Glazing Repairs
Making repairs to your glazing correctly can boost your home's value. It will also ensure that your window or door is working as well as it can, increasing its overall efficiency.
It isn't easy to tell whether the issue you're experiencing requires professional attention. Here are some of the most common problems that require fixing:.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are an essential part of your glazing system. They secure, insulate, and protect windows from outside air and moisture. They are designed to last for a long time, but the reality is they could require repair or replacement at some time. The good news is there are a variety of options for repair in accordance with your budget and timeline.
Fogging inside your double paned insulated glass unit is among the most commonly reported indicators that the window seals are failing. Foggy windows are caused by a broken seal between the two glass panes of your IGU that allows moisture to get in, causing condensation. Steamers are a great option to defog the windows or apply window putty. However, it's recommended to have your window seals fixed by an experienced professional.
A leaky seal could cause the insulation value of your windows to decrease. The space between the two panes is filled by inert gas such as argon and xenon that aids the IGU in preventing thermal transfer and retain heat within the home. If the window seal is damaged the insulation benefit of your IGU will be removed and your energy costs will increase.
double glazing repair begin to degrade with time because of exposure and age. The degradation is accelerated by poor care or by environmental factors like UV radiation. If not addressed, this can cause water penetration into the building envelope and result in mildew and mold. This can eat through the frame and sash of your IGU and ruin the appearance and damaging your insulation.
The best way to avoid the possibility of a leak in window seals is to perform regular maintenance and avoiding common errors. Avoid using a high-pressure washer to clean windows, as it can damage the seal. Also, avoid adding a reflective window film to your insulated glass as it could void the warranty and damage the sealant material. Be careful when using chemicals such as paint strippers, as they can harm sealant and cause failure.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is an obvious problem that requires immediate attention. A cracked pane of glass in a window can be thrown down and cause additional windows to break or cause a draft, or even let insects or water into your home. A glass pane that has been broken could also pose a risk to anyone who comes into contact with it, including pets or children. Glass that is shattering is not just an hazard to safety, but it can also be difficult to get rid of and cause further damage to sash and frames and other surfaces.
The first thing to do when a window is damaged is to wrap it up with a cross-pattern of duct tap to prevent further shattering. This will keep bugs, rain and debris out of the home until you are able to replace your glass. This method is especially important for windows that are higher up.
Then, be sure to take precautions by wearing thick protective eyewear and gloves that are cut-resistant. Utilizing a putty knife, or pliers, cut out old glazing points, or the tiny fasteners that fix glass into the frame's recesses. Once the glass is removed, clean the entire area to prepare it for a new window.
It is important to measure the window's opening and make sure that the replacement is the right size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes however, if energy-efficient glass or safety glass is required, it could require cutting to fit the frame. To avoid any mistakes, measure the window opening and subtract approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch for the new pane.
When you're ready to install the glass you just bought, insert it carefully into the frame and ensure it's 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 let drafts in.
Once you've confirmed that the new pane is secure, roll another cord of compound for glaziers' around the perimeter of the glass to seal it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound using your fingers to ensure it is even around the new pane. After drying, paint the newly glazed compound and frame to match the rest of your window.
Structural Problems
The structural integrity and performance of curtain wall and framing system are crucial to the safety, compliance, and performance of glass surfaces. In an inspection, a professional examines fasteners, anchor points, and supports for signs of corrosion or deterioration. They also look for misalignment. He or she will also check the sealants and rubber gaskets, to ensure that they are installed correctly and aren't leaky.
Rusted frames and sagging wall are structural issues that must be addressed. These issues are risky and could cause serious damage with time. It is important that you take care of any structural issues promptly to avoid costly repairs in the future.
Curtain wall systems require extensive structural support to withstand wind loads and other stresses. Water intrusion caused by these components could be costly and damaging. The root causes of these failures include poor construction, design errors, and inadequate installation.
Warping can also lead to distortion or deformed panels which can impact the appearance as well as the energy efficiency and safety of the system. A glazing inspector will search for warping and recommend repairs if needed.
Glazing inspections should start by making sure that the work area is free of any obstructions and that all workers are wearing appropriate safety equipment. This includes hard hats, gloves and high-visibility vests. 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. Two-part epoxy can be used to repair minor cracks on windows made of wood, however severely damaged or rotten wood should be replaced. Sticking sashes can often be removed from their tracks by sanding them and applying graphite oil. Aluminum window companies are typically the ones to handle more difficult problems, such as replacing sliding mechanisms or major frame or sash elements.
The cost of replacing the existing curtain wall is usually higher than the cost of rehabilitation, however the energy savings and the improved comfort for the residents could let the initial investment be paid back. A replacement system may help bring an existing structure into compliance with the more stringent standards of building codes for insulation of glass and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Many issues with sash windows can be easily diagnosed and addressed through a visual examination. A professional window inspection can detect things like wood that is rotting, paintwork damage and broken glass, ensuring that the window is in good order for future use. The most frequent issues can be fixed easily and do not need replacement.
Issues like a sash window that won't open or close can be a source of frustration and also affect the efficiency of your home's energy usage. It's also risky when windows suddenly snap shut and cause injuries, property damage, and loss of cool or warm air.
Sliding windows require regular maintenance to keep them looking good and working properly. Cleaning the window of your sash and spraying a lubricant can make them easier to open and close. However, if the issue persists, it could be an indication that the balances aren't working correctly or that something is wrong with the sash itself.
Over time, wooden window sashes can absorb moisture and can be affected by the fluctuation in levels of humidity. This causes them to expand and shrink, which can cause them to become stuck or jammed in the frame. This can be avoided by maintaining a tight seal on the wood, and applying regularly a sash sealer or painting to shield against moisture.
Other sash issues that may be caused by a defective the sash lock cord displacement, nail jamming that can make sash windows harder to open and close. 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.
Stained glass windows can be stained to restore their appearance. It is essential to keep them in good condition to protect the glass from water ingress and rot which could occur when the paint begins to peel and crack. Stained glass can also be re-leaded in order to keep it from leaking water into the surrounding timber and causing decay of the wood.