Glazing Repairs
Making repairs to your glazing correctly will increase the value of your home. It will also ensure that your window or door is working as well as possible, improving its overall efficiency.
It isn't easy to tell what the issue you're experiencing requires professional attention. Here are some of most common problems that need to be addressed:
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals are an important element of your glazing system. They are used to secure, insulate and seal windows against moisture and air outside. Although they are designed to last a long time and may require repair or replacement, the fact is that they'll need to be replaced at some moment. There are a variety of options for repair, depending on your budget.
Fogging in your double-paned insulated glass unit is one of the most common indicators that your window seals have failed. Foggy windows can be caused by an unsound seal between two glass panes within your IGU. This can allow moisture to seep through and cause condensation. While you can try a few quick-fixes to defog your windows, like using a steamer or window putty, the most efficient solution is to have 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 insulation value. The space between the two glass panes is filled with an inert gas such as argon and xenon which helps the IGU ward off heat transfer and keeps the heat in the house. The IGU's insulation benefits will be lost in the event that the window seal is damaged. Your energy bills will also rise.
As time passes, rubber gaskets will begin to degrade due to age and exposure. The process can be accelerated by insufficient treatment or environmental factors, such as UV radiation. If not addressed, this can cause water penetration into the building envelope resulting in mold and mildew. This could eat away at the frame and sash on your IGU and ruin the appearance of the building and compromising insulation.
Avoiding common mistakes and performing regular maintenance is the best method to prevent window seals from breaking down. Avoid using a high-pressure washer to clean windows as it could damage the seal. Do not add a reflective film to your insulated window, as this could void the warranty and harm the sealant. Be cautious when using chemical products, such as paint strippers because they can cause damage to the sealant and cause it to fail.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is an obvious issue that requires immediate attention. A broken pane in a window can fall and break further windows or cause drafts and possibly even water or insects to get into your home. A glass pane that is broken can be a danger for anyone who comes in contact with it, especially children or pets. In addition to being a safety risk, shattered glass can be difficult to remove and may cause further damage to frames, sash and other surfaces.
If a window is cracked, 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 are able to 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, pry old glazing points from the recesses of the frame. After the glass has been removed, clean the areas around it to prepare them for a new replacement window.
It is essential to measure the opening of your window and make sure that the replacement is the exact proper size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes on hand however, if energy-efficient glass or safety glass is required, it may need to be cut to fit your frame. To avoid committing mistakes make sure you measure the opening of your window and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inches to fit the new pane.
When you're ready to install the glass, put it with care into the frame and make sure it's an even fit with the rabbets that hold it. A glass pane that's too large can cause a cloud to form and swell on the wood surrounding it, whereas one that's too small could fall off the frame and let drafts in your home.
Once the new pane is secured, you can roll another piece of glaziers' compound around the perimeter of the pane to seal the glass to the frame and the sash. Smooth the compound using your fingers, making sure that it's evenly distributed across the new pane. After drying paint the newly glazed frame and compound to match the rest of your window.
Structural Issues
The structural strength of curtain wall frames and systems is vital to the security performance, performance, and conformity of glazed surfaces. During an inspection, a professional examines anchor points, fasteners, and supports for signs of corrosion or deterioration or misalignment. He or she will also inspect the gaskets and sealants made of rubber to ensure they have been properly installed and are not leaking.
Rusted frames and sagging walls are structural problems that need to be addressed. These issues can be risky and could cause severe damage over the course of time. It is important that you take care of any structural issues as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs down the line.
Curtain wall systems require substantial structural support to withstand wind loads and other stresses. When these components fail the resulting water intrusion can be damaging and costly. The underlying causes of these failures are due to poor construction, design errors, and inadequate installation.
Another problem that is frequently encountered is warping. This can result in deformed or distorted glass panels that can affect the appearance of the system, energy efficiency, and safety. A glazing inspector looks for warping during an inspection and recommends repairs actions if necessary.
The first step in a glazing inspection is to ensure that the area of work is free of obstructions and that employees are wearing appropriate safety gear. Wearing gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests are all a part of the safety gear. It's also recommended to use a harness and ladder to access higher or more difficult-to-access areas.
Common repairs for wood-framed windows are missing or damaged hardware. A few minor cracks on windows made of wood can be fixed using a two-part epoxy, but damaged or rotten wood is usually recommended replacement. Sticking sashes can often be freed from their tracks by sanding and applying graphite grease. Window companies made of aluminum are typically the ones to tackle more complicated issues, such as replacing sliding mechanisms or major frame or sash components.
Replacing a curtain wall system usually involves an upfront cost that is higher than rehabilitation measures, but the energy savings and increased occupant comfort may eventually recoup the initial investment. In addition, a new system can assist in bringing the existing structure into conformance with the more stringent building code requirements for insulated glazing and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help identify and fix a variety of issues with sash windows. Things like rotting timber and paintwork damage as well as broken glass are all identified by a professional window assessment, ensuring the window is in good condition for its future use. Luckily, the most common issues are less severe and don't require replacement.
Problems such as a sash window that won't open or close can be a hassle and also affect your home's energy efficiency. Your windows can also be dangerous if they suddenly close closed. This can cause injuries, property damage and even a loss of air conditioning or heat.
Sliding windows require regular maintenance to keep them looking good and working properly. Cleaning your sash windows and applying a lubricant spray will allow them to open and close more easily. However, if the problem persists it could be an indication that the balances aren't functioning properly or there's something wrong with the sash itself.
Over time wooden window sashes absorb moisture and can be affected by the fluctuation in humidity levels. This causes them swell and shrink, which can cause them become stuck or encased within the frame. double glazing repairs near me can be avoided by ensuring a tight seal on the wood, and by regularly applying paint or a sash sealer to protect against moisture.
Other issues with sash windows include a faulty lock, cord displacement, and nail jamming. All of these make it difficult to open and shut sash windows. A carpenter can fix these problems by removing the sash and fixing or replacing damaged parts, before reconnecting them.
It is possible to re-stain stained windows to bring back their original appearance. It is important to maintain them in good shape to prevent water intrusion and rot as well as other problems that can occur when the paint begins to peel and crack. Stained glass can also be re-leaded to prevent it from leaking water into the surrounding timber and causing decay of the wood.