Glazing Repairs
Making repairs to your glazing correctly can increase the value of your home. It will also ensure that your window or door is working as well as possible, improving its overall efficiency.
However, it isn't always easy to determine what the issue you're experiencing requires professional assistance. Here are a few of the most frequent problems that require fixing:.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are an essential element of your glazing system that protect, insulate, and protect windows from external air and moisture. Although they are designed to last for a long time and may require repair or replacement, the reality is that they will need to be replaced at some time. There are several options for repair in accordance with your budget and timeframe.
One of the most common indicators that your window seals aren't working is a fogging issue in your double pane IGU. (IGU). Foggy windows are caused by a broken seal between the two glass panes of your IGU that allows moisture be absorbed, causing condensation. You can use a steamer to clear the windows or apply window putty. However, it's recommended to fix your window seals by an experienced professional.
In addition to allowing condensation and fogging between the window panes, a failing seal could cause your windows to lose their insulating value. The space between your two panes is filled with an inert gas like argon or xenon that helps the IGU resist thermal transfer and keep heat in the home. Once the window seal fails the insulation benefits of your IGU will be lost and your energy bills will increase.
Gaskets made of rubber begin to degrade over time due to exposure and aging. Degradation can be accelerated through inadequate care, or environmental factors such as UV radiation. If not addressed, this could cause water infiltration into the building envelope, resulting in the growth of mold and mildew. This could eat away at the frame and sash on your IGU and cause damage to the appearance of the building and compromising insulation.
Avoiding common mistakes and performing regular maintenance is the best method to stop window seals from being damaged. Avoid using a high-pressure washer to clean windows since it can cause damage to the seal. Also, avoid adding a reflective window film to your insulated glass since it could invalidate the warranty and damage the sealant material. Be cautious when using chemicals such as paint strippers, since they can damage the sealant and cause it to fail.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a concern that needs immediate attention. A broken pane in a window could fall and break further windows, or create drafts and even insects or water to get into your home. A glass pane that has been broken can also be dangerous to anyone who comes in contact with it, particularly pets or children. Glass that has been broken is not just a safety risk but can be a challenge to remove, and cause additional damage to sash and frames and other surfaces.
When a windowpane cracks the first step is to tape it up with a cross-patch of duct tape to stop further shattering and keep bugs, rain, and debris out of your home until you can replace the glass. This is particularly important for upper-story windows.
Wear thick, cut-resistant gloves. Also, wear eye protection. Utilizing a putty knife, or pliers, pry out old glazing points, or the tiny fasteners that pin glass into the frame's recesses. Once the glass has been removed, clean all the areas around it to prepare for the installation of a new replacement window.
After determining the window's opening, it's important to ensure the new replacement is precisely 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 the frame. To avoid a mistake make sure you measure the opening of your window and subtract approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch for the new pane.
When you're ready to install your new glass, be sure 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 expand and a pane that is too small may be thrown out of the frame or let drafts in.
Once the new pane has been secured, you can wrap another glaziers compound around the perimeter to seal the glass to the frame and the sash. Smooth the compound using your fingers to ensure it's level with the new pane. When the compound is dry paint it on the frame to match your 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. In an inspection, a professional inspects anchor points, fasteners and supports for corrosion, deterioration, or misalignment. They also check the gaskets and sealants, to ensure that they have been properly installed and are not leaking.
Rusted frames and sagging walls are structural problems that need to be addressed. These problems can be very dangerous and may lead to severe damage in the future. It is crucial to fix any structural issues as fast as you can, to avoid costly repairs down the road.
Curtain wall systems require extensive structural support to be able to withstand winds and other strains. When these components fail the water intrusion that results can be damaging and costly. The underlying causes of these failures include inadequate construction, design mistakes and poor installation.
Warping can also lead to double glazing Feltham or deformed panels which can impact the appearance, energy efficiency and security of the system. A glazing inspector will search for signs of warping and suggest repair measures if necessary.
The first step of an inspection of glazing is to ensure that the work area has been cleared of all obstructions and that workers are wearing the proper safety gear. Hard hats, gloves, and high-visibility vests are all a part of the safety equipment. You can also use a ladder and harness to reach higher or more difficult to reach places.
For windows made of wood, the most common repairs involve missing or loose hardware. Two-part epoxy is a good choice to repair minor cracks in wooden window panes, but damaged or rotted wood should be replaced. Sticking sashes can often be removed from their tracks by sanding them and applying graphite grease. Window companies made of aluminum are typically the ones to tackle more complex issues such as replacing sliding mechanisms, or major frame or sash elements.
The cost of replacing the curtain wall system is usually greater than the cost of rehabilitation, but the energy savings and the increased comfort of occupants may allow the initial investment to be recouped. A new system could also help bring an existing structure into conformity with the stricter standards of building codes for insulation of glass and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Many sash window issues may be easily diagnosed and addressed through an examination. A professional window inspection can identify things like wood that is rotting or paintwork damage, as well as broken glass, which will ensure that the window is in good condition for future use. Most of the problems that arise can be easily fixed and don't require replacement.
Issues like a sash that doesn't close or open can be a nuisance and can affect the efficiency of your home. Your windows can also be dangerous if they suddenly slam shut. This can cause injuries, property damage and a loss of heat or air conditioning.
Regular maintenance is required to keep sliding sash windows looking nice and operating properly. Cleaning the window of your sash and spraying it with lubricant could make it easier to open and shut. If the problem persists it could mean that the balances aren't functioning properly or something is wrong with the sash.
Over time, wooden window sashes can absorb moisture and are affected by the fluctuation in levels of humidity. They can expand and shrink, which could cause them to become stuck or jammed within the frame. This can be avoided by keeping an encapsulated seal around the wood and by applying a sash paint or sealer to shield against moisture.
Other sash problems include a damaged cord displacement, lock and nail jamming. All of these make it difficult to open and close sash windows. A carpenter can fix these issues by taking off the sash and fixing or replacing damaged parts, before re-cording them.
It is possible to re-stain stained glass windows to restore their original appearance. It is essential to keep them in good shape to prevent water intrusion, rot and other problems that may arise when paint starts to peel and crack. Stained glass can also be re-leaded to stop it from leaking water into surrounding timber and causing wood decay.