Glazing Repairs
Repairing your glazing correctly can boost the value of your home. It also ensures that your window or door is working as well as possible, improving its overall efficiency.
However, it isn't easy to tell what the issue you're experiencing is one that requires professional attention. Here are some of most frequent problems that require to be addressed:
Damaged Seals
Window seals are an essential element of your glazing system. They secure windows, insulate them and seal them against the elements of air and water. Although they are designed to last for a long time, and may require repair or replacement, the fact is that they will need to be replaced at some moment. There are a variety of options to repair them, based on your budget.
One of the most common signs that the window seals in your home are failing is fogging in your double pane insulated glass unit (IGU). Foggy windows can be caused by an unsound seal between two glass panes within your IGU. This can allow water to get in, causing condensation. While you can try some quick-fixes to defog your windows, for instance using a steamer or applying window putty, the best solution is to repair your window seals by an expert.
In addition to allowing condensation and fogging between the window panes, a failing seal can cause your windows to lose their insulation value. The space between your two panes is filled with an inert gas such as argon or xenon that helps the IGU resist thermal transfer and retain heat in the home. The benefits of the IGU's insulation will be lost if the window seal fails. Your costs for energy will also increase.
Rubber gaskets begin to degrade over time due to exposure and age. Degradation can be accelerated due to inadequate care, or environmental factors like UV radiation. If not addressed, this could cause water penetration into the building envelope and result in mold and mildew. This could eat away at the frame and sash of your IGU, ruining the appearance and damaging your insulation.
The best way to avoid the loss of window seals is to carry out regular maintenance and avoiding common errors. For instance, do not use high-pressure washers to clean your windows, because it could get into the sash, and damage the seal. Also, double glazing repair near me add a reflective window film to your insulated glass, because it could void the warranty and harm the sealant material. Be cautious when using chemical like paint strippers as they can harm sealant and cause failure.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a concern that needs immediate attention. A broken pane in a window could fall and break windows, or create drafts and even insects or water to infiltrate your home. A glass pane that is broken can also be dangerous to anyone who comes in contact with it, particularly pets or children. In addition to being a safety hazard broken glass is difficult to remove and could cause additional damage to frames, sash and other surfaces.
When a windowpane cracks, the first step is to seal it up using a cross-patch of ducttape to stop further shattering and keep bugs, rain and other debris out of your home until you are able to replace the glass. This is particularly important for upper-story windows.
Wear thick, cut-resistant gloves. Also, wear eye protection. With pliers or a putty take the old glazing points out of the frame recesses. Once the glass has been removed, clean the areas around it to prepare for the installation of a new replacement window.
After determining the window's opening, it's important to make sure that the replacement is the exact size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes on hand however if energy-efficient or safety glass is required, it may need to be cut to fit your frame. To avoid mistakes take a measurement of your window's opening and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inches to fit the new pane.
When you're ready to install the new glass, place it carefully into the frame and check for an even fit with the rabbets that support it. A glass pane that is too big could cause the wood to swell and a pane that's too small can be thrown out of the frame or allow drafts in.
Once you've made sure the new pane is securely secured by a second cord of glaziers' compound around the perimeter of the glass to seal it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound with your fingers, making sure it's evenly distributed around the new pane. Once the compound is dry paint it and the frame to match your window.
Structural Problems
The structural strength of curtain wall frameworks and systems for framing is vital to the security, performance, and compliance of glass surfaces. During an inspection, the expert will inspect anchors, fasteners, and supports to see whether they have corroded, degraded, or misaligned. The inspector will also inspect the gaskets and sealants, to ensure that they have been properly installed and aren't leaky.
Structural issues that must be addressed include rusted frames as well as walls that are sagging. These issues are risky and could lead to severe 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 substantial structural support to resist 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 improper installation.
Another common problem is warping, which can cause deformed or distorted glass panels that can affect the appearance of the system, its energy efficiency, and security. A glazing inspector will look for signs of warping and suggest repairs if required.
The first step of a glazing inspection is to ensure that the area of work is free of obstructions and that employees are wearing the appropriate safety equipment. Gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests form part of the safety gear. 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 can be used to repair minor cracks in windows made of wood, however severely damaged or rotted wood should be replaced. Sashes that stick can be removed from their tracks by sanding them and applying graphite lubricant. Aluminum window companies are usually the ones to handle more complicated issues, such as replacing sliding mechanisms or major frame or sash components.
The cost of replacing the curtain wall system is typically higher than the cost of rehabilitation, but the savings in energy consumption as well as the improved comfort for the residents could let the initial investment be recouped. A new system could assist in bringing an existing structure in line with the more stringent requirements of building codes for insulated glass and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Many sash window issues may be easily diagnosed and addressed through a visual inspection. Things like rotting wood, damage to paintwork and broken glass are all identified with a professional assessment of the window, ensuring the window is in good order to be used in the future. The most frequent issues can be fixed easily and do not require replacement.
Problems like a sash windows that isn't able to open or close can be a hassle and also affect your home's energy efficiency. Your windows could also be dangerous if they suddenly slam shut. This could result in injuries, property damage, and even a loss of air conditioning or heat.
Regular maintenance is necessary to keep sliding sash windows in good condition and working well. Cleaning your windows for sash and applying a lubricant spray can help them to open and close more quickly. If the problem continues, it could indicate that the balances aren't functioning properly or there is a problem with the sash.
Wooden window sashes absorb water over time and can be affected when humidity levels fluctuate. This causes them to expand and shrink, which could cause them to get stuck or trapped within the frame. This can be prevented by ensuring a good seal on the wood, and applying regularly a sash sealer or paint 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 windows in sash. These can often be fixed by a carpenter who will remove the sash, repair or replace any damaged parts and re-cord them.
Stained glass windows can sometimes be re-stained to restore their appearance. It is important to maintain their condition to prevent water ingress, rot and other problems that can occur when the paint begins to peel and crack. Re-leading stained glass is a different method to prevent it from leaking into surrounding wood and causing decay.