most glaziers will have standard-sized panes on hand, but if energy-efficient glass or safety glass is required, it may require cutting to fit the frame. To avoid a mistake, measure the window opening and subtract about 1/8 to 1/4 inch to fit the new pane.
When you're ready to install the glass, put it in the frame with care and ensure it's an even fit with the rabbets that hold it. A glass pane that's too big can cause a cloud to form and swell on the wood surrounding it, whereas one that's too small may fall off the frame and let drafts in your home.
After the new pane has been secured, you can wrap another cord of glaziers compound around the perimeter to secure the glass to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound using your fingers to ensure that it is even around the new pane. Once dry, 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 crucial for the safety, compliance and performance of glazed surfaces. During an inspection, the professional will check fasteners, anchors and supports to determine whether they have corroded, damaged or misaligned. They also inspect the gaskets and sealants made of rubber, to ensure that they are installed correctly and are not leaking.
Rusted frames and sagging wall are structural problems that need to be addressed. These issues can be risky and could cause severe damage in the future. It is important that you take care of any structural issues as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs later on.
Curtain wall systems require extensive structural support to resist the forces of wind and other stress. The water intrusion caused by these components could be costly and destructive. These failures are usually caused by poor construction, design mistakes or inadequate installation.
Another issue that is common is warping, which can result in deformed or distorted glass panels, which can impact the system's appearance, energy efficiency and safety. An inspector for glass looks for warping during an inspection and suggests repair steps if required.
Glazing inspections should begin by ensuring that the work area is clear of obstructions, and that everyone is wearing the appropriate safety gear. This includes gloves, hard hats, and high-visibility vests. It's also an excellent idea to wear a harness and ladder for accessing higher or harder-to-reach areas.
For windows with wood frames, typical repairs involve missing or loose hardware. A few minor cracks in wooden window panes can often be fixed using an epoxy that is two-part, but damaged or rotted wood is generally better replaced. Sashes that stick can be removed from their tracks by sanding and applying graphite oil. More stubborn problems like replacing sliding mechanisms and major sash or frame parts are typically left to aluminum window companies.
Replacing an existing curtain wall usually comes with a much higher upfront cost than rehabilitation options, however the energy savings and enhanced occupant comfort may eventually recoup the initial investment. A new system could also help bring an existing structure into conformity with the stricter requirements of building codes for insulation of glass and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Many issues with sash windows can be identified and resolved by an inspection. double glazing repairs near me like rotting timber or paintwork damage, as well as broken glass can be picked up with a professional assessment of the window to ensure that the window is in good condition for future use. Luckily, the most common issues are less severe and don't require replacement.
Problems such as the sash not closing or open could be frustrating and impact the energy efficiency of your home. It's also a risk if your windows unexpectedly slam shut and can lead to injuries, property damage, and loss of cool air or heat.
Regular maintenance is necessary to keep sliding sash windows looking good and operating properly. Cleaning your sash window and spraying it with lubricant could make them easier to open and close. If the problem persists it could be because the balances aren't working correctly or that something is wrong with the sash.
Over time, wooden window sashes can absorb moisture and be affected by changing humidity levels. They can expand and shrink, which can result in them becoming stuck or trapped within the frame. This is prevented by maintaining a a tight seal around the wood, and by regularly applying a sash paint or sealer to shield against moisture.
Other sash problems include a broken cord displacement, lock and nail jamming. These all make it difficult to open and shut windows for sash. A carpenter can solve these issues by taking off the sash, fixing or replacing damaged parts, before reconnecting them.
Stained glass windows can be stained again to improve their appearance. It is important to maintain them in good condition to prevent water ingress, rot and other problems that can occur when paint starts to peel and crack. Re-leading stained glass is another option to prevent it from leaking into the surrounding wood and causing decay.