Glazing Repairs
The right repair of your window can boost your home's value. This will also improve the effectiveness of your windows or doors.
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 repair:.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are a crucial component of your glazing system. They secure, insulate and seal windows against moisture and air outside. They are designed to last for a long time however, the reality is that they may need repair or replacement at some point. There are several options available for repair, based on your budget.
Fogging inside your double paned IGU is among the most commonly reported indicators that your window seals have failed. Foggy windows are caused by a broken seal between the two glass panes of your IGU that allows moisture seep in, creating condensation. While you can try some quick-fixes to defog your windows, for instance using a steamer, or applying window putty, the most efficient solution is to have your window seals repaired 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 of glass is filled with an inert gas, like xenon and argon, which helps the IGU ward off heat transfer and keeps the heat inside the home. The IGU's insulation benefits will be lost if the window seal fails. Your costs for energy will also increase.
Rubber gaskets begin to degrade over time due to exposure and aging. The process can be accelerated by poor care or environmental factors such as UV radiation. If not addressed, this can cause water intrusion into the building envelope, resulting in the growth of mold and mildew. This could eat away at the frame and sash of your IGU, ruining the appearance and damaging your insulation.
The best way to prevent a breakdown of window seals is by performing regular maintenance and avoiding common mistakes. Avoid using a high-pressure washer to clean windows, as it can damage the seal. Additionally, do not add a reflective window film to your insulated glass since it could invalidate the warranty and damage the sealant material. Be cautious when using chemicals like paint strippers because they can harm sealant and cause failure.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a clear problem that requires immediate attention. A glass pane that has broken in a window could fall and break further windows, or create drafts and possibly even water or insects to enter your home. A glass pane that has been broken can also be dangerous for anyone who comes in contact with it, including pets or children. In addition to being a risk for safety broken glass can be difficult to remove and could cause further damage to frames, sash, and the surfaces that are adjacent to it.
If a window is cracked, the first step is to seal it up with a cross-patch of duct tape to stop the glass from shattering further and keep bugs, rain, and debris out of your home until you are able to replace the glass. This method is especially important for windows that are higher up.
Then, be sure to take precautions by wearing thick protective eyewear and gloves that are cut-resistant. Using a putty knife or pliers, pry out old glazing points, the tiny fasteners that fix glass into the frame's recesses. Once the glass has been removed, wash the areas around it to prepare them for a new replacement window.
After measuring the window's opening, it is important to ensure the new replacement is the exact size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes ready to insert, but if you want security glass or energy-efficient, it's likely to need to be custom cut for your frame. To avoid mistakes, measure your window opening and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inches to fit the new pane.
When you're ready for installing the glass, put it carefully into the frame and check for an even fit with the rabbets that support it. A glass pane that's too large can cause a cloud to form and swell on the surrounding wood, while one that's too small may fall from the frame or let drafts enter your home.
Once you've confirmed that the new pane is secure to the frame, wrap another cord of compound for glaziers around the edges of the glass to secure it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound using your fingers to ensure it's even 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 systems are crucial to the safety, compliance, and performance of glass surfaces. During an inspection, the professional will check fasteners, anchors, and supports to see whether they have corroded, deteriorated, or misaligned. He or she also checks the gaskets and sealants to ensure that they are installed correctly and aren't leaking.
Structural issues that must be addressed include rusted frames and sagging walls. These issues can be dangerous and may lead to serious damage 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 need extensive structural support to withstand wind loads and other stresses. The water intrusion caused by these components can be costly and damaging. These failures are often caused by inadequate construction, design errors or improper installation.
Another common problem is warping, which can cause distorted or deformed glass panels, which can impact the system's appearance, energy efficiency and security. An inspector for glass looks for warping during an inspection and recommends repair measures if needed.
The first step in a glazing inspection is to make sure that the work area has been cleared of all obstructions and that workers are wearing the proper safety gear. Gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests are all 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 loose or missing hardware. A few minor cracks on wooden window panes can often be fixed using an epoxy that is two-part, but rotted or severely damaged wood is typically recommended replacement. Sliding sashes that have become stuck in their tracks can be loosened by sanding them, then applying graphite grease. double glazing repair are usually the ones to handle more complicated issues like replacing sliding mechanisms or major frame or sash components.
Replacing a curtain wall usually comes with a much higher upfront cost than rehabilitation, however the energy savings and enhanced quality of life for the occupants may eventually cover the initial investment. In addition, a new system can help bring the current structure into compliance with more strict building code requirements for insulated glass and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Many issues with sash windows can be easily diagnosed and addressed by an inspection. Things like rotting timber or paintwork damage, as well as broken glass can be picked up through a professional window inspection to ensure that the window is in good condition to be used in the future. Fortunately, the most common issues are less severe and don't necessarily necessitate replacement.
Issues like a sash window that won't open or close can be a source of frustration and could also impact your home's energy efficiency. It's also a risk when windows suddenly snap shut and cause injuries, property damage or loss of heat or cool air.
Sliding sash windows need regular maintenance to ensure they look good and operating properly. Cleaning the window of your sash and spraying lubricant on it can make them easier to open and shut. If the issue persists it could mean that the balances don't work correctly or that something is wrong with the sash.
Over time, wooden window sashes can absorb moisture and can be affected by changing levels of humidity. They can expand and shrink, which could cause them become stuck or jammed within the frame. This can be avoided by ensuring a good seal on the wood and regularly applying paint or a sash sealer to guard against moisture.
Other sash issues include a broken lock, cord displacement and nail jamming. All of these make it difficult to open and shut windows for sash. A carpenter can fix these problems by removing the sash and replacing or repairing any damaged components, then re-cording them.
Stained glass windows can be stained again to improve their appearance. It is essential to keep them in good shape to avoid water ingress, rot and other problems that may arise when the paint begins to peel and crack. Stained glass can also be re-leaded in order to prevent it from leaking water onto the surrounding timber, causing wood decay.