Glazing Repairs
Getting glazing repairs right can boost your home's value. It will also ensure that your window or door is working as well as it can, increasing its overall efficiency.
It can be a challenge to determine if the problem you are experiencing requires professional repair. Here are some of the most common problems that require fixing:.
Seals that are damaged
Window seals are an essential part of your glazing system. They secure, insulate and seal windows against the elements of air and water. They are designed to last for a long period of time, however, they could require repair or replacement at some point. 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 the presence of fog in the double pane of your insulated glass unit (IGU). Foggy windows could be the result of a damaged seal between two glass panes in your IGU. This allows moisture to enter the IGU and cause condensation. Steamers are a great option to defog the windows or apply window putty. However, it's best to fix your window seals by an experienced professional.
A leaky seal could cause your windows' insulation value to decrease. The space between the two glass panes is filled with an inert gas, like xenon and argon, which helps the IGU resist heat transfer and keeps the heat in the house. The IGU's insulation benefits will be lost if the window seal fails. Your costs for energy will also increase.
double glazing Rayleigh start to degrade over time due to exposure and aging. Degradation can be accelerated due to inadequate care, or environmental factors such as UV radiation. This can result in mildew and mold if not addressed. This could eat away at the frame and sash of your IGU, ruining the appearance and weakening the insulation.
Avoiding common mistakes and performing regular maintenance is the best way to stop window seals from breaking down. For instance, avoid using high-pressure washers to clean your windows, because it could be able to penetrate the sash and damage the seal. Do not add a reflective film to your insulated window, since this could invalidate the warranty and damage the sealant. Finally, be careful when using chemicals such as paint strippers because they could damage the sealant and cause it to fail.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a concern that needs immediate attention. A cracked pane of glass within a window could 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 to anyone who comes in contact with it, particularly children or pets. Glass that has been broken is not just an hazard to safety but can also be difficult to get rid of, and cause additional damage to frames and sash as well as adjacent surfaces.
If a window is cracked, the first step is to board it up with a cross-patch of ducttape to stop further shattering and keep rain, bugs and other debris out of your home until you are able to replace the glass. This is particularly important for windows that are higher up.
Wear thick, cut-resistant gloves. Also, wear eye protection. With pliers or a putty take the old glazing points out of the frame recesses. After the glass is removed, clean the areas around it to prepare them for a new replacement window.
After measuring the window opening, it's essential to make sure that the replacement is the exact size. Most glaziers will have standard-sized panes ready to insert but if you're looking to get energy-efficient or safety glass it's likely to need to be made specifically to fit your frame. To avoid a mistake, measure the window opening and subtract approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the new pane.
When you're ready to put in your new glass, carefully place it into the frame. Make sure it is flush with the rabbets. A new glass pane that's too huge can cause a cloud to form and swell on the wood surrounding it, whereas one that's too small could fall from the frame or let drafts enter your home.
After you've ensured that the new pane is securely secured to the frame, wrap another cord of compound for glaziers' around the edges of the glass to secure it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound with your fingers to ensure that it is even around the new pane. After drying, paint the newly glazed compound and frame to match the rest of your window.
Structural Issues
The strength and structural integrity of curtain wall and framing system are essential for the safety, compliance and performance of glazed surfaces. During an inspection, a professional will examine anchors, fasteners and supports to determine if they are corroded, degraded, or misaligned. The inspector also examines the sealants and gaskets to make sure that they are properly installed and that they aren't leaking.
Structural issues that need to be addressed include rusted frames as well as sagging walls. These issues are risky and could lead to severe damage over time. It is important to take care of any structural issues as quickly as you can, to avoid costly repairs down the line.
Curtain wall systems require a lot of structural support to be able to withstand wind loads and other stresses. Water intrusion caused by these components can be costly and destructive. These failures are usually caused by poor construction, design mistakes or improper installation.
Warping can also lead to distortion or deformed panels which could affect the appearance, energy efficiency and safety of the system. A glass inspector will check for warping and recommend repair measures if necessary.
The first step of an inspection of the glazing is to make sure that the area of work is free of obstructions and that workers are wearing the appropriate safety equipment. Hard hats, gloves, and high-visibility vests are all part of the safety gear. It's also a good idea to use the ladder and harness to gain access to higher or difficult-to-access areas.
For windows with wood frames, typical repairs involve a lack of or damaged hardware. A small crack in window frames made of wood can be fixed with two-part epoxy, however damaged or rotted wood is typically recommended replacement. Sliding sashes that are stuck in their tracks can be loosened by sanding them before applying graphite grease. Aluminum window companies are typically the ones to handle more complex issues, such as replacing sliding mechanisms, or major frame or sash elements.
The cost of replacing the existing curtain wall is usually greater than the cost of rehabilitation, but the energy savings as well as the increased comfort for occupants may allow the initial investment to be paid back. A new system could also help bring an existing structure into line with the more stringent requirements of building codes for insulated glass and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help identify and address many sash window problems. A professional window assessment can identify things like rotting wood or paintwork damage, as well as broken glass, assuring that the window is in good shape to be used in the future. Most of the problems that arise can be easily fixed and don't require replacement.
Problems such as a sash window that won't open or close can be a hassle and can also affect your home's energy efficiency. It's also a risk when windows suddenly snap shut, causing injuries, property damage or loss of cool or warm air.
Regular maintenance is essential to keep sliding sash windows looking good and operating properly. Cleaning your sash windows and applying a lubricant spray will allow them to open and close more easily. 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 take in moisture over time and can be affected by changes in humidity. They then expand and shrink, which can cause them to become stuck or encased within the frame. This can be avoided by maintaining a tight seal on the wood and by regularly applying a sash sealer or painting to shield against moisture.
Other sash issues include a damaged lock, cord displacement, 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, replace or repair any damaged components, and then replace them with a new cord.
It is possible to re-stain stained windows to bring back their original appearance. It is essential to keep them in good shape to safeguard the glass from water ingress and rot which can occur when the paint begins to crack and peel. Re-leading stained glass is an additional method to prevent it from leaking into the surrounding wood and causing decay.