Glazing Repairs
Getting glazing repairs right can boost your home's value. It will also ensure that your window or door is operating as well as it can, increasing its overall performance.
It can be a challenge to know if the issue you encounter requires professional assistance for repair. Here are a few of the most common problems that require fixing:.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are a crucial element of your glazing system that secure, insulate, and protect windows from outside air and moisture. They are designed to last for a long period of time, but the reality is they may need repair or replacement at some moment. The good news is there are a variety of options for repair depending on your budget and timeframe.
One of the most obvious signs that the window seals in your home are failing is the presence of fog in your double pane insulated glass unit (IGU). Foggy windows result from a damaged seal between the two glass panes of your IGU that allows moisture to be absorbed, causing condensation. Steamers are a great option to remove the fog from your windows or apply window putty. However, it is recommended that you have your window seals fixed by a professional.
A failing seal can also cause your windows' insulation value to decrease. The space between the two panes is filled by inert gas like argon or xenon which helps the IGU resist thermal transfer and maintain heat within the home. If the window seal is damaged the insulation benefits of your IGU will be diminished and your energy costs will increase.
Gaskets made of rubber begin to degrade with time due to exposure and aging. The degradation is accelerated by poor treatment or environmental factors like UV radiation. If not addressed, this may cause water penetration 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.
Avoiding common mistakes and performing regular maintenance are the best ways to prevent window seals from being damaged. For instance, you should avoid using a high-pressure washer to clean your windows, because it could be able to penetrate the sash and damage the seal. Additionally, do not add a reflective window film to your insulated glass, since it could invalidate the warranty and harm the sealant material. Also, be cautious when using chemical products, such as paint strippers, since they can damage the sealant and cause it to fail.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a problem that requires immediate attention. A cracked pane of glass in a window can fall and cause other windows to break, or create a draft, or even let insects or water into your home. A glass pane that is broken could also pose a risk for anyone who comes in contact with it, including pets or children. In addition to being a risk for safety broken glass is difficult to remove and could cause further damage to frames, sash, and adjacent 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 rain, bugs, and debris out of your home until you can replace the glass. This method is particularly crucial for windows with higher levels.
Take precautions by wearing thick cut-resistant gloves and eye protection. With a putty or pliers, pry old glazing points from the frame recesses. Once the glass is removed, you must clean the entire area to prepare it for new window.
It is essential to measure the window's opening and ensure that the replacement is of the proper size. Most glaziers stock standard-sized panes available to insert however if you're looking for energy-efficient or safety glass, it will likely need to be made specifically for the frame. To avoid making mistakes, measure your window opening and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inches for the new pane.
When you're ready to put in your new glass, be sure to place it into the frame. Make sure it is perfectly with the rabbets. A glass pane too large could cause the wood to expand and a pane that is too small may fall out of the frame or let drafts get in.
After you've ensured that the new pane is securely secured to the frame, wrap another cord of glaziers' compound around the edges of the glass to secure it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound using your finger, ensuring that it's evenly distributed across the new pane. When dry, paint the newly glazed frame and compound to match the rest of your window.
Structural Problems
The structural strength of curtain wall frames and systems is essential to the safety and performance of glass surfaces. During an inspection, the professional will inspect anchors, fasteners, and supports to see whether they are corroded deteriorated, or misaligned. He or she will also examine the gaskets and sealants made of rubber to ensure they have been properly installed and aren't leaky.
Structural issues that need to be addressed include rusted frames and walls that are sagging. These issues can be dangerous and can lead to serious damage over time. It is important to address any structural issues as quickly as you can, to avoid costly repairs later on.
Curtain wall systems require substantial structural support to be able to withstand winds and other strains. If these components fail, the water intrusion that occurs could be destructive and costly. The underlying causes of these failures are due to poor construction, design flaws and inadequate installation.
Warping can also cause distortion or deformed panels which could affect the appearance, energy efficiency and safety of the system. A glazing inspector will search for signs of warping and suggest repairs if needed.
The first step in a glazing inspection is to make sure that the work area has been cleared of all obstructions and that workers are wearing the proper safety gear. This includes gloves, hard hats, and high-visibility vests. It's also recommended to use a harness and ladder to gain access to higher or difficult-to-access areas.
For double glazing repair near me made of wood, the most common repairs involve a lack of or damaged hardware. A small crack in window frames made of wood can be fixed using two-part epoxy, however damaged or rotten wood is generally recommended replacement. Sliding sashes stuck in their tracks can be loosened by sanding them, then applying graphite grease. Aluminum window companies are usually the ones who handle 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, however the energy savings and the increased comfort for occupants may let the initial investment be returned. A replacement system may also help bring an existing structure in line with the more stringent standards of building codes for insulation of glass and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Many sash window issues may be easily identified and dealt with by an examination. A professional window assessment can detect issues like rotting wood, paintwork damage and broken glass, which will ensure that the window is in good order for future use. Fortunately, the most frequent problems are less serious and don't necessarily necessitate replacement.
Issues like a sash window that won't open or close can be a nuisance and can also affect your home's energy efficiency. It's also dangerous if your windows unexpectedly slam shut, causing injuries, property damage or loss of cool or warm air.
Regular maintenance is essential to keep sliding sash windows in good condition and functioning properly. Cleaning your sash window and spraying a lubricant can make them easier to open and shut. If the problem continues it could be because the balances don't work properly or there is a problem with the sash.
Wooden window sashes absorb moisture over time and can be affected when humidity levels fluctuate. This causes them swell and shrink, which may cause them to become stuck or jammed within the frame. This can be avoided by keeping a tight seal around the wood and by regularly applying the sash paint or sealer to guard against moisture.
Other sash problems include a broken lock, cord displacement and nail jamming. These issues make it difficult to open and close sash windows. A carpenter can resolve these issues by removing the sash and replacing or repairing any damaged parts, and then re-cording them.
It is possible to re-stain stained glass windows in order to restore their original appearance. It is essential to keep them in good shape to prevent water intrusion, rot and other problems that can occur when the paint begins to peel and crack. Re-leading stained glass is an additional way to stop it from leaking into surrounding wood and causing decay.