Glazing Repairs
The right repair of your window will 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 performance.
It can be difficult to determine if the problem you are experiencing requires professional repair. Here are a few of the most frequently encountered issues that need fixing:.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are an essential part of your glazing system. They are used to secure windows, insulate them and seal them against outside air and moisture. Although they are designed to last for a long time, and may require repair or replacement, the reality is that they will need to be replaced at some time. The good news is that there are a variety of options for repair according to your budget and timeframe.
One of the most obvious indicators that your window seals are failing is the presence of fog in your double pane IGU. (IGU). Foggy windows could be the result of an unsound seal between two glass panes within your IGU. This can allow moisture to enter the IGU and create condensation. You can use a steamer to clear the windows or apply window putty. However, it is recommended to have your window seals fixed by a professional.
A leaky seal could cause your windows' insulation value to decrease. The space between the two glass panes is filled with an inert gas, like xenon and argon, which helps the IGU resist heat transfer and keep heat in the house. Once the window seal fails the insulation benefits of your IGU will be lost and your energy bills will increase.
As time passes rubber gaskets start to lose their elasticity due to age and exposure. The degradation is accelerated by poor maintenance or environmental factors, such as UV radiation. If not addressed, this may cause water intrusion into the building envelope, resulting in the growth of mold and mildew. This could eat away at the frame and sash on your IGU and ruin the appearance and compromising insulation.
The best way to prevent a breakdown of window seals is to carry out regular maintenance and avoiding common mistakes. For double glazing window repairs , do not use a high-pressure washer to clean your windows because it could be able to penetrate the sash and damage 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. Also, be cautious when using chemical products, such as paint strippers, since they could damage the sealant and cause it to fail.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a clear issue that requires immediate attention. A glass pane that has broken in a window could fall and break other windows or cause drafts and possibly water or insects to get into your home. A glass pane that is broken can pose danger to anyone who comes into contact with it. This includes children and pets. In addition to being a risk for safety, shattered glass can be difficult to remove and could cause additional damage to frames, sash and the surfaces that are adjacent to it.
If a window is cracked the first step is to tape it up using a cross-patch of ducttape to stop further shattering and keep rain, bugs, and debris out of your home until you can replace the glass. This method is especially important for windows with higher levels.
Wear thick, cut-resistant gloves. Also wear eye protection. With a putty or pliers take the old glazing points from the recesses of the frame. After the glass has been removed, wash the entire area to prepare it for a new window.
It's important to measure the window's opening and ensure that the replacement is the exact proper size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes on hand however if energy-efficient or safety glass is required, it could require cutting to fit the frame. To avoid a mistake make sure you measure the opening of your window and subtract approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch for the new pane.
When you're ready for installing the glass you just bought, insert it in the frame with care and make sure it's an even fit with the rabbets holding 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 may fall from 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 the sash. Smooth the compound with your fingers to ensure that it's even around the new pane. After the compound has dried paint it and the frame to match the window.
Structural Problems
The structural integrity and performance of curtain wall and framing systems is essential for the safety, compliance, and performance of glass surfaces. During an inspection, a professional examines anchor points, fasteners, and supports for corrosion, deterioration, or misalignment. He or she will also check the gaskets and sealants made of rubber to ensure they have been properly installed and are not leaking.
Rusted frames and sagging wall are structural issues that must be addressed. These issues are risky and could lead to severe destruction over time. It is important that you fix any structural issues as soon as you can so that you avoid costly repairs later on.
Curtain wall systems require a lot of structural support in order to withstand wind loads and other strains. When these components fail, the water intrusion that results can be damaging and costly. The root causes of the failures are inadequate construction, design mistakes, and inadequate installation.
Warping can also cause distortion or deformed panels, which can affect the appearance, energy efficiency and safety of the system. A glass inspector will check for signs of warping and suggest repairs if required.
The first step in an inspection of the glazing 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 gear. You can also use a ladder and harness to reach higher or more difficult-to-reach places.
For windows made of wood, the most common repairs involve a lack of or damaged hardware. A few minor cracks on window frames made of wood can be fixed with an epoxy that is two-part, but damaged or rotted wood is usually better replaced. Sliding sashes that are stuck in their tracks can be cleared by sanding them, then applying graphite grease. More difficult problems, such as replacing sliding mechanisms or the major frame or sash components are usually left to aluminum window manufacturers.
Replacing an existing curtain wall system usually involves a much higher upfront cost than rehabilitation, however the energy savings and improved occupant comfort may eventually recoup the initial investment. A replacement system can help bring an existing structure into compliance with the more stringent requirements of building codes, such as insulated glass and wind resistance to load.
Sash Issues
Many sash window issues may be easily diagnosed and addressed through a visual examination. A professional assessment of the window will reveal things like rotting wood, paintwork damage and broken glass, assuring that the window is in good condition for its future use. Most of the problems that arise are easily rectified and don't require replacement.
Problems such as a sash that won't close or open could be frustrating and affect the energy efficiency of your home. Your windows could also be dangerous if they suddenly close closed. This could result in injuries, property damage and a loss of heat or air conditioning.
Sliding sash windows need regular maintenance to ensure they look good and working properly. Cleaning your sash windows and applying a lubricant spray can aid in opening and close more quickly. If the problem continues it could mean that the balances don't work properly or something is wrong with the sash.
Over time, wooden window sashes can absorb moisture and can be affected by the fluctuation in levels of humidity. This causes them to expand and shrink, which can cause them to become stuck or clogged within the frame. This can be prevented by maintaining a tight seal on the wood, and by regularly applying a sash sealer or painting to guard against moisture.
Other sash issues that may arise include a faulty lock for sash cord displacement, cord displacement or nail jamming which all make windows more difficult to open and close. A carpenter can fix these issues by taking off the sash and fixing or replacing damaged parts, before re-cording them.
Stained glass windows can be stained to restore their appearance. It is essential to keep their condition to prevent water intrusion and rot, as well as other issues that may arise when the paint begins to peel and crack. Re-leading stained glass is an additional option to prevent it from leaking into the surrounding wood and causing decay.