Glazing Repairs
Repairing your glazing correctly can increase the value of your home. It also ensures that your door or window is operating as efficiently as possible, improving its overall efficiency.
It can be a challenge to determine if the issue you are experiencing requires professional help. Here are a few of the most frequently encountered issues that need fixing:.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals are a crucial component of your glazing system. They protect, insulate, and seal windows from outside air and moisture. Although they are designed to last a long time and may require repair or replacement, the reality is that they will need to be replaced at some point. There are several options available for repair, based on your budget.
Fogging inside your double paned insulated glass unit is one of the most common indicators that the window seals are failing. Foggy windows result from a damaged seal between the two glass panes of your IGU which allows moisture to get in, causing condensation. You can use a steamer to defog the windows or apply window putty. However, it's best to get your window seals repaired by an experienced professional.
In addition to allowing fogging and condensation between the windows, a weak seal could cause your windows to lose their insulation value. The space between the two panes is filled with inert gas like argon or xenon which helps the IGU resist thermal transfer and retain warm within the house. The benefits of the IGU's insulation will be lost if the window seal fails. Your costs for energy will also increase.
Gaskets made of rubber begin to degrade over time because of exposure and age. Degradation can be accelerated through inadequate care, or environmental factors like UV radiation. If not addressed, this may cause water intrusion into the building envelope, resulting in mildew and mold. This can cause damage to the frame and sash of your IGU and ruin the appearance and weakening the insulation.
The best way to prevent the loss of window seals is by performing regular maintenance and avoiding common errors. Avoid using a high-pressure washer to clean windows, as it can damage the seal. Do not apply reflective film to your window that is insulated, since this could invalidate the guarantee and damage the sealant. Be cautious when using chemical like paint strippers as they can cause damage to sealant and cause failure.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a hazard that requires immediate attention. A pane shattered in a window can fall and break further windows or cause a draft and even insects or water to infiltrate your home. A broken glass pane can also be dangerous for anyone who comes in contact with it, especially children or pets. Glass that has been broken is not just a safety risk however, it can be a challenge to remove, and cause additional damage to frames and sash and other surfaces.
The first thing to do when a windowpane is damaged is to wrap it up with a cross patch of duct tap to prevent further shattering. This will keep insects, rain and other debris out of the house until you can replace your glass. This is especially important for upper-story window.
Take precautions by putting on thick cut-resistant gloves and eye protection. With pliers or a putty remove the old glazing points out of the recesses of the frame. Once the glass is removed, clean the entire area to prepare it for new window.
It is essential to measure the opening of your window and ensure that the replacement is the proper size. Most glaziers will have standard-sized panes ready to insert however if you're looking for energy-efficient or safety glass, it's likely to need to be custom cut 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 for installing the glass, put it in the frame with care and ensure it's an even fit with the rabbets that support it. A new glass pane that's too huge can swell and cloud the surrounding wood, while one that's too small could fall from the frame or allow drafts into your home.
Once double glazing repair 've made sure the new pane is securely secured to the frame, wrap another cord of glaziers' compound around the edges of the glass to seal it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound using your fingers to ensure that it's even around the new pane. When dry paint the newly glazed frame and compound to match the rest of your window.
Structural Problems
The structural integrity of curtain wall frameworks and systems for framing is essential to the safety and performance of glass surfaces. In an inspection, a professional examines fasteners, anchor points, and supports for signs of corrosion, deterioration, or misalignment. The inspector also examines the gaskets and sealants to ensure that they're installed correctly and that they are not leaky.
Structural issues that need to be addressed include rusted frames and sagging walls. These issues can be risky and could cause severe damage in the future. It is essential to address any structural problems as soon as you can so that you avoid costly repairs in the future.
Curtain wall systems require extensive structural support to resist the forces of wind and other stress. The water intrusion caused by these components could be costly and damaging. These failures are usually caused by inadequate construction, design errors, and improper installation.
Another common problem is warping, which could result in deformed or distorted glass panels that can affect the appearance of the system, its energy efficiency, and security. A glass inspector will check for signs of warping and suggest repair measures if necessary.
The first step in an inspection of glazing is to ensure that the work area has been cleared of all obstructions and that employees are wearing the proper safety gear. This includes gloves, hard hats, and high-visibility vests. You can also utilize a harness and ladder to reach higher or more difficult to reach places.
Common repairs for windows made of wood are missing or damaged 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 who handle more difficult problems like replacing sliding mechanisms or the major frame or sash parts.
Replacing an existing curtain wall system typically involves the cost of installation is much higher than rehabilitation measures, but the energy savings and improved occupant comfort may eventually recoup the initial investment. A replacement system can assist in bringing an existing structure in compliance with the more stringent requirements of building codes, such as insulated glass and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help identify and address many problems with sash windows. Things like rotting timber and paintwork damage as well as broken glass are all picked up through a professional window inspection, ensuring the window is in good condition for its future use. Fortunately, the most common problems are less serious and don't necessarily necessitate replacement.
Problems such as a sash that won't close or open can be annoying and can affect the energy efficiency of your home. It's also a risk when windows suddenly snap shut and can lead to injuries, property damage, and loss of cool or warm air.
Sliding windows require regular maintenance to keep them looking good and functioning well. Cleaning your sash windows and applying a lubricant spray will allow them to open and close more quickly. If the problem continues it could mean that the balances aren't functioning properly or there is a problem with the sash.
Wooden window sashes absorb water over time and are affected by changes in humidity. This causes them swell and shrink, which can cause them to become stuck or jammed within the frame. This can be avoided by maintaining a tight seal on the wood, and applying regularly paint or a sash sealer to guard against moisture.
Other issues with sash windows include a damaged lock, cord displacement and nail jamming. All of these make it difficult to open and shut sash windows. A carpenter can resolve these problems by removing the sash, fixing or replacing damaged components, then reconnecting them.
Stained glass windows can be stained to restore their appearance. It is essential to keep their condition to prevent water ingress and rot, as well as other issues that may occur when paint starts to peel and crack. Stained glass can also be re-leaded to stop it from leaking water into surrounding timber, causing wood decay.