Glazing Repairs
Making repairs to your glazing correctly will increase the value of your home. It also ensures that your door or window is working as well as possible, improving its overall performance.
It can be difficult to know if the issue you encounter requires professional assistance for repair. Here are a few of the most frequent problems that must be fixed:
Damaged Seals
Window seals are a crucial part of your glazing system. They protect, insulate and seal windows against moisture and air outside. They are designed to last for a long time, however, they may need repair or replacement at some time. There are a variety of options to repair them, based on your budget.
One of the most obvious indications that your window seals are failing is a fogging issue in your double pane insulated glass unit (IGU). Foggy windows are caused by a broken seal between the two glass panes of your IGU which allows moisture to get in, causing condensation. Steamers are a great option to defog the windows or apply window putty. However, it's recommended that you get your window seals repaired by an expert.
In addition to allowing fogging and condensation between the window panes, a failing seal could cause your windows to lose their insulating value. The space between the two panes of glass is filled with an inert gas such as xenon or argon which help the IGU ward off heat transfer and keep heat inside the home. The benefits of the IGU's insulation will be lost if the window seal fails. Your energy bills will also rise.
Over time, rubber gaskets will begin to deteriorate due to aging and exposure. The process can be accelerated by inadequate care, or environmental factors like UV radiation. This can result in mold and mildew if not taken care of. This could eat away at the frame and sash on your IGU and ruin the appearance and compromising insulation.
The best way to prevent a breakdown of window seals is by performing regular maintenance and avoiding common errors. Avoid using a high-pressure washer to clean windows as it can cause damage to the seal. Additionally, do not add a reflective window film to your insulated glass because it could void the warranty and damage the sealant material. Be cautious when using chemical products, such as paint strippers, as they can damage the sealant and cause it to fail.
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 cause a draft and possibly even water or insects to get into 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, shattered glass can be difficult to remove and could result in additional damage to frames, sash and adjacent surfaces.
The first thing to do when a window has damaged is to seal it up with a cross-pattern of duct tape to stop further shattering. This will keep bugs, rain and other debris out of the house until you can replace the glass. This method is particularly crucial for windows with higher levels.
Wear thick, cut-resistant gloves. Also wear eye protection. Utilizing a putty knife, or pliers, remove old glazing points, which are the tiny fasteners that hold glass into the frame's recesses. Once the glass has been removed, clean the surrounding areas to prepare for the new replacement window.
It is important to measure the window's opening and make sure that the replacement is of the right size. Most glaziers will have standard-sized panes available however if energy-efficient or safety glass is required, it could need to be cut to fit your frame. To avoid mistakes, measure the window opening and subtract about 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the new pane.
When you're ready to install your new glass, carefully put it in the frame. Check that it fits perfectly with the rabbets. A glass pane that is too big could cause the wood to swell, and a pane too small may be thrown out of the frame, or allow drafts get in.
After the new pane is secured, you can wrap another piece of glaziers' compound around the perimeter to seal the glass to the frame and the sash. Smooth the compound with your fingers to ensure it's even around the new pane. Once the compound is dry paint it and the frame to match the window.
Structural Issues
The strength and structural integrity of curtain wall and framing system are essential for the safety, compliance and performance of glazing surfaces. During an inspection, the expert will inspect anchors, fasteners and supports to determine if they are corroded, damaged or misaligned. They also check the sealants and gaskets to ensure that they are properly installed and that they are not leaking.
Rusted frames and sagging walls are structural issues that need to be addressed. These problems are dangerous and could cause serious damage over time. It is important that you take care of any structural issues promptly in order to avoid expensive repairs in the future.
Curtain wall systems require a lot of structural support to withstand wind loads and other stresses. If these components fail, the water intrusion that results can be damaging and costly. These failures are often caused by inadequate construction, design errors, and poor installation.
Warping can also lead to distortion or deformed panels which could affect the appearance, energy efficiency and safety of the system. A glazing inspector looks for warping during an inspection and recommends repairs steps if required.
The first step in an inspection of the glazing is to ensure that the area of work is free of obstructions and that workers are wearing the appropriate safety equipment. Wearing gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests form part of the safety gear. You can also utilize a harness and ladder to reach higher or more difficult-to-reach places.
Common repairs for windows made of wood include missing or loose hardware. Two-part epoxy can be used to repair minor cracks on wooden window panes, but severely damaged or rotted wood should be replaced. Sashes that are stuck can usually be removed from their tracks by sanding them and applying graphite oil. Window companies made of aluminum are typically the ones who handle more complicated issues such as replacing sliding mechanisms, or major frame or sash components.
The cost of replacing the curtain wall system is typically higher than the cost of rehabilitation, but the savings in energy consumption as well as the increased comfort of people living in the structure could make it possible for the initial investment to be paid back. A replacement system can assist in bringing an existing structure in conformity with the stricter standards of building codes for insulation of glass and wind resistance to load.
Sash Issues
Many sash window problems can be easily diagnosed and addressed by a visual examination. double glazing repair of the window can detect things like wood that is rotting or paintwork damage, as well as broken glass, assuring that the window is in good order for its future use. Fortunately, the most frequent issues aren't as serious and do not necessarily require replacement.
Problems like a sash windows that won't open or close can be a hassle and also affect your home's energy efficiency. Windows can also be dangerous if they suddenly slam closed. This could result in injuries, property damage and a loss of heat or air conditioning.
Sliding sash windows need regular maintenance to keep them looking good and working properly. Cleaning your sash window and spraying a lubricant can make them easier to open and close. If the problem continues it could be because the balances aren't functioning correctly or that something is wrong with the sash.
Wooden window sashes absorb moisture over time and are affected by changes in humidity. This causes them swell and shrink, which could result in them becoming stuck or jammed within the frame. This can be avoided by ensuring a tight seal on the wood and regularly applying paint or a sash sealer to shield against moisture.
Other sash issues include a broken cord displacement, lock and nail jamming. These issues make it difficult to open and shut sash windows. A carpenter can fix these problems by removing the sash, fixing or replacing damaged parts, and then re-cording them.
It is possible to re-stain stained glass windows in order to restore their original appearance. It is important to maintain them in good condition to prevent water ingress and rot as well as other problems that may occur when the paint begins to peel and crack. Stained glass can also be re-leaded to stop it from leaking water onto the surrounding timber and causing decay of the wood.