Glazing Repairs
Correctly repairing your glass will increase the value of your home. It will also ensure that your door or window is operating as efficiently as it can, enhancing its overall performance.
However, it isn't easy to tell whether the issue you're experiencing requires professional assistance. Here are some of the most common problems that need to be fixed:
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals are an essential element of your glazing system. They secure, insulate, and protect windows from external air and moisture. Although they are designed to last a long time, and may require repair or replacement, the truth is that they will need to be replaced at some point. There are many options for repairs depending on your budget and timeline.
Fogging inside your double paned insulated glass unit is among the most commonly reported indicators that the window seals are failing. Foggy windows may be caused by an unsound seal between two glass panes within your IGU. This can allow water to get in and cause condensation. Steamers are a great option to defog the windows or apply window putty. However, it's recommended to fix your window seals by a professional.
In addition to allowing condensation and fogging between the window panes, a faulty seal can cause your windows to lose their insulating value. The space between the two glass panes is filled with an inert gas like xenon and argon, which helps the IGU ward off heat transfer and keep the heat in the house. Once the window seal fails the insulation benefit of your IGU will be diminished and your energy costs will rise.
Gaskets made of rubber begin to degrade over time due to exposure and aging. Degradation can be accelerated through improper care, or environmental factors such as UV radiation. This can cause mold and mildew if not addressed. This could eat away at the frame and sash of your IGU and ruin the appearance and weakening the insulation.
Avoiding common mistakes and performing regular maintenance are the best ways to stop window seals from being damaged. For instance, do not use a high-pressure washer to clean your windows since it could get into the sash, and damage the seal. Additionally, do not add a reflective window film to your insulated glass, as it could void the warranty and harm the sealant material. Finally, be careful when using chemicals, such as paint strippers, since they can cause damage to the sealant and cause it to fail.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a hazard that needs immediate attention. A cracked pane of glass in a window could be thrown down and cause additional windows to break or create a draft, or even allow insects or water to enter your home. A glass pane that has been broken could pose a risk to anyone who comes into contact with it. This includes children and pets. In addition to being a risk for safety broken glass can be difficult to remove and could cause additional damage to frames, sash and the surfaces that are adjacent to it.
If a window pane breaks the first step is to board it up with the cross-patch of duct tape to stop the glass from shattering further and keep rain, bugs, and debris out of your home until you can replace the glass. This method is particularly crucial for windows that are higher up.
Next, take precautions by wearing cut-resistant gloves and eye protection. With pliers or a putty remove the old glazing points out of the recesses of the frame. Once the glass is removed, you must clean the entire area to prepare it for new window.
After measuring the window's opening, it's important to ensure the new replacement is the exact size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes available however if energy-efficient or safety glass is required, it might need to be cut to fit your frame. To avoid a mistake make sure you measure the opening of your window and subtract about 1/8 to 1/4 inch for the new pane.
When you're ready to install the glass, put it carefully into the frame and make sure it's an even fit with the rabbets that hold it. A new glass pane that's too large can swell and cloud the surrounding wood, while one that's too small could fall off the frame and allow drafts into your home.
After the new pane is secured, you can wrap another cord of glaziers compound around the perimeter to secure the glass to the frame and the sash. Smooth the compound using your fingers to ensure that it is even around the new pane. Once dry paint the newly glazed compound and frame to match the rest of your window.
double glazing repairs of curtain wall systems and framing systems is crucial to the safety and performance of glass surfaces. During an inspection, a professional will examine anchors, fasteners, and supports to see if they are corroded, degraded or misaligned. They also check the sealants and gaskets to ensure that they are properly installed and aren't leaky.
Structural issues that must be addressed include rusted frames and sagging walls. These problems can be very dangerous and may lead to serious damage over time. It is essential to fix any structural issues as fast as you can to avoid costly repairs down the road.
Curtain wall systems need extensive structural support to withstand wind loads and other strains. The water intrusion caused by these components could be costly and destructive. These failures are often caused by inadequate construction, design errors, and improper installation.
Warping can also lead to distortion or deformed panels which could affect the appearance as well as the energy efficiency and safety of the system. A glazing inspector will look for warping and recommend repairs if required.
Glazing inspections should begin by making sure the work area is clear of any obstructions and that all workers are wearing appropriate safety equipment. Wearing gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests are all a part of the safety gear. You can also utilize a ladder and harness to reach higher or harder-to-reach places.
Common repairs for wood-framed windows include loose or missing hardware. Two-part epoxy is a good choice to repair minor cracks in window panes made of wood, but damaged or rotted wood is best replaced. Sashes that are stuck can usually be removed from their tracks by sanding and applying graphite lubricant. More difficult problems, such as the replacement of sliding mechanisms as well as major sash or frame parts are typically left to aluminum window companies.
The cost of replacing the existing curtain wall is typically higher than the cost of rehabilitation, however the savings in energy consumption as well as the increased comfort for residents could allow the initial investment to be recouped. A replacement system can also help bring an existing structure into line with the more stringent requirements of building codes for insulated glass and wind resistance to load.
Sash Issues
Many sash window issues may be easily diagnosed and addressed by an inspection. A professional window assessment can detect issues like rotting wood or paintwork damage, as well as broken glass, ensuring that the window is in good order to be used in the future. The most common problems can be fixed easily and don't need replacement.
Issues like a sash that won't close or open can be annoying and can affect the energy efficiency of your home. Your windows could also be risky if they suddenly snap shut. This can cause injuries, property damage, and the loss of air conditioning or heat.
Sliding windows require regular maintenance to keep them looking good and functioning well. Cleaning your windows for sash and applying a lubricant spray can help them to open and close more easily. However, if the issue persists, it could be an indication that the balances aren't working properly or there's something wrong with the sash itself.
Wooden window sashes absorb moisture over time and are affected when humidity levels change. They can expand and shrink, which can cause them to become stuck or jammed in the frame. This is prevented by maintaining a a tight seal around the wood, and by applying a sash paint or sealer to shield against moisture.
Other sash problems that could be caused by a defective lock for sash cord displacement, nail jamming which all make windows more difficult to open and close. A carpenter can resolve these problems by removing the sash, replacing or repairing any damaged parts, before re-cording them.
Stained glass windows may be stained again to improve their appearance. It's important to maintain them in good order to protect the glass from the ingress of water and rot, which can occur when the paint starts to peel and crack. Re-leading stained glass is another way to stop it from leaking into surrounding wood and causing decay.