Glazing Repairs
The right repair of your window can increase the value of your home. It is also a way to ensure that your window or door is operating as efficiently as possible, improving its overall performance.
However, it can be tricky to know whether the problem you're experiencing is one that requires professional assistance. Here are a few of the most frequent problems that require repair:.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are a crucial part of your glazing system. They protect the windows, insulate them and seal against outside air and moisture. They are designed to last for a long period of time, but the reality is they could require repair or replacement at some point. There are a variety of options to repair them, based on your budget.
Fogging in your double paned IGU is one of the most frequent indications that your window seals have failed. Foggy windows are caused by a broken seal between the two glass panes of your IGU that allows moisture to get in, causing condensation. While you can try some quick-fixes to defog your windows, like using a steamer or window putty, the best solution is to repair your window seals by a professional.
A failing seal can also cause your windows' insulation to decrease. The space between your two panes is filled by inert gas such as argon or xenon that assists the IGU in resisting thermal transfer and keep heat in the home. The IGU's insulating benefits will be lost when the window seal fails. Your costs for energy will also increase.
As time passes, rubber gaskets will begin to degrade due to aging and exposure. The process can be accelerated by improper care, or environmental factors like UV radiation. If not addressed, this can cause water intrusion into the building envelope and result in mold and mildew. This can eat away at the frame and sash on your IGU and cause damage to the appearance and weakening insulation.
Avoiding common mistakes and performing regular maintenance is the best method to avoid window seals breaking down. For instance, do not use high-pressure washers to clean your windows, since it could get into the sash and cause damage to the seal. Don't apply a reflective film to your window with insulation since this could invalidate the warranty and damage the sealant. Also, be cautious when using chemical products, such as paint strippers, as they could damage the sealant and cause it to fail.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a common problem that requires immediate attention. A glass pane that has broken in a window may fall and break windows or cause a draft and possibly even water or insects to get into your home. A glass pane that has been broken can be dangerous for anyone who comes in contact with it. This includes children and pets. Glass that is shattering is not just an hazard to safety, but it can also be difficult to remove, and cause additional damage to frames and sash as well as other surfaces.
The first thing to do when a window has damaged is to wrap it up with a cross patch of duct tap to prevent further shattering. This will keep insects, rain and other debris out of your home until you are able to replace your glass. This method is particularly crucial for windows with higher levels.
Take precautions by putting on thick cut-resistant gloves and eye protection. Utilizing a putty knife, or pliers, cut out old glazing points, the tiny fasteners that pin glass into the frame's recesses. After the glass has been removed, you must clean the entire area to prepare it for a new window.
After determining the window's opening, it is important to ensure that the replacement is precisely 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 have to be cut specifically for your frame. To avoid making mistakes take a measurement of your window's opening and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inches for the new pane.
When you are ready to put in your glass, take care to place it in the frame. Make sure that it's in a straight line with the rabbets. A glass pane that's too huge could cause clouding and swelling of the surrounding wood, while one that's too small can fall from the frame or let drafts in 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 fingers, making sure that it's evenly distributed across the new pane. When 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 system are crucial for the safety, compliance and performance of glazed surfaces. In an inspection, a professional examines anchor points, fasteners and supports for corrosion or deterioration or misalignment. The inspector also examines the gaskets and sealants to ensure that they're installed correctly and that they aren't leaking.
The structural issues that must be addressed include rusted frames as well as sagging walls. These problems can be very risky and could cause severe damage in the future. It is essential to address any structural issues as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs down the line.
Curtain wall systems require extensive structural support in order to withstand wind loads, and other strains. When these components fail the water intrusion that results can be costly and damaging. The underlying causes of these failures are due to poor construction, design errors, and inadequate installation.
Warping can also result in distortion or deformed panels which may impact 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 is free of obstructions and that the workers are wearing the appropriate safety equipment. Wearing gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests are all a part of the safety equipment. It's also a good idea to use a harness and ladder to access higher or more difficult-to-access areas.
Common repairs for windows made of wood include missing or loose hardware. Two-part epoxy is a good choice to repair minor cracks on wooden window panes, but severely damaged or rotten wood should be replaced. Sashes that are stuck can usually be removed from their tracks by sanding and applying graphite oil. double glazing window repairs like the replacement of sliding mechanisms as well as major frame or sash parts are usually left to aluminum window companies.
The cost of replacing an existing curtain wall system is usually higher than the cost of rehabilitation, but the energy savings and the increased comfort for residents could let the initial investment be recouped. A replacement system may assist in bringing an existing structure in compliance with the more stringent standards of building codes for insulated glass and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Many sash window issues may be easily identified and dealt with through an inspection. Things like rotting timber and paintwork damage as well as broken glass are all identified by a professional window assessment to ensure that the window is in good condition for future use. The most common problems can be easily fixed and don't require replacement.
Problems such as a sash that doesn't close or open could be frustrating and impact the efficiency of your home. Your windows can also be dangerous if they suddenly slam shut. This could result in injuries, property damage and a loss of air conditioning or heat.
Sliding sash windows require regular maintenance to keep them looking good and operating properly. Cleaning the window of your sash and spraying it with lubricant could make them easier to open and shut. However, if the issue persists it could be a sign that the balances aren't functioning properly or there is something wrong with the sash itself.
Wooden window sashes take in moisture over time, and are affected when humidity levels change. They can expand and shrink, which can cause them become stuck or encased within the frame. This is prevented by maintaining a an airtight seal around the wood and by applying an sash sealer or paint to shield against moisture.
Other sash issues include a broken lock, cord displacement and nail jamming. All of these make it difficult to open and close windows in sash. These issues can usually be resolved by carpenters who can take off the sash, repair or replace any damaged parts and reconnect them.
Stained glass windows may be stained to restore their appearance. It is important to keep them in good shape to guard against the ingress of water and rot, which may occur when the paint starts to peel and crack. Stained glass can also be re-leaded in order to prevent it from leaking water into the surrounding timber, causing wood decay.