Glazing Repairs
Repairing your glazing correctly will increase the value of your home. This can also increase the efficiency of your window or doors.
It can be tricky to know whether the issue you're experiencing is one that requires professional attention. Here are a few of the most frequent problems that require repair:.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are an essential component of your window system. They protect, insulate, and seal windows from outside air and moisture. They are designed to last for a long time however, they may need repair or replacement at some moment. There are a variety of options for repair, based on your budget.
Fogging in your double-paned insulated glass unit is among the most common indicators that your window seals have failed. Foggy windows may be caused by an unsound seal between two glass panes in your IGU. This can allow moisture to enter the IGU and create condensation. Steamers are a great option to remove the fog from your windows or apply window putty. However, it is best to fix your window seals by an experienced professional.
A failing seal can also cause your windows' insulation value to decrease. The space between the two panes of glass is filled with an inert gas such as xenon or argon, which helps the IGU to resist heat transfer and keeps the heat in the house. When the window seal fails the insulation benefit of your IGU will be removed and your energy costs will rise.
Gaskets made of rubber begin to degrade over time due to exposure and aging. The process can be accelerated by improper maintenance or environmental factors such as UV radiation. This can lead to mildew and mold if not taken care of. This can eat through the frame and sash of your IGU, ruining the appearance and compromising your insulation.
The best way to prevent the loss of window seals is by performing regular maintenance and avoiding common mistakes. Avoid using a high pressure washer to clean windows, as it can cause damage to the seal. Don't apply reflective film to your window that is insulated, since this could invalidate the guarantee and damage the sealant. Be careful when using chemicals like paint strippers as they can damage sealant and cause failure.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a concern that needs immediate attention. A pane shattered in a window may fall and break further windows, or create drafts and possibly even water or insects to enter your home. A glass pane that is broken can be a danger for anyone who comes in contact with it, including children or pets. In addition to being a safety risk, shattered glass can be difficult to remove and may cause additional damage to frames, sash, and adjacent surfaces.
The first step to take when a window is damaged is to wrap it up with a cross patch of duct tap in order to prevent further shattering. This will keep bugs, rain and other debris out of the house until you can replace the glass. This is particularly crucial for windows with higher levels.
Take precautions by putting on thick cut-resistant gloves and eye protection. With a putty knife or pliers, pry out old glazing points, which are the tiny fasteners that hold glass into the frame's recesses. Once double glazing repairs near me is removed, wash the entire area to prepare it for a new window.
After measuring the window opening, it's important to ensure the new replacement is precisely the right size. Most glaziers will have standard-sized panes available to insert however if you're looking for energy-efficient or safety glass, it will likely need to be custom cut for your frame. To avoid making mistakes, measure your window opening and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inches to fit the new pane.
When you are ready to put in your new glass, be sure to put it in the frame. Make sure it is flush with the rabbets. A glass pane that's too big could cause clouding and swelling of the wood around it, while one that's too small could be thrown off the frame or allow drafts into your home.
Once you've made sure the new pane is securely secured to the frame, wrap another cord of compound for glaziers around the perimeter of the glass to seal it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound using your fingers, making sure that it's evenly distributed across the new pane. When dry, paint the newly glazed frame and compound to match the rest of your window.
Structural Problems
The strength and structural integrity of curtain wall and framing systems are essential 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, deteriorated, or misaligned. He or she will also inspect the gaskets and sealants made of rubber to ensure they are installed correctly and aren't leaking.
Structural issues that must be addressed include rusted frames and walls that are sagging. These problems can be very dangerous and may lead to severe damage over the course of time. It is essential to fix any structural issues as soon as you can so that you avoid costly repairs in the future.
Curtain wall systems require a lot of structural support to withstand wind loads, and other strains. Water intrusion caused by these components could be costly and destructive. The root causes of these failures are due to inadequate construction, design mistakes, and inadequate installation.
Another problem that is frequently encountered is warping. This can cause deformed or distorted glass panels, which can impact the appearance of the system, its energy efficiency and safety. A glass inspector will check for signs of warping and suggest repairs if required.
The first step of a glazing inspection is to make sure that the area of work is free of obstructions and that the workers are wearing appropriate safety gear. Wearing gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests form part of the safety gear. It's also recommended to use a harness and ladder to gain access to higher or difficult-to-access areas.
Common repairs for windows made of wood include loose or missing hardware. A few minor cracks on wooden window panes can often be fixed using two-part epoxy, however damaged or rotten wood is typically best replaced. Sliding sashes that are stuck in their tracks can be removed by sanding them, then applying graphite grease. More stubborn problems like replacing sliding mechanisms and major frame or sash parts are usually left to aluminum window companies.
The cost of replacing the curtain wall system is typically higher than the cost of rehabilitation, however the savings in energy consumption as well as the improved comfort for the occupants may allow the initial investment to be paid back. In addition, a replacement system can assist in bringing the current structure into compliance with the more stringent building code requirements for insulated glazing and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help to identify and fix a variety of issues with sash windows. Things like rotting wood or paintwork damage, as well as broken glass are all picked up by a professional window assessment, ensuring the window is in good condition for its future use. Most of the problems that arise are easily rectified and do not need 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 if your windows unexpectedly slam shut, causing injuries, property damage, and loss of cool or warm air.
Regular maintenance is required to keep sliding sash windows looking good and working well. Cleaning your windows for sash and spraying them with lubricant will allow them to open and close more quickly. However, if the problem persists, it could be a sign that the balances aren't working correctly or that something is wrong with the sash itself.
Wooden window sashes absorb moisture over time, an
