Glazing Repairs
Repairing your glazing correctly will increase the value of your home. It is also a way to ensure that your door or window is working as well as possible, improving its overall efficiency.
However, double glazing repairs isn't easy to tell what the issue you're experiencing requires professional assistance. Here are a few of the most frequent problems that require to be addressed:
Seals that are damaged
Window seals are an essential component of your glazing system. They secure, insulate, and protect windows from external air and moisture. Although they are designed to last a long time and could require repair or replacement, the truth is that they'll need to be replaced at some moment. There are a variety of options for repair, depending on your budget.
One of the most frequent indications that the window seals in your home are failing is fogging in your double pane insulated glass unit (IGU). Foggy windows could be the result of the seal being damaged between two glass panes within your IGU. This can allow moisture to seep through and create condensation. Although you can try some quick solutions to remove the fog from your windows, such as using a steamer or window putty, the best solution is to repair your window seals by a professional.
A leaky seal could cause the insulation value of your windows to decrease. The space between the two panes is filled with an inert gas such as argon or xenon, which aids the IGU in preventing thermal transfer and retain warm within the house. The benefits of the IGU's insulation will be lost when the window seal fails. Your energy bills will also increase.
As time passes, rubber gaskets will begin to lose their elasticity due to aging and exposure. Degradation can be accelerated through inadequate care, or environmental factors like UV radiation. This can cause mildew and mold if not dealt with. This could eat away at the frame and sash of your IGU and ruin the appearance and damaging your insulation.
The best way to prevent a breakdown of window seals is to perform regular maintenance and avoiding common mistakes. For instance, you should avoid using high-pressure washers to clean your windows since it could get into the sash and damage the seal. Also, avoid adding a reflective window film to your insulated glass as it could void the warranty and damage the sealant material. Be cautious when using chemical like paint strippers because they can damage sealant and cause failure.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is an obvious problem that requires immediate attention. A shattered pane within a window could be thrown down and cause additional windows to break or cause drafts, or allow water or insects into your home. A broken pane of glass can pose danger to anyone who comes into contact with it. This is especially true for pets and children. Glass that is shattering is not just an hazard to safety however, it can also be difficult to get rid of and can cause further damage to frames and sash as well as adjacent surfaces.
The first thing to do when a windowpane is cracked is to tape it up with a cross patch of duct tap in order to prevent further shattering. This will keep insects, rain and other debris out of the house until you can replace the glass. This method is particularly crucial for windows with higher levels.
Wear thick, durable gloves. Also wear eye protection. With a putty or pliers, pry old glazing points out of the frame recesses. Once the glass is removed, you must clean the entire area to prepare it for a new window.
It is important to measure the window opening and make sure that the replacement is of the right size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes available to insert however if you're looking for energy-efficient or safety glass it's likely to need to be cut specifically for your frame. To avoid any mistakes make sure you measure the opening of your window and subtract about 1/8 to 1/4 inch for the new pane.
Once you're ready to install your new glass, carefully place it in the frame. Make sure that it's perfectly with the rabbets. A new glass pane that's too large can cause a cloud to form and swell on the wood surrounding it, whereas one that's too small could be thrown off the frame or let drafts in your home.
Once you've confirmed that the new pane is secure to the frame, wrap another cord of glaziers' compound around the glass's perimeter to secure it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound using your fingers, making sure it's evenly distributed around the new pane. When the compound is dry paint it and the frame to match your window.
Structural Issues
The structural strength of curtain wall systems and framing systems is essential to the safety, performance, and compliance of glazed surfaces. In an inspection, a professional examines anchor points, fasteners and supports for signs of corrosion or deterioration or misalignment. The inspector will also check the gaskets and sealants, to ensure that they are installed correctly and are not leaking.
Rusted frames and sagging walls are structural issues that must be addressed. These issues can be dangerous and could cause serious damage with time. It is essential to take care of any structural issues as fast as you can to avoid costly repairs down the road.
Curtain wall systems require extensive structural support to be able to withstand winds and other strains. The intrusion of water by these components can be costly and damaging. These failures are often caused by poor construction, design mistakes, and inadequate installation.
Warping can also cause distortion or deformed panels which can affect the appearance, energy efficiency and safety of the system. A glazing inspector looks for warping during an inspection and recommends repairs measures if needed.
Glazing inspections should start by making sure that the area of work is free of obstructions, and that everyone is wearing the appropriate safety gear. Wearing gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests are all a part of the safety gear. It's also recommended to use the ladder and harness to gain access to higher or difficult-to-access areas.
For windows with wood frames, typical repairs involve missing or loose hardware. Two-part epoxy is a good choice to repair minor cracks on window panes made of wood, but severely damaged or rotted wood is best replaced. Sliding sashes stuck in their tracks can be loosened by sanding them before applying graphite grease. Aluminum window companies are usually the ones who handle more complicated issues such as replacing sliding mechanisms or the major frame or sash parts.
The cost of replacing the existing curtain wall is typically higher than the cost of rehabilitation, however the savings in energy consumption as well as the increased comfort of people living in the structure could let the initial investment be paid back. A replacement system may also help bring an existing structure in line with the more stringent standards of building codes for insulated glass and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help diagnose and resolve a number of sash window problems. A professional window assessment can detect things like wood that is rotting, paintwork damage and broken glass, ensuring that the window is in good condition to be used in the future. The most common problems can be fixed easily and don't require replacement.
Problems like a sash windows that isn't able to open or close can be a source of frustration and also affect the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Your windows could also be risky if they suddenly snap closed. This can result in injuries, property damage, and even a loss of heat or air conditioning.
Regular maintenance is required to keep sliding sash windows looking nice and operating properly. Cleaning your sash windows and spraying them with lubricant can help them to open and close more easily. If the issue persists it could be a sign that the balances aren't working properly or there is something wrong with the sash itself.
Wooden window sashes take in moisture over time and can be affected when humidity levels change. This causes them swell and shrink, which may cause them to become stuck or encased within the frame. This can be prevented by ensuring a good seal on the wood, and by regularly applying paint or a sash sealer to guard against moisture.
Other sash issues that can be caused by a defective lock for sash, cord displacement and nail jamming that can make windows more difficult to open and close. A carpenter can fix these problems by removing the sash, fixing or replacing damaged parts, before re-cording them.
It is possible to re-stain stained glass windows in order to restore their original appearance. It's important to maintain them in good order to protect the glass from the ingress of water and rot, which can occur when the paint begins to crack and peel. Re-leading stained glass is another way to stop it from leaking into surrounding wood and causing decay.