Glazing Repairs
Repairing your glazing correctly can 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 common problems that need to be fixed:
Damaged Seals
Window seals are an essential part of your glazing system. They secure, insulate and seal windows against the elements of air and water. They are designed to last for a long time, but the reality is they might require repair or replacement at some point. The good news is that there are a variety of options for repair according to your budget and timeline.
Fogging inside your double paned insulated glass unit is one of the most common signs 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 moisture to enter the IGU and cause condensation. Steamers are a great option to clear the windows or apply window putty. However, it's best to fix your window seals by an expert.
In addition to allowing condensation and fogging between the window panes, a failing seal will also 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 resist heat transfer and keeps the heat in the home. The IGU's insulation benefits will be lost in the event that the window seal is damaged. Your energy bills will also rise.
Rubber gaskets begin to degrade with time due to exposure and aging. The process can be accelerated by improper care, or environmental factors such as UV radiation. If not addressed, this may 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, destroying the appearance of the building and compromising insulation.
The best way to avoid a breakdown of window seals is to carry out regular maintenance and avoiding common errors. Avoid using a high-pressure washer to clean windows, as it can damage the seal. Do not add a reflective film to your window with insulation because it could void the guarantee and damage the sealant. 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 problem that requires immediate attention. A cracked pane of glass within a window could be thrown down and cause additional windows to break, or create a draft, or even allow water or insects into your home. A broken pane of glass can pose danger to anyone who comes into contact with it. This is especially true for pets and children. Glass that is shattering is not just a safety risk but can also be difficult to remove and cause further damage to frames and sash as well as other surfaces.
The first step to take when a windowpane is damaged is to wrap it up with a cross-pattern of duct tap in order to prevent further shattering. This will keep rain, bugs and other debris out of your house until you can replace your glass. This method is particularly crucial for windows that are higher up.
Next, take precautions by wearing protective eyewear and gloves that are cut-resistant. Utilizing a putty knife, or pliers, remove old glazing points, or the tiny fasteners that hold glass into the frame's recesses. 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 essential to ensure that the replacement is precisely the right size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes on hand, but if energy-efficient glass or safety glass is required, it may require cutting to fit your frame. To avoid any mistakes, measure the window opening and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inch for the new pane.
When you are ready to put in your glass, take care to place it in the frame. Make sure that it's flush with the rabbets. A glass pane that's too large can cause the wood to swell and a pane that is too small may fall out of the frame or allow drafts in.
Once you've confirmed that the new pane is securely secured to the frame, wrap another cord of compound for glaziers around the perimeter of the glass to secure it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound using your fingers to ensure that it is even around the new pane. After the compound has dried paint it on the frame to match the window.
Structural Problems
The structural strength of curtain wall frameworks and systems for framing is essential to the safety performance, performance, and conformity of glazed surfaces. In an inspection, a professional inspects anchor points, fasteners, and supports for signs of corrosion, deterioration, or misalignment. He or she also checks the gaskets and sealants to ensure that they are properly installed and that they aren't leaky.
Structural issues that need to be addressed include rusted frames as well as walls that are sagging. These problems are dangerous and could lead to severe damage over time. It is essential to fix any structural issues as quickly as you can, to avoid costly repairs down the road.
Curtain wall systems require substantial structural support to resist the forces of wind and other stress. When these components fail the resulting water intrusion can be damaging and costly. The main causes for these failures are due to poor construction, design flaws and inadequate installation.
Warping can also lead to distortion or deformed panels which can affect the appearance, energy efficiency and safety of the system. A glazing inspector will search for warping and recommend repairs if required.
Glazing inspections should begin by making sure the work area is free of obstructions and everyone is wearing the appropriate safety gear. This includes hard hats, gloves and high-visibility vests. It is also recommended to use a harness and ladder to access higher or more difficult-to-access areas.
For windows made of wood, the most common repairs involve a lack of or damaged hardware. Two-part epoxy can be used to repair minor cracks on windows made of wood, however damaged or rotted wood should be replaced. Sliding sashes stuck in their tracks can be loosened by sanding them and applying graphite grease. Aluminum window companies are typically the ones who handle more complicated issues like replacing sliding mechanisms, or the major frame or sash parts.
The cost of replacing an existing curtain wall system is typically higher than the cost of rehabilitation, but the energy savings as well as the improved comfort for the people living in the structure could let the initial investment be returned. In double glazing repair , a replacement system could help bring the current structure into compliance with the more strict building code requirements for insulated glazing and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help diagnose and fix a variety of sash window problems. Things like rotting timber, damage to paintwork and broken glass can be picked up with a professional assessment of the window to ensure that the window is in good shape to be used in the future. Fortunately, the most common issues aren't as serious and don't require replacement.
Issues like a sash that won't close or open could be frustrating and impact the efficiency of your home. It's also dangerous if your windows unexpectedly slam shut and cause injuries, property damage or loss of heat or cool air.
Sliding sash windows require regular maintenance to ensure they look good and functioning well. Cleaning the window of your sash and spraying lubricant on it can make them easier to open and close. If the problem persists it could be because the balances don't work correctly or that something is wrong with the sash.
Over time wooden window sashes absorb moisture and be affected by the fluctuation in humidity levels. They can expand and shrink which can cause them to get stuck or trapped in the frame. This can be prevented by ensuring a tight seal on the wood and regularly applying a sash sealer or paint to guard against moisture.
Other sash issues that may arise include a faulty lock for sash cord displacement, cord displacement or nail jamming which all make sash windows harder to open and close. A carpenter can solve these issues by taking off the sash and fixing or replacing damaged components, then reconnecting them.
It is possible to re-stain stained windows to restore their original appearance. It's important to maintain them in good order to guard against water infiltration and rot that can occur when the paint starts to peel and crack. Stained glass can also be re-leaded in order to stop it from leaking water onto the surrounding timber, causing wood decay.