Glazing Repairs
Making repairs to your glazing correctly can increase the value of your home. It is also a way to ensure that your door or window is operating as well as it can, enhancing its overall efficiency.
It can be difficult to know if the issue you are experiencing requires professional repair. Here are some of the most frequently encountered issues that need fixing:.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are a crucial part of your glazing system. They protect, insulate, and seal windows from outside air and moisture. They are designed to last for a long time however, they might require repair or replacement at some moment. The good news is there are a variety of options for repair depending on your budget and timeframe.
Fogging in your double paned insulated glass unit is one of the most commonly reported indicators that your window seals have failed. Foggy windows result from a damaged seal between the two glass panes of your IGU that allows moisture be absorbed, causing condensation. Steamers are a great option to defog the windows or apply window putty. However, it is recommended that you get your window seals repaired by an expert.
In addition to allowing fogging and condensation between the windows, a weak seal could cause your windows to lose their insulating value. 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 keeps the heat inside the home. The IGU's insulating benefits will be lost if the window seal fails. Your energy bills will also rise.
Rubber gaskets begin to degrade over time due to exposure and aging. The process can be accelerated by poor care or environmental factors like UV radiation. If not addressed, this may cause water infiltration into the building envelope resulting in the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause damage to the frame and sash of your IGU, ruining the appearance and compromising your insulation.
Avoiding common mistakes and executing regular maintenance is the best way to stop window seals from falling apart. For instance, you should avoid using a high-pressure washer to clean your windows, since it could get into the sash and cause damage to the seal. Also, don't add a reflective window film to your insulated glass, as it could void the warranty and harm 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 concern that requires immediate attention. A broken pane in a window may fall and break windows, or create drafts and possibly even water or insects to enter your home. A glass pane that has been broken can be a danger to anyone who comes into contact with it, especially pets or children. In addition to being a safety hazard broken glass is difficult to remove and could cause additional damage to frames, sash, and other surfaces.
The first step to take when a window is damaged is to seal it up with a cross-pattern 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 your glass. This method is especially important for upper-story windows.
Take precautions by wearing protective eyewear and gloves that are cut-resistant. With a putty or pliers remove the old glazing points from the frame recesses. Once the glass has been removed, clean the surrounding areas to prepare them for a new replacement window.
It is essential to measure the window's opening and ensure that the replacement is the right size. Most glaziers will have standard-sized panes, but if energy-efficient glass or safety glass is required, it might require cutting to fit the frame. To avoid any mistakes take a measurement of the window opening and subtract about 1/8 to 1/4 inch for the new pane.
Once you're ready to put in your new glass, carefully place it in the frame. Check that it fits perfectly with the rabbets. A new glass pane that's too big can swell and cloud the surrounding wood, while one that's too small may fall from the frame or let drafts enter your home.
Once the new pane has been secured, you can wrap another glaziers compound around the perimeter of the pane to seal the glass to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound with your finger to ensure 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 strength of curtain wall frames and systems is essential to the safety and performance of glazed surfaces. During an inspection, a professional examines anchor points, fasteners, and supports for signs of corrosion or deterioration. They also look for misalignment. The inspector will also check the sealants and rubber gaskets to ensure they are installed correctly and aren't leaky.
The structural issues that must be addressed include rusted frames as well as walls that are sagging. These problems can be very dangerous and may lead to severe damage over the course of time. It is crucial to take care of any structural issues as fast as possible to avoid costly repairs down the road.
Curtain wall systems require a lot of structural support to resist winds and other strains. When these components fail the water intrusion that occurs can be damaging and costly. The root causes of these failures include poor construction, design errors, and inadequate installation.
Another problem that is frequently encountered is warping, which could result in deformed or distorted glass panels that can affect the system's appearance, energy efficiency, and security. An inspector for glass looks for warping during an inspection and recommends repair measures if needed.
Glazing inspections should begin by making sure that the work area is free of obstructions, and that all workers are wearing appropriate safety equipment. Hard hats, gloves, and high-visibility vests are all a part of the safety equipment. It's also a good idea to use the ladder and harness to access higher or more difficult-to-access areas.
For windows made of wood, the most common repairs involve loose or missing hardware. A few minor cracks in window frames made of wood can be fixed with an epoxy that is two-part, but damaged or rotted wood is generally better replaced. Sticking sashes can often be removed from their tracks by sanding them and applying graphite lubricant. More difficult problems, such as replacing sliding mechanisms or major frame or sash parts are usually left to aluminum window manufacturers.
Replacing an existing curtain wall usually comes with a much higher upfront cost than rehabilitation measures, but the energy savings and improved occupant comfort may eventually recoup the initial investment. Additionally, a replacement system can assist in bringing the current structure into compliance to more strict building codes for insulated glass and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Many sash window problems can be easily identified and dealt with by an examination. Things like rotting timber or paintwork damage, as well as broken glass can all be detected by a professional window assessment and ensure that the window is in good order for its future use. Luckily, the most common issues aren't as serious and don't require replacement.
double glazing repairs like a sash windows that won't open or close can be a source of frustration and also affect your home's energy efficiency. It's also dangerous when windows suddenly snap shut and can lead to injuries, property damage and loss of cool or warm air.
Regular maintenance is required to keep sliding sash windows in good condition and working well. Cleaning your sash windows and spraying them with lubricant will allow them to open and close more easily. However, if the issue persists it could be a sign that the balances aren't operating correctly or that something is wrong with the sash itself.
Over time wooden window sashes absorb moisture and can be affected by changing levels of humidity. This causes them to expand 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 paint to shield against moisture.
Other sash problems that could arise include a faulty lock for sash cord displacement, cord displacement or nail jamming that can make windows more difficult to open and close. They can be repaired 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 glass windows in order to restore their original appearance. It is important to maintain their condition to prevent water intrusion and rot as well as other problems that can occur when paint starts to peel and crack. Stained glass can also be re-leaded in order to prevent it from leaking water into surrounding timber, causing wood decay.