Glazing Repairs
Getting glazing repairs right can 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.
It can be difficult to know if the issue you are experiencing requires professional help. Here are some of most common problems that need to be addressed:
Seals that are damaged
Window seals are a crucial part of your glazing system that protect, insulate, and seal windows from outside air and moisture. They are designed to last for a long time, however, the reality is that they might require repair or replacement at some point. There are a variety of options for repair, based on your budget.
One of the most obvious indicators that your window seals are failing is fogging in the double pane of your IGU, also known as an insulated glass unit (IGU). Foggy windows may be caused by an unsound seal between two glass panes of your IGU. This can allow water to get in and create condensation. You can use a steamer to defog the windows or apply window putty. However, it's recommended to have your window seals fixed by an experienced professional.
A failing seal can also cause the insulation value of your windows to decrease. The space between the two panes is filled with inert gas like argon or xenon which aids the IGU in preventing thermal transfer and retain heat in the home. The IGU's insulation benefits will be lost if the window seal fails. Your costs for energy will also increase.
Rubber gaskets start to degrade over time due to exposure and age. The degradation is accelerated by poor treatment or environmental factors such as UV radiation. If not addressed, this could cause water penetration into the building envelope and result in the growth of mold and mildew. This can eat through the frame and sash of your IGU, ruining the appearance and damaging your insulation.
The best way to avoid a breakdown of window seals is by performing regular maintenance and avoiding common mistakes. For instance, do not use high-pressure washers to clean your windows, as it can be able to penetrate the sash and cause damage to the seal. Additionally, do not add a reflective window film to your insulated glass as it could void the warranty and damage the sealant material. 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 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 could pose a risk to anyone who comes into contact with it. This includes children and pets. double glazing repair is not only a risk to safety but can be a challenge to remove, and cause additional damage to frames and sash and other surfaces.
When a windowpane cracks the first step is to seal it up using a cross-patch of duct tape to stop further shattering and keep rain, bugs and other debris out of your home until you can replace the glass. This method is particularly important for upper-story window.
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 has been removed, clean the entire area to prepare it for new window.
It's important to measure the window opening and make sure that the replacement is of the right size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes, but if energy-efficient glass or safety glass is required, it could need to be cut to fit your frame. To avoid committing mistakes, measure your window opening and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inches from the new pane.
When you're ready for installing the glass you just bought, insert it carefully into the frame and check for an even fit with the rabbets holding it. A glass pane that's too big could cause clouding and swelling of the wood surrounding it, whereas one that's too small may fall from the frame or let drafts in your home.
Once the new pane has been secured, you can roll another cord of glaziers compound around the perimeter to seal the glass 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 the window.
Structural Problems
The strength and structural integrity of curtain wall and framing systems are crucial to the safety, compliance and performance of glazed surfaces. During an inspection, the professional will examine anchors, fasteners, and supports to see if they are corroded, damaged, or misaligned. He or she will also check the gaskets and sealants to make sure they have been installed correctly and aren't leaking.
Rusted frames and sagging walls are structural issues that need to be addressed. These issues can be extremely risky and could cause severe damage in the future. It is crucial to address any structural issues as soon as you can, to avoid costly repairs down the line.
Curtain wall systems require extensive structural support to resist winds and other strains. When these components fail the water intrusion that occurs can be costly and damaging. These failures are often caused by poor construction, design mistakes and inadequate installation.
Another issue that is common is warping, which could cause deformed or distorted glass panels that can affect the appearance of the system, its energy efficiency and safety. An inspector for glass looks for warping during an inspection and suggests repair actions if necessary.
Glazing inspections should start by making sure the work area is free of obstructions, and that all workers are wearing the appropriate safety equipment. This includes hard hats, gloves, and high-visibility vests. You can also utilize a harness and ladder to reach higher or harder-to-reach places.
Common repairs for windows made of wood include 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 and applying graphite grease. Aluminum window companies are typically the ones to tackle more complex issues, such as replacing sliding mechanisms or the major frame or sash parts.
The cost of replacing the curtain wall system is usually higher than the cost of rehabilitation, but the savings in energy consumption as well as the increased comfort of residents could allow the initial investment to be recouped. Additionally, a replacement system could help bring the existing structure into conformance with the more stringent building code requirements for insulated glass and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Many sash window issues may be easily identified and dealt with by an examination. A professional window assessment can detect things like wood that is rotting or paintwork damage, as well as broken glass, ensuring that the window is in good order for future use. The most common problems can be easily fixed and do not require replacement.
Problems such as a sash that won't close or open can be annoying and affect the efficiency of your home. It's also a risk if your windows unexpectedly slam shut and cause injuries, property damage and loss of heat or cool air.
Sliding sash windows require regular maintenance to keep them looking good and working properly. Cleaning your windows for sash and applying a lubricant spray can aid in opening and close more easily. However, if the issue persists it could be an indication that the balances aren't operating correctly or that something is wrong with the sash itself.
Wooden window sashes take in moisture over time and are affected by changes in humidity. They can expand and shrink, which can result in them becoming stuck or trapped within the frame. This can be prevented by maintaining a tight seal on the wood, and regularly applying paint or a sash sealer to guard against moisture.
Other sash issues that can arise include a faulty lock for sash cord displacement, nail jamming that can make windows for sash difficult to open and close. A carpenter can solve these problems by removing the sash and replacing or repairing any damaged parts, and then re-cording them.
It is possible to re-stain stained glass windows to restore their original appearance. It is essential to keep 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 keep it from leaking water onto the surrounding timber and causing decay of the wood.