Glazing Repairs
Making repairs to your glazing correctly will increase the value of your home. This can also increase the efficiency of your window or doors.
However, it can be tricky to know what the issue you're experiencing is one that requires professional assistance. Here are some of the most frequent problems that must be addressed:
Seals that are damaged
Window seals are an essential part of your glazing system that secure, insulate, and protect windows from outside air and moisture. They are designed to last for a long time however, they might require repair or replacement at some moment. The good news is there are several options for repair depending on your budget and timeline.
One of the most common signs that the window seals in your home are failing is the presence of fog in your double pane IGU. (IGU). Foggy windows could be the result of the seal being damaged between two glass panes within your IGU. This allows moisture to enter the IGU, causing condensation. Steamers can be used to defog the windows or apply window putty. However, it is recommended that you fix your window seals by an experienced professional.
A leaky seal can cause your windows' insulation value to decrease. The space between the two panes is filled with an inert gas such as argon or xenon which helps the IGU resist thermal transfer and maintain warm within the house. Once the window seal fails, the insulating benefit of your IGU will be removed and your energy costs will increase.
Gaskets made of rubber begin to degrade over time because of exposure and age. double glazing repair near me degrading process can be accelerated by insufficient treatment or environmental factors such as UV radiation. If not addressed, this could cause water intrusion into the building envelope resulting in mildew and mold. This could eat away at the frame and sash of your IGU and cause damage to the appearance and weakening insulation.
Avoiding common mistakes and performing regular maintenance is the best method to prevent window seals from falling apart. For instance, you should avoid using high-pressure washers to clean your windows, as it can be able to penetrate the sash and damage the seal. Also, don't add a reflective window film to your insulated glass since it could invalidate the warranty and harm the sealant material. Also, be cautious when using chemicals such as paint strippers, as they can damage the sealant and cause it to fail.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a problem that requires immediate attention. A cracked pane of glass in a window can fall and cause further windows to break or cause drafts, or allow water or insects into your home. A glass pane that is broken can also be dangerous to anyone who comes into contact with it, including pets or children. Glass that has been broken is not just a risk to safety but can also be difficult to get rid of and can cause further damage to frames and sash and other surfaces.
When a windowpane cracks, the first step is to seal it up with a cross-patch of ducttape to stop further shattering and keep rain, bugs and other debris out of your home until you can replace the glass. This is particularly important for upper-story window.
Wear thick, durable gloves. Also, wear eye protection. With pliers or a putty, pry old glazing points from the recesses of the frame. Once the glass is removed, you must clean the entire area to prepare it for new window.
It is essential to measure the window opening and ensure that the replacement is the right size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes available, but if energy-efficient glass or safety glass is required, it may require cutting to fit the frame. To avoid any mistakes take a measurement of the window opening and subtract about 1/8 to 1/4 inch for the new pane.
Once you're ready to put in the glass you just bought, insert it carefully into the frame and check for an even fit with the rabbets holding it. A glass pane that is too big can cause the wood to swell, and a pane too small can fall out of the frame or allow drafts in.
After the new pane has been secured, you can wrap another piece of glaziers' compound around the perimeter to seal the glass to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound using your fingers, making sure it's evenly distributed around the new pane. When the compound is dry, paint it and the frame to match your window.
Structural Issues
The strength and structural integrity of curtain wall and framing system are crucial for the safety, compliance and performance of glazing surfaces. In an inspection, a professional inspects anchor points, fasteners, and supports for corrosion, deterioration, or misalignment. They also check the gaskets and sealants made of rubber, to ensure that they are installed correctly and are not leaking.
The structural issues that must be addressed include rusted frames as well as walls that are sagging. These issues are risky and could cause serious damage with time. It is important that you address any structural problems 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. The intrusion of water by these components could be costly and destructive. The root causes of the failures are inadequate construction, design mistakes, and inadequate installation.
Warping can also result in distortion or deformed panels which could impact the appearance, energy efficiency and safety of the system. A glazing inspector will look for warping and recommend repair measures if necessary.
Glazing inspections should begin by making sure that the work area is free of obstructions and all workers are wearing the appropriate safety equipment. Gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests form part of the safety gear. It is also an excellent idea to wear the ladder and harness for accessing higher or harder-to-reach areas.
For wood-framed windows, common repairs involve loose or missing hardware. A small crack in windows made of wood can be fixed using two-part epoxy, however rotted or severely damaged wood is generally better replaced. Sliding sashes stuck in their tracks can be cleared by sanding them before applying graphite grease. More difficult problems, such as the replacement of sliding mechanisms as well as the major frame or sash components are typically left to aluminum window manufacturers.
Replacing an existing curtain wall system typically involves the cost of installation is much higher than rehabilitation options, however the energy savings and improved comfort of the occupants could eventually pay for the initial investment. In addition, a replacement system can assist in bringing the existing structure into conformance with the more strict building codes for insulated glass and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help diagnose and address many issues with sash windows. Things like rotting wood or paintwork damage, as well as broken glass are all identified by a professional window assessment, ensuring the window is in good shape to be used in the future. Luckily, the most common issues are less severe and don't necessarily necessitate replacement.
Issues like the sash not closing or open could be frustrating and affect the energy efficiency of your home. It's also a risk when windows suddenly slam shut and cause injuries, property damage or loss of cool air or heat.
Regular maintenance is required to keep sliding sash windows looking nice and working well. Cleaning your windows for sash and spraying them with lubricant can aid in opening and close more easily. If the problem continues it could mean that the balances aren't working correctly or that something is wrong with the sash.
Wooden window sashes absorb water over time and are affected when humidity levels fluctuate. This causes them to expand and shrink which can cause them to get stuck or trapped in the frame. This can be prevented by ensuring a good seal on the wood and applying regularly paint or a sash sealer to guard against moisture.
Other sash issues include a damaged lock, cord displacement, and nail jamming. All of these make it difficult to open and shut sash windows. These issues can usually be resolved by carpenters who will take out the sash, replace or repair any damaged parts and replace them with a new cord.
It is possible to re-stain stained glass windows to restore their original appearance. It is important to maintain them in good condition to avoid water ingress and rot as well as other problems that can occur when the paint begins to peel and crack. Re-leading stained glass is a different option to prevent it from leaking into the surrounding wood and causing decay.