Glazing Repairs
Repairing your glazing correctly can increase the value of your home. It will also ensure that your window or door is operating as efficiently as it can, enhancing its overall efficiency.
It can be difficult to determine if the problem you are experiencing requires professional repair. Here are some of the most frequent problems that require fixing:.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are an important part of your glazing system. They secure windows, insulate them and seal them against moisture and air outside. Although they are designed to last a long time and may require repair or replacement, the fact is that they will have to be replaced at some moment. The good news is that there are several options for repair in accordance with your budget and timeframe.
Fogging inside your double paned insulated glass unit is among the most common signs that the window seals are failing. Foggy windows are caused by a broken seal between the two glass panes of your IGU which allows moisture to get in, causing condensation. While you can try a few quick solutions to remove the fog from your windows, for instance using a steamer or applying window putty, the best solution is to get your window seals replaced by a professional.
A leaky seal could cause your windows' insulation value to decrease. 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 inside the home. When the window seal fails the insulation benefits of your IGU will be removed and your energy costs will rise.
Rubber gaskets start to degrade over time due to exposure and age. The degrading process can be accelerated by insufficient treatment or environmental factors, such as UV radiation. If not addressed, this may cause water penetration into the building envelope, resulting in mold and mildew. This can cause damage to the frame and sash on your IGU and ruin the appearance of the building and compromising insulation.
The best way to prevent the possibility of a leak in window seals is to carry out regular maintenance and avoiding common mistakes. For instance, do not use high-pressure washers to clean your windows, since it could work its way into the sash and cause damage to the seal. Also, avoid adding a reflective window film to your insulated glass because it could void the warranty and damage the sealant material. Be cautious when using chemical such as paint strippers, as they can cause damage to sealant and cause failure.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a common issue that requires immediate attention. A shattered pane in a window can fall and cause other windows to break or create drafts, or allow water or insects into your home. A glass pane that is broken can be a danger for anyone who comes in contact with it, including pets or children. 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.
double glazing repair to do when a window is cracked is to tape it up with a cross patch of duct tap in order to prevent further shattering. This will keep insects, rain and debris out of the home until you are able to replace your glass. This method is especially important for upper-story windows.
Wear thick, durable gloves. Also wear eye protection. With a putty or pliers, pry old glazing points out of the frame recesses. Once the glass has been removed, clean all the areas around it to prepare for the installation of a new replacement window.
It is important to measure the opening of your window and ensure that the replacement is the proper size. Most glaziers will have standard-sized panes ready to insert however if you're looking for energy-efficient or safety glass, it will likely need to be cut specifically for the frame. To avoid mistakes take a measurement of the window opening and subtract approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch for the new pane.
Once you're ready to put in the new glass, place it in the frame with care and ensure it's an even fit with the rabbets that support it. A glass pane that's too big can swell and cloud the wood surrounding it, whereas one that's too small could fall from the frame or let drafts enter your home.
Once the new pane has been secured, you can wrap another glaziers compound around the perimeter to secure the glass to the frame and the sash. Smooth the compound using your finger to ensure it is even around the new pane. Once dry, paint the newly glazed compound and frame to match the rest of your window.
Structural Problems
The structural integrity of curtain wall frameworks and systems for framing is crucial to the safety and performance of glazed surfaces. During an inspection, a professional will examine anchors, fasteners and supports to determine if they are corroded, degraded, or misaligned. He or she also checks the gaskets and sealants to make sure that they are installed correctly and that they are not leaky.
Rusted frames and sagging walls are structural problems that need to be addressed. These issues can be dangerous and could cause serious destruction over time. It is important to take care of any structural issues as fast as you can to avoid costly repairs down the line.
Curtain wall systems require a lot of structural support to resist winds and other strains. The water intrusion caused by these components could be costly and destructive. These failures are usually caused by inadequate construction, design errors and inadequate installation.
Another common problem is warping, which can cause deformed or distorted glass panels that can affect the appearance of the system, its energy efficiency, and security. An inspector for glass looks for warping during an inspection and suggests repair measures 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 appropriate safety gear. This includes gloves, hard hats, and high-visibility vests. You can also utilize a harness and ladder to reach higher or more difficult to reach places.
For wood-framed windows, common repairs involve a lack of or damaged hardware. A few minor cracks in wooden window panes can often be fixed with a two-part epoxy, but damaged or rotten wood is usually better replaced. Sashes that are stuck can usually be removed from their tracks by sanding them and applying graphite oil. More complex issues like the replacement of sliding mechanisms as well as major sash or frame parts are usually left to aluminum window companies.
The cost of replacing the curtain wall system is usually higher than the cost of rehabilitation, however the savings in energy consumption as well as the increased comfort of people living in the structure could let the initial investment be returned. Additionally, a replacement system can assist in bringing the structure in line to more strict building code requirements for insulated glazing and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help to identify and resolve a number of issues with sash windows. Things like rotting timber and paintwork damage as well as broken glass can be picked up by a professional window assessment and ensure that the window is in good condition for future use. Fortunately, the most frequent issues aren't as serious and don't require replacement.
Issues like a sash that doesn't close or open could be frustrating and affect the efficiency of your home. It's also dangerous when windows suddenly slam shut, causing injuries, property damage and loss of heat or cool air.
Sliding sash windows need regular maintenance to keep them looking good and operating properly. Cleaning your sash window and spraying a lubricant can make it easier to open and close. If the problem persists, it could indicate that the balances aren't working properly or there is a problem with the sash.
Wooden window sashes take in moisture over time and can be affected when humidity levels fluctuate. This causes them swell and shrink, which can cause them to become stuck or jammed within the frame. This can be avoided by ensuring a tight seal on the wood, and regularly applying a sash sealer or paint to shield against moisture.
Other sash issues include a damaged cord displacement, lock and nail jamming. These all make it difficult to open and close windows in sash. These issues can usually be resolved by carpenters who will take out the sash, replace or repair any damaged components, and then re-cord them.
It is possible to re-stain stained windows in order to restore their original appearance. It is important to maintain them in good order to guard against the ingress of water and rot, which may occur when the paint begins to crack and peel. Stained glass can also be re-leaded to keep it from leaking water onto the surrounding timber and causing wood decay.