Glazing Repairs
Correctly repairing your glass will increase the value of your home. It also ensures that your window or door is operating as well as it can, enhancing its overall efficiency.
It can be difficult to determine if the problem you are experiencing requires professional help. Here are a few of the most common problems that require fixing:.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals are an important component of your glazing system. They secure the windows, insulate them and seal against outside air and moisture. Although they are designed to last for a long time and may require repair or replacement, the reality is that they'll need to be replaced at some point. There are a variety of options to repair them, based on your budget.
Fogging in your double-paned insulated glass unit is among the most common indicators that your window seals have failed. Foggy windows are caused by a broken seal between the two glass panes of your IGU which allows moisture to be absorbed, causing condensation. You can use a steamer to defog the windows or apply window putty. However, it is recommended to get your window seals repaired by an expert.
In addition to allowing fogging and condensation between the windows, a weak seal will also cause your windows to lose their insulating value. The space between the two panes is filled with inert gas such as argon or xenon that assists the IGU in resisting thermal transfer and retain heat within the home. The IGU's insulating benefits will be lost when the window seal fails. Your energy bills will also increase.
Over time, rubber gaskets will begin to degrade due to age and exposure. Degradation can be accelerated due to inadequate care, or environmental factors like UV radiation. This can lead to mold and mildew if not taken care of. This can cause damage to the frame and sash of your IGU, ruining the appearance and damaging your insulation.
The best way to avoid 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 cause damage to the seal. Also, avoid adding a reflective window film to your insulated glass since it could invalidate the warranty and damage the sealant material. Finally, be careful when using chemical products, such as paint strippers, as they can cause damage to the sealant and cause it to fail.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a problem that requires immediate attention. A broken pane in a window can fall and cause further windows to break or create a draft, or even allow insects or water to enter your home. A glass pane that is broken can be a danger to anyone who comes into contact with it, particularly children or pets. In addition to being a safety hazard, shattered glass can be difficult to remove and may cause further damage to frames, sash and other surfaces.
When double glazing repairs cracks the first step is to board it up using the cross-patch of duct tape to prevent further shattering and keep rain, bugs and other debris out of your home until you can replace the glass. This is particularly crucial for windows with higher levels.
Take precautions by putting on thick cut-resistant gloves and eye protection. With pliers or a putty, pry old glazing points out of the recesses of the frame. After the glass has been removed, wash the entire area to prepare it for new window.
After measuring the window opening, it's important to ensure that the replacement is exactly the right size. Most glaziers stock standard-sized panes available to insert but if you're looking to get energy-efficient or safety glass it's likely to need to be cut specifically to fit your frame. To avoid mistakes take a measurement of the window opening and subtract about 1/8 to 1/4 inch from 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 flush with the rabbets. 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 let drafts in your home.
Once you've confirmed that the new pane is secure by a second cord of compound for glaziers' around the perimeter of the glass to secure it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound with your fingers to ensure that it's level with the new pane. When the compound is dry paint it and the frame to match your window.
Structural Problems
The structural integrity of curtain wall systems and framing systems is vital to the security performance, performance, and conformity of the glazed surfaces. During an inspection, the expert will inspect anchors, fasteners and supports to determine whether they have corroded, deteriorated or misaligned. They also inspect the sealants and rubber gaskets to ensure they have been installed correctly and aren't leaking.
Rusted frames and sagging walls are structural problems that need to be addressed. These issues can be risky and could cause severe damage in the future. It is important that you take care of any structural issues as soon as you can to avoid costly repairs later on.
Curtain wall systems require extensive structural support to be able to withstand wind loads and other stresses. When these components fail the water intrusion that occurs can be costly and damaging. These failures are often caused by inadequate construction, design errors or poor installation.
Warping can also cause distortion or deformed panels which could affect the appearance, energy efficiency and security of the system. A glazing inspector will search for signs of warping and suggest repairs if needed.
The first step of a glazing inspection is to ensure that the area of work has been cleared of all obstructions and that workers are wearing the appropriate safety equipment. Hard hats, gloves, and high-visibility vests form part of the safety gear. It's also a good idea to use a harness and ladder to gain access to higher or difficult-to-access areas.
Common repairs for wood-framed windows include missing or loose hardware. Two-part epoxy can be used to repair minor cracks on windows made of wood, however damaged or rotted wood is best replaced. Sliding sashes that are stuck in their tracks can be removed by sanding them before applying graphite grease. Window companies made of aluminum are typically the ones to handle more complicated issues, such as replacing sliding mechanisms, or major frame or sash components.
The cost of replacing the curtain wall system is usually greater than the cost of rehabilitation, but the energy savings as well as the improved comfort for the people living in the structure could allow the initial investment to be returned. In addition, a replacement system can assist in bringing the existing structure into conformance with the more strict building codes for insulated glass and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help to identify and address many problems with sash windows. A professional window inspection will reveal things like rotting wood or paintwork damage, as well as broken glass, which will ensure that the window is in good shape for future use. Fortunately, the most frequent problems are less serious and don't require replacement.
Issues like a sash window that isn't able to open or close can be a hassle and can also affect your home's energy efficiency. Windows can also be risky if they suddenly snap shut. This can result in injuries, property damage and even a loss of heat or air conditioning.
Sliding sash windows need regular maintenance to ensure they look good and functioning well. Cleaning your sash windows and applying a lubricant spray can help them to open and close more quickly. However, if the problem persists it could be a sign that the balances aren't operating properly or there's something wrong with the sash itself.
Over time wooden window sashes absorb moisture and be affected by changes in levels of humidity. This causes them to swell and shrink, which could cause them to become stuck or clogged in the frame. This can be avoided by keeping an encapsulated seal around the wood and by applying an sash sealer or paint to shield against moisture.
Other sash problems include a broken lock, cord displacement and nail jamming. These issues make it difficult to open and shut sash windows. A carpenter can resolve these issues by taking off the sash, replacing or repairing any damaged parts, before re-cording them.
Stained glass windows can be re-stained to restore their appearance. It is essential to keep them in good shape to safeguard the glass from the ingress of water and rot, which could occur when the paint starts to peel and crack. Stained glass can also be re-leaded to prevent it from leaking water into surrounding timber, causing wood decay.