Glazing Repairs
Repairing your glazing correctly can boost the value of your home. This can also increase the efficiency of your window or doors.
It can be difficult to determine if the problem you encounter requires professional assistance for repair. Here are some of the most common problems that need to be fixed:
Damaged Seals
Window seals are an essential part of your glazing system. They secure windows, insulate them and seal them against outside air and moisture. They are designed to last for a long period of time, however, they might require repair or replacement at some time. There are a variety of options for repair in accordance with your budget and timeframe.
One of the most obvious indications that the window seals in your home are failing is the presence of fog in your double pane IGU. (IGU). Foggy windows result from a damaged seal between the two glass panes of your IGU which allows moisture to seep in, creating condensation. Steamers can be used to remove the fog from your windows or apply window putty. However, it is recommended to fix your window seals by a professional.
In addition to allowing fogging and condensation between the windows, a weak seal could cause your windows to lose their insulating value. The space between the two panes is filled with inert gas like argon or xenon, which helps the IGU resist thermal transfer and retain heat within the home. The IGU's insulation benefits will be lost when the window seal fails. Your energy bills will also rise.
Gaskets made of rubber begin to degrade with time due to exposure and aging. The degrading process is accelerated by poor treatment or environmental factors like UV radiation. This can cause mildew and mold if it is not addressed. This can eat away at the frame and sash on your IGU, destroying the appearance and compromising insulation.
Avoiding common blunders and performing regular maintenance is the best way to stop window seals from being damaged. Avoid using a high-pressure washer to clean windows, as it could damage the seal. Also, avoid adding a reflective window film to your insulated glass because it could void the warranty and damage the sealant material. Also, be cautious when using chemicals such as paint strippers, since they can damage the sealant and cause it to fail.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a problem that needs immediate attention. A shattered pane in a window could fall and cause other windows to break or create drafts, or allow insects or water to enter your home. A broken glass pane can be a danger to anyone who comes into contact with it, including children or pets. Glass that has been broken is not just an hazard to safety however, it can be a challenge to remove and can cause further damage to sash and frames as well as adjacent surfaces.
The first thing to do when a window is cracked is to tape it up with a cross patch of duct tap to prevent further shattering. This will keep rain, bugs and other debris out of the 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, cut out old glazing points, or the tiny fasteners that hold glass into the frame's recesses. After the glass is removed, clean all the areas around it to prepare for the installation of a new replacement window.
After measuring the window's opening, it is important to ensure the new replacement is precisely the right size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes ready to insert, but if you want energy-efficient or safety glass, it will likely need to be made specifically for the frame. To avoid any mistakes make sure you measure the opening of your window and subtract approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch to fit the new pane.
When you're ready to install the new glass, place it carefully into the frame and ensure it's a flush fit with the rabbets that hold it. A glass pane that's too large can swell and cloud the surrounding wood, while one that's too small could be thrown off the frame or let drafts enter your home.
Once the new pane has been secured, you can wrap another piece of glaziers' compound around the perimeter of the pane to seal the glass to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound with your finger, ensuring it's evenly distributed around the new pane. Once the compound is dry, paint it and the frame to match your window.
Structural Issues
The strength and structural integrity of curtain wall and framing systems are crucial to the safety, compliance, and performance of glass surfaces. During an inspection, a professional will examine anchors, fasteners and supports to determine whether they are corroded degraded or misaligned. The inspector also examines the sealants and gaskets to make sure that they are installed correctly and that they are not leaky.
The structural issues that must be addressed include rusted frames and walls that are sagging. These issues can be hazardous and could result in severe damage in the future. It is essential to address any structural issues as fast as you can to avoid costly repairs down the line.
Curtain wall systems require extensive structural support to withstand wind loads and other strains. The water intrusion caused by these components could be costly and destructive. The underlying causes of these failures include inadequate construction, design mistakes and poor installation.
Warping can also cause distortion or deformed panels, which may impact the appearance, energy efficiency and security of the system. A glazing inspector looks for warping during an inspection and recommends repair measures if needed.
Glazing inspections should begin by making sure that the work area is free of any obstructions and that everyone is wearing the appropriate safety equipment. Gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests are all a part of the safety equipment. It's also recommended to use a harness and ladder for accessing higher or harder-to-reach areas.
For windows with wood frames, typical repairs involve a lack of or damaged hardware. A small crack in window frames made of wood can be fixed with an epoxy that is two-part, but damaged or rotten wood is typically better replaced. Sliding sashes that are stuck in their tracks can be removed by sanding them, then applying graphite grease. Window companies made of aluminum are typically the ones who handle more difficult problems like replacing sliding mechanisms or major frame or sash components.
Replacing a curtain wall system usually involves an upfront cost that is higher than rehabilitation, however the energy savings and improved quality of life for the occupants may eventually cover the initial investment. In addition, a new system can assist in bringing the existing structure into conformance with the more strict building code requirements for insulated glass and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help to identify and resolve a number of problems with sash windows. Things like rotting wood and paintwork damage as well as broken glass are all picked up with a professional assessment of the window, ensuring the window is in good condition to be used in the future. Fortunately, the most common problems are less serious and don't necessarily necessitate replacement.
Problems like a sash windows that doesn't close or open can be a source of frustration and could also impact the efficiency of your home's energy usage. It's also dangerous if your windows unexpectedly slam shut, causing injuries, property damage or loss of cool or warm air.
Regular maintenance is essential to keep sliding sash windows looking good and working well. Cleaning your sash windows and applying a lubricant spray can aid in opening and close more easily. If the issue persists it could mean that the balances aren't functioning properly or there is a problem with the sash.
double glazing repairs absorb moisture over time and are affected when humidity levels change. This causes them to swell and shrink which can cause them to become stuck or jammed in the frame. This can be prevented by maintaining an airtight seal around the wood, and by regularly applying an sash sealer or paint to protect against moisture.
Other sash issues that may occur are a damaged lock for sash cord displacement, cord displacement or nail jamming which all make sash windows harder to open and close. A carpenter can resolve these issues by taking off the sash, replacing or repairing any damaged parts, before re-cording them.
Stained glass windows may be stained again to improve their appearance. It is important to keep them in good condition to protect the glass from water ingress and rot which could occur when the paint begins to crack and peel. Re-leading stained glass is a different option to prevent it from leaking into surrounding wood and causing decay.