Glazing Repairs
Getting glazing repairs right can boost your home's value. It will also improve the effectiveness of your windows or doors.
It can be difficult to determine if the problem you encounter requires professional assistance for repair. Here are a few of the most common issues that need fixing:.
Seals that are damaged
Window seals are an important part of your glazing system. They are used to secure windows, insulate them and seal them against the elements of air and water. Although they are designed to last a long time and may require repair or replacement, the fact is that they'll need to be replaced at some point. There are several options for repair according to your budget and timeframe.
One of the most frequent indicators that your window seals are failing is the presence of fog in the double pane of your insulated glass unit (IGU). Foggy windows may be caused by the seal being damaged between two glass panes of your IGU. This allows moisture to seep through and create condensation. While you can try a few quick solutions to remove the fog from your windows, like using a steamer, or applying window putty, the best solution is to have 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 is filled with inert gas such as argon or xenon that helps the IGU resist thermal transfer and retain heat in the home. Once double glazing repair fails the insulation benefit of your IGU will be removed and your energy costs will rise.
Gaskets made of rubber begin to degrade over time due to exposure and aging. Degradation can be accelerated due to improper care, or environmental factors like UV radiation. If not addressed, this could cause water infiltration into the building envelope, resulting in mold and mildew. This can cause damage to the frame and sash of your IGU and ruin the appearance and damaging your insulation.
The best way to avoid the loss of window seals is to perform regular maintenance and avoiding common errors. Avoid using a high pressure washer to clean windows since it can cause damage to the seal. Do not apply a reflective film to your window with insulation because it could void the warranty and damage the sealant. Also, be cautious when using chemicals, such as paint strippers because they can damage the sealant and cause it to fail.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a concern that requires immediate attention. A cracked pane of glass in a window could be thrown down and cause additional windows to break or cause a draft, or even allow insects or water to enter your home. A glass pane that is broken could also pose a risk to anyone who comes into contact with it, including children or pets. In addition to being a safety risk broken glass is difficult to remove and may cause further damage to frames, sash, and the surfaces that are adjacent to it.
The first thing to do when a window has damaged is to seal it up with a cross-pattern of duct tap to prevent further shattering. This will keep bugs, rain and other debris out of your house until you can replace the glass. This is particularly important for upper-story windows.
Next, take precautions by wearing thick cut-resistant gloves and eye protection. With a putty knife or pliers, pry out old glazing points, the tiny fasteners that fix glass into the frame's recesses. After the glass has been removed, clean the surrounding areas to prepare for the new replacement window.
After measuring the window opening, it is important to ensure the new replacement is the exact size. Most glaziers stock standard-sized panes available to insert, but if you want security glass or energy-efficient, it's likely to need to be cut specifically to fit your frame. To avoid committing mistakes take a measurement of your window's opening and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inches from the new pane.
When you are ready to put in your new glass, be sure to place it in the frame. Check that it fits flush with the rabbets. A new glass pane that's too big can swell and cloud the surrounding wood, while one that's too small can fall off the frame and let drafts in 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 sash. Smooth the compound with your fingers to ensure that it is even around the new pane. When dry paint the newly glazed compound and frame to match the rest of your window.
Structural Issues
The structural strength of curtain wall frameworks and systems for framing is vital to the security and performance of the glazed surfaces. During an inspection, the expert will examine anchors, fasteners, and supports to see whether they are corroded deteriorated or misaligned. He or she will also examine the gaskets and sealants to ensure they have been properly installed and aren't leaking.
Rusted frames and sagging wall are structural issues that must be addressed. These problems are dangerous and could cause serious damage with time. It is important to address any structural issues as quickly as you can to avoid costly repairs down the road.
Curtain wall systems require a lot of structural support to withstand winds, and other strains. If these components fail, the water intrusion that results can be damaging and costly. The main causes for these failures are due to poor construction, design errors, and inadequate installation.
Another common problem is warping. This can cause deformed or distorted glass panels and affect the appearance of the system, energy efficiency and safety. A glazing inspector will search for signs of warping and suggest repairs if required.
The first step of an inspection of glazing is to make sure that the work area has been cleared of all obstructions and that employees are wearing the appropriate safety equipment. This includes gloves, hard hats, and high-visibility vests. It is also a good idea to use the ladder and harness for accessing higher or harder-to-reach areas.
For wood-framed windows, common repairs involve a lack of or damaged hardware. A small crack in window frames made of wood can be repaired with an epoxy that is two-part, but rotted or severely damaged wood is typically recommended replacement. Sashes that are stuck can usually be freed from their tracks by sanding them and applying graphite grease. More difficult problems, such as the replacement of sliding mechanisms as well as major frame or sash parts are usually left to aluminum window companies.
The cost of replacing the existing curtain wall is usually greater than the cost of rehabilitation, however the energy savings and the increased comfort of people living in the structure could allow the initial investment to be returned. Additionally, a replacement system can assist in bringing the existing structure into conformance with the more stringent building code requirements for insulated glazing and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help diagnose and fix a variety of problems with sash windows. Things like rotting wood and paintwork damage as well as broken glass are all detected by a professional window assessment and ensure that the window is in good order for future use. The most frequent issues can be easily fixed and don't require replacement.
Problems such as a sash window that isn't able to open or close can be a source of frustration and could also impact your home's energy efficiency. Windows can also be risky if they suddenly snap shut. This can result in injuries, property damage, and even a loss of air conditioning or heat.
Sliding windows require regular maintenance to keep them looking good and operating properly. Cleaning your window sash and spraying it with lubricant could make them easier to open and close. However, if the issue persists it could be a sign that the balances aren't functioning correctly or that something is wrong with the sash itself.
Over time the wooden windowsashes absorb moisture and be affected by changes in levels of humidity. This causes them to swell and shrink, which could cause them to become stuck or jammed within the frame. This can be prevented by maintaining a tight seal on the wood and by regularly applying a sash sealer or painting to shield against moisture.
Other sash problems that could occur are a damaged sash lock cord displacement, nail jamming, which can make windows for sash difficult to open and close. A carpenter can resolve these issues by removing the sash and replacing or repairing any damaged components, then reconnecting them.
Stained glass windows can sometimes be stained again to improve their appearance. It is essential to keep them in good shape to safeguard 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 the surrounding wood and causing decay.