Glazing Repairs
Making repairs to your glazing correctly can increase the value of your home. It will also ensure that your window or door is working as well as it can, enhancing its overall efficiency.
It can be difficult to determine if the issue you are experiencing requires professional help. Here are some of the most frequent problems that require fixing:.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are a crucial part of your window system. They protect, insulate and protect windows from external air and moisture. They are designed to last for a long time but the reality is they may need repair or replacement at some point. The good news is there are several options for repair according to your budget and timeframe.
Fogging inside your double paned insulated glass unit is among the most commonly reported indicators that your window seals have failed. Foggy windows could be the result of a damaged seal between two glass panes in your IGU. This can allow moisture to enter the IGU and create condensation. While you can try some quick fixes to clear your windows, like using a steamer or window putty, the most effective solution is to get your window seals replaced by a professional.
In addition to allowing condensation and fogging between the windows, a weak seal can cause your windows to lose their insulating value. The space between the two glass panes is filled with an inert gas, such as argon and xenon which helps the IGU ward off heat transfer and keep heat inside the home. When the window seal fails, the insulating benefit of your IGU will be lost and your energy bills will increase.
Rubber gaskets begin to degrade over time due to exposure and age. The process can be accelerated by insufficient care or by environmental factors such as UV radiation. This can result in mildew and mold if it is not dealt with. This could eat away at the frame and sash of your IGU and ruin the appearance of the building and compromising insulation.
Avoiding common blunders and performing regular maintenance is the best method to stop window seals from falling apart. For instance, do not use high-pressure washers to clean your windows, as it can get into the sash, and damage the seal. Don't apply reflective film to your window that is insulated, because it could void the warranty and damage the sealant. Be cautious when using chemical such as paint strippers, as they can cause damage to sealant and cause failure.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is an obvious issue that requires immediate attention. A glass pane that has broken in a window may fall and break further windows or cause a draft and even insects or water to enter your home. A glass pane that is broken can pose danger to anyone who comes in contact with it. This includes pets and children. In addition to being a safety hazard broken glass is difficult to remove and may cause additional damage to frames, sash, and adjacent surfaces.
If a window pane breaks, the first step is to tape it up with the cross-patch of duct tape to stop further shattering and keep rain, bugs and other 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. With a putty knife or pliers, pry out old glazing points, which are the tiny fasteners that fix glass into the frame's recesses. Once the glass is removed, wash the entire area to prepare it for a new window.
It is important to measure the window opening and make sure that the replacement is the proper size. Most glaziers will have standard-sized panes that are ready to be inserted but if you're looking to get security glass or energy-efficient, it's likely to need to be cut specifically for your frame. To avoid committing mistakes, measure your window opening and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inches to fit the new pane.
When you're ready to install the glass you just bought, insert it carefully into the frame and check for a flush fit with the rabbets that hold it. A glass pane that's too large could cause the wood to expand and a pane that's too small can fall out of the frame, or allow drafts enter.
Once you've made sure the new pane is securely secured to the frame, wrap another cord of compound for glaziers around the glass's perimeter to secure it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound using your finger to ensure it's level with the new pane. When the compound is dry paint it and the frame to match the window.
Structural Problems
The structural integrity and performance of curtain wall and framing system are crucial to the safety, compliance and performance of glazing surfaces. During an inspection, the professional will check fasteners, anchors, and supports to see if they are corroded, degraded or misaligned. He or she also checks the gaskets and sealants to ensure that they're installed correctly and that they aren't leaking.
Rusted frames and sagging walls are structural issues that need to be addressed. These issues are risky and can lead to serious damage with time. It is important to address any structural issues as soon as you can, to avoid costly repairs later on.
Curtain wall systems require extensive structural support to withstand the forces of wind and other stress. Water intrusion caused by these components can be costly and damaging. The root causes of these failures are due to inadequate construction, design mistakes, and inadequate installation.
Warping can also result in distortion or deformed panels, which can impact the appearance as well as the energy efficiency and safety of the system. A glass inspector will check for signs of warping and suggest repairs if needed.
The first step in a glazing inspection is to make sure that the area of work is free of obstructions and that workers are wearing the appropriate safety equipment. This includes hard hats, gloves and high-visibility vests. You can also utilize a harness and ladder to reach higher or harder-to-reach places.
Common repairs for wood-framed windows include loose or missing hardware. A small crack in windows made of wood can be fixed with a two-part epoxy, but damaged or rotted wood is usually better replaced. Sashes that stick can be removed from their tracks by sanding and applying graphite oil. Aluminum window companies are usually the ones who handle more complex issues like replacing sliding mechanisms or major frame or sash elements.
The cost of replacing the existing curtain wall is usually greater than the cost of rehabilitation, however the energy savings as well as the increased comfort of occupants may allow the initial investment to be returned. A replacement system can help bring an existing structure into conformity with the stricter requirements of building codes for insulated glass and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help to identify and fix a variety of problems with sash windows. Things like rotting timber, damage to paintwork and broken glass can all be detected through a professional window inspection, ensuring the window is in good condition to be used in the future. Fortunately, double glazing repair are less serious and don't require replacement.
Problems such as the sash not closing or open can be annoying and affect the energy efficiency of your home. Windows can also be risky if they suddenly snap shut. This can result in injuries, property damage, and the loss of heat or air conditioning.
Regular maintenance is necessary to keep sliding sash windows looking good and working well. Cleaning your windows for sash and applying a lubricant spray will allow them to open and close more quickly. If the issue persists, it could be a sign that the balances aren't functioning properly or there's something wrong with the sash itself.
Wooden window sashes take in moisture over time and are affected when humidity levels change. This causes them to swell and shrink which can c
