Glazing Repairs
Getting glazing repairs right will increase the value of your home. This will also improve the efficiency of your window or doors.
It isn't easy to tell whether the problem you're experiencing requires professional attention. Here are some of the most frequent problems that require fixing:.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are an essential component of your glazing system. They are used to secure windows, insulate them and seal them against moisture and air outside. Although they are designed to last for a long time, and may require repair or replacement, the reality is that they will have to be replaced at some point. There are a variety of options for repair in accordance with your budget and timeframe.
Fogging inside your double paned IGU is one of the most commonly reported indicators that your window seals have failed. Foggy windows result from a damaged seal between the two glass panes of your IGU that allows moisture get in, causing condensation. While you can try some quick solutions to remove the fog from your windows, for instance using a steamer, or applying window putty, the best solution is to get your window seals replaced by a professional.
In addition to allowing condensation and fogging between the window panes, a failing seal could cause your windows to lose their insulation value. The space between the two glass panes is filled with an inert gas like xenon and argon which helps the IGU to resist heat transfer and keeps the 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 begin to deteriorate due to aging and exposure. The process can be accelerated by inadequate care, or environmental factors like UV radiation. If not addressed, this may cause water infiltration into the building envelope and result in mildew and mold. This can cause damage to the frame and sash of your IGU and cause a shabby appearance and damaging your insulation.
Avoiding common blunders and performing regular maintenance is the best method to stop window seals from being damaged. For instance, you should avoid using high-pressure washers to clean your windows, because it could work its way into the sash and cause damage to the seal. Do not apply reflective films to your window with insulation since this could invalidate the warranty and harm the sealant. 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 an obvious problem that requires immediate attention. A glass pane that has broken in a window could fall and break other windows, or create drafts and possibly even water or insects to get into your home. A glass pane that has been broken could pose a risk to anyone who comes in contact with it. This includes children and pets. Shattered glass is not only an hazard to safety however, it can also be difficult to remove and cause further damage to frames and sash and other surfaces.
The first step to take when a window has cracked is to tape it up with a cross patch of duct tap in order to prevent further shattering. This will keep rain, bugs and other debris out of the house until you can replace your glass. This method is particularly crucial for windows that are higher up.
Take precautions by putting on thick cut-resistant gloves and eye protection. With double glazing repair or pliers take the old glazing points out of the frame recesses. Once the glass has been removed, clean the surrounding areas to prepare them for a new replacement window.
It's important to measure the window's opening and make sure that the replacement is the right size. Most glaziers will have standard-sized panes available to insert, but if you want security glass or energy-efficient, it's likely to have to be custom cut for the frame. To avoid mistakes take a measurement of the window opening and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inch for the new pane.
When you're ready for installing the glass you just bought, insert it in the frame with care and check for a flush fit to the rabbets holding it. A glass pane that's too large could cause the wood to swell, and a pane too small could be thrown out of the frame, or allow drafts in.
After the new pane has been secured, you can roll another piece 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 frame and compound to match the rest of your window.
Structural Issues
The structural integrity and performance of curtain wall and framing system are crucial for the safety, compliance, and performance of glazed surfaces. During an inspection, the professional will inspect anchors, fasteners and supports to determine if they are corroded, degraded or misaligned. They also check the sealants and gaskets to ensure that they are installed correctly and that they aren't leaking.
Rusted frames and sagging wall are structural issues that must be addressed. These issues are risky and could cause serious destruction over time. It is essential to take care of any structural issues as fast as you can, to avoid costly repairs later on.
Curtain wall systems require substantial structural support to withstand the forces of wind and other stress. When these components fail the water intrusion that occurs can be costly and damaging. These failures are usually caused by inadequate construction, design errors and poor installation.
Another issue that is common is warping. This can cause deformed or distorted glass panels that can affect the appearance of the system, its energy efficiency and safety. A glazing inspector looks for warping during an inspection and suggests repair steps if required.
The first step in an inspection of glazing is to ensure that the area of work is free of obstructions and that workers are wearing the proper safety gear. Gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests are all a part of the safety gear. You can also utilize a harness and ladder to reach higher or harder-to-reach places.
For windows made of wood, the most common repairs involve missing or loose hardware. Two-part epoxy can be used to repair minor cracks on window panes made of wood, but damaged or rotted wood is best replaced. Sashes that stick can be freed from their tracks by sanding and applying graphite oil. More difficult problems, such as replacing sliding mechanisms or major frame or sash parts are usually left to aluminum window companies.
The cost of replacing the curtain wall system is usually greater than the cost of rehabilitation, however the energy savings and the improved comfort for the occupants may let the initial investment be returned. A replacement system can also help bring an existing structure in compliance with the more stringent requirements of building codes for insulation of glass and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Many sash window problems can be easily identified and dealt with through an inspection. A professional window assessment can identify things like rotting wood or paintwork damage, as well as broken glass, which will ensure that the window is in good shape to be used in the future. The most frequent issues can be easily fixed and do not need replacement.
Issues like a sash window that doesn't close or open can be a nuisance and could also impact the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Your windows can also be dangerous if they suddenly close shut. This can cause injuries, property damage and a loss of air conditioning or heat.
Sliding sash windows need regular maintenance to keep them looking good and functioning well. Cleaning your windows for sash and applying a lubricant spray can aid in opening and close more easily. If the problem continues it could be because the balances aren't functioning properly or something is wrong with the sash.
Over time the wooden windowsashes absorb moisture and are affected by changes in humidity levels. They can expand and shrink, which could cause them to become stuck or jammed within the frame. This can be avoided by keeping an airtight seal around the wood, and by applying a sash paint or sealer to guard against moisture.
Other sash issues include a damaged cord displacement, lock and nail jamming. These issues make it difficult to open and shut sash windows. A carpenter can fix these issues by removing the sash and fixing or replacing damaged parts, before reconnecting them.
It is possible to re-stain stained windows to bring back their original appearance. It's important to maintain them in good order to guard against water infiltration and rot that could occur when the paint begins to crack and peel. Re-leading stained glass is another method to prevent it from leaking into surrounding wood and causing decay.