Glazing Repairs
Making repairs to your glazing correctly can boost your home's value. It will also ensure that your door or window is operating as well as it can, enhancing its overall efficiency.
It can be difficult to determine if the issue you encounter requires professional assistance for repair. Here are some of the most frequently encountered problems that require repair:.
Seals that are damaged
Window seals are a crucial part of your glazing system. They protect, insulate and seal windows against the elements of air and water. They are designed to last for a long period of time, but the reality is they could require repair or replacement at some point. There are many options to repair them, based on your budget.
One of the most frequent indicators that your window seals are failing is fogging in the double pane of your IGU, also known as an insulated glass unit (IGU). Foggy windows could be the result of a damaged seal between two glass panes of your IGU. This allows water to get in, causing condensation. Steamers are a great option to remove the fog from your windows or apply window putty. However, it is recommended to fix your window seals by a professional.
A leaky seal could cause your windows' insulation value to decrease. The space between the two panes is filled with inert gas like argon or xenon that assists the IGU in resisting thermal transfer and retain heat in the home. Once the window seal fails the insulation benefit of your IGU will be removed and your energy costs will rise.
Rubber gaskets begin to degrade over time because of exposure and age. Degradation can be accelerated through poor care or environmental factors such as UV radiation. If not addressed, this could cause water intrusion into the building envelope, resulting in the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause damage to the frame and sash on your IGU, destroying the appearance of the building and compromising insulation.
Avoiding common mistakes and performing regular maintenance is the best way to stop window seals from falling apart. For instance, you should avoid using high-pressure washers to clean your windows because it could be able to penetrate the sash, and damage the seal. Don't apply reflective films to your window that is insulated, because it could void the warranty and damage the sealant. Be cautious when using chemicals like paint strippers as they can cause damage to sealant and cause failure.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a concern that requires immediate attention. A broken pane in a window could fall and break other windows or cause a draft and even insects or water to get into your home. A glass pane that is broken can be dangerous for anyone who comes in contact with it. This is especially true for pets and children. Glass that has been broken is not just an hazard to safety, but it can also be difficult to remove and can cause further damage to frames and sash and other surfaces.
If a window pane breaks, the first step is to tape it up using a cross-patch of ducttape to prevent further shattering and keep rain, bugs, and debris out of your home until you are able to replace the glass. This is especially important for upper-story window.
Take precautions by wearing thick protective eyewear and gloves that are cut-resistant. With a putty or pliers remove the old glazing points out of the frame recesses. Once the glass is removed, clean the entire area to prepare it for a new window.
After measuring the window's opening, it's essential to ensure the new replacement is the exact size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes, but if energy-efficient glass or safety glass is required, it could require cutting to fit your frame. To avoid committing mistakes take a measurement of your window's opening and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inches for the new pane.
When you're ready to install the glass you just bought, insert it in the frame with care and check for a flush fit with the rabbets holding it. double glazing window repairs can cause the wood to expand and a pane that is too small could fall out of the frame or let drafts enter.
Once the new pane is secured, you can wrap another cord of glaziers compound around the perimeter to secure the glass to the frame and the sash. Smooth the compound using your fingers, making sure it's evenly distributed around the new pane. When dry paint the newly glazed frame and compound to match the rest of your window.
Structural Problems
The strength and structural integrity of curtain wall and framing systems is essential for the safety, compliance and performance of glass surfaces. During an inspection, the expert will examine anchors, fasteners and supports to determine whether they have corroded, damaged or misaligned. They also check the sealants and gaskets to ensure that they are installed correctly and that they aren't leaky.
Rusted frames and sagging walls are structural issues that must be addressed. These problems can be very risky and could cause serious damage over time. It is important that you take care of any structural issues as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs in the future.
Curtain wall systems require a lot of structural support to withstand the forces of wind and other stress. 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.
Warping can also result in distortion or deformed panels which may impact the appearance as well as the energy efficiency and safety of the system. A glazing inspector will look for warping and recommend repair measures if necessary.
The first step in an inspection of the glazing is to ensure that the area of work is free of obstructions and that employees are wearing the appropriate safety equipment. Hard hats, gloves, and high-visibility vests form part of the safety equipment. You can also use a ladder and harness to reach higher or more difficult-to-reach places.
Common repairs for windows made of wood include loose or missing hardware. A few minor cracks on window frames made of wood can be repaired with an epoxy that is two-part, but damaged or rotted wood is typically better replaced. Sashes that stick can be removed from their tracks by sanding them and applying graphite lubricant. More complex issues like the replacement of sliding mechanisms as well as the major frame or sash components are usually left to aluminum window manufacturers.
The cost of replacing the existing curtain wall is usually greater than the cost of rehabilitation, however the energy savings and the improved comfort for the occupants may let the initial investment be returned. Additionally, a replacement system could help bring the existing structure into conformance to more stringent building code requirements for insulated glass and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help to identify and fix a variety of issues with sash windows. A professional window inspection can detect things like rotting wood and paintwork damage as well as broken glass, ensuring that the window is in good shape to be used in the future. Most of the problems that arise are easily rectified and do not need replacement.
Issues like a sash that won't close or open can be annoying and affect the energy efficiency of your home. Your windows can also be risky if they suddenly snap shut. This can cause injuries, property damage and even a loss of air conditioning or heat.
Sliding sash windows need regular maintenance to keep them looking good and functioning well. Cleaning your window sash and spraying it with lubricant could make it easier to open and shut. If the problem continues it could be because the balances aren't functioning correctly or that something is wrong with the sash.
Wooden window sashes absorb moisture over time and can be affected by changes in humidity. This causes them swell and shrink, which may cause them become stuck or encased within the frame. This can be avoided by ensuring a tight seal on the wood, and regularly applying a sash sealer or painting to guard against moisture.
Other sash problems that could be caused by a defective lock for sash cord displacement, nail jamming, which can make windows for sash difficult to open and close. These can often be fixed by a carpenter who will remove the sash, repair or replace any damaged components, and then reconnect them.
Stained glass windows can be stained again to improve their appearance. It is important to keep them in good shape to guard against water infiltration and rot that can occur when the paint begins to peel and crack. Re-leading stained glass is an additional option to prevent it from leaking into surrounding wood and causing decay.