Glazing Repairs
Repairing your glazing correctly can boost the value of your home. It will also ensure that your window or door is working as well as possible, improving its overall performance.
It can be difficult to determine if the issue you are experiencing requires professional repair. Here are a few of the most frequently encountered problems that require fixing:.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are a crucial part of your glazing system. They secure, insulate and seal windows against the elements of air and water. Although they are designed to last a long time and could require repair or replacement, the reality is that they'll need to be replaced at some moment. There are a variety of options for repair according to your budget and timeframe.
One of the most frequent indicators that the window seals in your home are failing is fogging in the double pane of your IGU. (IGU). Foggy windows result from a damaged seal between the two glass panes of your IGU that allows moisture be absorbed, causing condensation. You can use a steamer to clear the windows or apply window putty. However, it is best to fix your window seals by an expert.
A leaky seal can cause the insulation value of your windows to decrease. The space between the two glass panes is filled with an inert gas like xenon and argon which helps the IGU to resist heat transfer and keep the heat in the home. Once the window seal fails the insulation benefit of your IGU will be removed and your energy costs will increase.
Rubber gaskets begin to degrade with time due to exposure and age. Degradation can be accelerated through improper care, or environmental factors like UV radiation. If not addressed, this could cause water penetration into the building envelope, resulting in mold and mildew. This can eat away at the frame and sash of your IGU and cause damage to the appearance and compromising insulation.
Avoiding common mistakes and performing regular maintenance is the best way to prevent window seals from falling apart. Avoid using a high pressure washer to clean windows, as it could damage the seal. Do not apply double glazing Putney to your insulated window, as this could void the warranty and damage the sealant. Be cautious when using chemicals such as paint strippers, as they can harm sealant and cause failure.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a concern that needs immediate attention. A shattered pane in a window can fall and cause further windows to break or create drafts, or allow water or insects into your home. A broken pane of glass can be dangerous for anyone who comes into contact with it. This includes pets and children. In addition to being a safety hazard broken glass is difficult to remove and may cause additional damage to frames, sash and other surfaces.
If a window is cracked the first step is to seal it up using a cross-patch of duct tape to prevent further shattering and keep rain, bugs, and debris out of your home until you can replace the glass. This is particularly important for windows that are higher up.
Wear thick, cut-resistant gloves. Also, wear eye protection. Using a putty knife or pliers, cut out old glazing points, or the tiny fasteners that fix glass into the frame's recesses. After the glass has been removed, you must clean the entire area to prepare it for a new window.
It is important to measure the window's opening and ensure that the replacement is the right size. Most glaziers stock standard-sized panes ready to insert however if you're looking for energy-efficient or safety glass, it's likely to have to be cut specifically for your frame. To avoid mistakes take a measurement of your window's opening and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inches from the new pane.
Once you're ready to install your new glass, carefully place it in the frame. Make sure it is perfectly with the rabbets. A glass pane that is too big can cause the wood to swell, and a pane too small may be thrown out of the frame or let drafts enter.
After the new pane is secured, you can roll another glaziers compound around the perimeter to seal the glass to the frame and the sash. Smooth the compound using your fingers, making sure it's even all 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 and performance of curtain wall and framing systems are crucial for the safety, compliance and performance of glass surfaces. During an inspection, a professional checks fasteners, anchor points, and supports for signs of corrosion or deterioration. They also look for misalignment. He or she will also check the gaskets and sealants made of rubber, to ensure that they are installed correctly and aren't leaking.
Structural issues that must be addressed include rusted frames as well as sagging walls. These issues are risky and can lead to serious destruction over time. It is important to take care of any structural issues as fast as you can to avoid costly repairs later on.
Curtain wall systems require extensive structural support to withstand the forces of wind and other stress. Water intrusion caused by these components could be costly and destructive. These failures are often caused by poor construction, design mistakes and improper installation.
Another issue that is common is warping, which could cause distorted or deformed glass panels and affect the appearance of the system, its energy efficiency and security. A glazing inspector will look for signs of warping and suggest repairs if needed.
Glazing inspections should start by ensuring that the work area is free of any obstructions and that all workers are wearing the appropriate safety equipment. This includes gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests. It is also an excellent idea to wear a ladder and harness to gain access to higher or difficult-to-access areas.
For windows made of wood, the most common repairs involve missing or loose hardware. A few minor cracks on windows made of wood can be fixed with an epoxy that is two-part, but rotted or severely damaged wood is usually recommended replacement. Sliding sashes that have become stuck in their tracks can be loosened by sanding them before applying graphite grease. More stubborn problems like the replacement of sliding mechanisms as well as major frame or sash parts are usually left to aluminum window companies.
Replacing a curtain wall system usually involves the cost of installation is much higher than rehabilitation measures, but the energy savings and increased comfort of the occupants could eventually pay for the initial investment. In addition, a new system can assist in bringing the existing structure into conformance with the more stringent building code requirements for insulated glass and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help to identify and resolve a number of sash window problems. A professional window inspection can identify things like wood that is rotting, paintwork damage and broken glass, ensuring that the window is in good condition for its future use. Fortunately, the most frequent issues aren't as serious and do not necessarily require replacement.
Issues like a sash window that isn't able to open or close can be a nuisance and also affect your home's energy efficiency. Windows can also be dangerous if they suddenly close shut. This can cause injuries, property damage, and a loss of heat or air conditioning.
Regular maintenance is necessary to keep sliding sash windows in good condition and operating properly. Cleaning your sash windows and applying a lubricant spray can aid in opening and close more quickly. If the issue persists, it could indicate that the balances don't work properly or there is a problem with the sash.
Wooden window sashes absorb moisture over time, and are affected when humidity levels fluctuate. This causes them to swell and shrink which can cause them to get stuck or trapped in the frame. This can be prevented by ensuring a tight seal on the wood, and by regularly applying a sash sealer or painting to shield against moisture.
Other issues with sash windows include a faulty cord displacement, lock and nail jamming. These issues make it difficult to open and close windows in sash. A carpenter can fix these issues by removing the sash, replacing or repairing any damaged parts, before re-cording them.
Stained glass windows may be re-stained to restore their appearance. It is crucial to keep them in good shape to prevent water ingress, rot and other problems that may arise when paint starts to peel and crack. Re-leading stained glass is a different way to stop it from leaking into surrounding wood and causing decay.