Glazing Repairs
Making repairs to your glazing correctly can boost your home's value. It is also a way to ensure that your door or window is working as well as it can, increasing its overall performance.
It can be a challenge to determine if the problem you encounter requires professional assistance for repair. Here are some of most frequent problems that require to be fixed:
Damaged Seals
Window seals are a crucial component of your glazing system. They secure, insulate and seal windows against outside air and moisture. They are designed to last for a long period of time, however, the reality is that they could require repair or replacement at some moment. There are a variety of options for repair according to your budget and timeline.
One of the most obvious indicators that your window seals aren't working is a fogging issue in the double pane of your insulated glass unit (IGU). Foggy windows could be the result of an unsound seal between two glass panes within your IGU. This allows water to get in and cause condensation. Steamers are a great option to remove the fog from your windows or apply window putty. However, it's recommended that you fix your window seals by an expert.
In addition to allowing condensation and fogging between the window panes, a faulty seal can cause your windows to lose their insulating value. The space between the two panes of glass is filled with an inert gas such as argon and xenon which help the IGU resist heat transfer and keep the heat in the home. The IGU's insulation benefits will be lost in the event that the window seal is damaged. Your energy bills will also increase.
Gaskets made of rubber begin to degrade over time due to exposure and aging. The process can be accelerated by improper treatment or environmental factors such as UV radiation. If not addressed, this could cause water intrusion into the building envelope, resulting in mildew and mold. This can eat away at the frame and sash on your IGU, destroying the appearance and weakening insulation.
Avoiding common mistakes and performing regular maintenance is the best way to stop window seals from breaking down. For instance, you should avoid using a high-pressure washer to clean your windows since it could be able to penetrate the sash and cause damage to the seal. Do not apply reflective film to your insulated window, as this could void the guarantee and damage the sealant. Also, be repair my windows and doors when using chemical products, such as paint strippers because they could damage the sealant and cause it to fail.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a problem that needs immediate attention. A glass pane that has broken in a window may fall and break windows or cause a draft and possibly water or insects to get into your home. A broken pane of glass could pose a risk to anyone who comes in contact with it. This is especially true for pets and children. In addition to being a safety hazard broken glass can be difficult to remove and may cause further damage to frames, sash, and the surfaces that are adjacent to it.
If a window pane breaks the first step is to seal it up using a cross-patch of ducttape to stop the glass from shattering further and keep bugs, rain and other debris out of your home until you can replace the glass. This method is particularly crucial for upper-story windows.
Wear thick, cut-resistant gloves. Also wear eye protection. With a putty or pliers remove the old glazing points from the frame recesses. After the glass has been removed, you must clean the entire area to prepare it for new window.
It is essential to measure the opening of your window and ensure that the replacement is the right size. Most glaziers stock standard-sized panes that are ready to be inserted but if you're looking to get energy-efficient or safety glass it will likely need to be custom cut for your frame. To avoid a mistake take a measurement of the window opening and subtract approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch for the new pane.
Once you're ready to install your new glass, be sure to place it into the frame. Check that it fits in a straight line with the rabbets. A new glass pane that's too huge can cause a cloud to form and swell on the wood around it, while one that's too small can be thrown off the frame or let drafts in your home.
After the new pane is secured, you can roll another cord of glaziers compound around the perimeter of the pane to seal the glass to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound with your fingers to ensure that it's level with the new pane. Once dry, 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 systems are essential for the safety, compliance, and performance of glazing surfaces. During an inspection, a professional examines anchor points, fasteners, and supports for corrosion or deterioration. They also look for misalignment. The inspector also examines the gaskets and sealants to make sure that they're installed correctly and that they aren't leaking.
Rusted frames and sagging wall are structural problems that need to be addressed. These problems can be very hazardous and could result in severe damage in the future. It is important that you take care of any structural issues as soon as you can so that you avoid costly repairs down the line.
Curtain wall systems require a lot of structural support to resist wind loads and other stresses. Water intrusion caused by these components can be costly and destructive. These failures are usually caused by inadequate construction, design errors and poor installation.
Another issue that is common is warping, which could result in deformed or distorted glass panels and affect the appearance of the system, its energy efficiency and security. A glass inspector will check for signs of warping and suggest repairs if needed.
The first step of a glazing inspection is to make sure that the work area has been cleared of all obstructions and that the workers are wearing appropriate safety gear. Hard hats, gloves, and high-visibility vests form part of the safety equipment. You can also use a ladder and harness to reach higher or more difficult to reach places.
For wood-framed windows, common repairs involve a lack of or damaged hardware. A few minor cracks on windows made of wood can be repaired with a two-part epoxy, but damaged or rotten wood is typically better replaced. Sliding sashes that are stuck in their tracks can be cleared by sanding them, then applying graphite grease. Aluminum window companies are usually the ones who handle more complicated issues like replacing sliding mechanisms or major frame or sash elements.
The cost of replacing the curtain wall system is usually greater than the cost of rehabilitation, however the savings in energy consumption as well as the increased comfort for residents could allow the initial investment to be paid back. Additionally, a replacement system can help bring the current structure into compliance with the more stringent building code requirements for insulated glazing and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help to identify and fix a variety of issues with sash windows. Things like rotting timber, damage to paintwork and broken glass can all be picked up with a professional assessment of the window, ensuring the window is in good condition for future use. The most frequent issues can be fixed easily and don't need replacement.
Problems such as the sash not closing or open can be a nuisance and can affect the energy efficiency of your home. It's also risky if your windows unexpectedly slam shut, causing injuries, property damage, and loss of cool air or heat.
Regular maintenance is essential to keep sliding sash windows in good condition and operating properly. Cleaning your sash windows and applying a lubricant spray will allow them to open and close more quickly. If the problem continues it could be because the balances don't work properly or there is a problem with the sash.
Over time the wooden windowsashes absorb moisture and can be affected by changing levels of humidity. This causes them to expand and shrink, which could cause them to become stuck or jammed in the frame. This is prevented by maintaining a an encapsulated seal around the wood and by applying the sash paint or sealer to guard against moisture.
Other sash problems include a broken lock, cord displacement and nail jamming. All of these make it difficult to open and close sash windows. These issues can usually be resolved by carpenters who will take out the sash, replace or repair any damaged components, and then re-cord them.
Stained glass windows may be stained to restore their appearance. It is crucial to keep their condition to prevent water ingress and rot as well as other problems that may arise when paint starts to peel and crack. Re-leading stained glass is an additional option to prevent it from leaking into surrounding wood and causing decay.