Glazing Repairs
The right repair of your window can increase the value of your home. This will also improve the effectiveness of your windows or doors.
It can be a challenge to determine if the issue you encounter requires professional assistance for repair. Here are a few of the most frequent problems that require to be fixed:
Damaged Seals
Window seals are a crucial part of your glazing system that secure, insulate, and seal windows from outside air and moisture. Although they are designed to last for a long time and may require repair or replacement, the fact is that they'll need to be replaced at some point. There are several options for repair depending on your budget and timeline.
Fogging in your double paned IGU is among the most frequent indications that the window seals are failing. Foggy windows are caused by a broken seal between the two glass panes of your IGU that allows moisture to get in, causing condensation. Steamers can be used to clear the windows or apply window putty. However, it is best to get your window seals repaired by an expert.
In addition to allowing condensation and fogging between the windows, a weak seal will also cause your windows to lose their insulation value. The space between the two panes is filled with inert gas like argon or xenon, which helps the IGU resist thermal transfer and retain heat in the home. When the window seal fails the insulation benefit of your IGU will be diminished and your energy costs will rise.
Rubber gaskets start to degrade over time due to exposure and age. Degradation can be accelerated through poor care or environmental factors such as UV radiation. If not addressed, this may cause water infiltration into the building envelope, resulting in mildew and mold. This can eat away at the frame and sash on your IGU and cause damage to the appearance of the building and compromising insulation.
The best way to avoid the possibility of a leak in window seals is by performing regular maintenance and avoiding common mistakes. Avoid using double glazing window repairs to clean windows since it could damage the seal. Don't apply reflective films to your window that is insulated, as this could void the guarantee and damage the sealant. Be careful when using chemicals such as paint strippers, as they can damage sealant and cause failure.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a problem that requires immediate attention. A broken pane in a window can be thrown down and cause additional windows to break or create drafts, or let insects or water into your home. A glass pane that has been broken can pose danger to anyone who comes into contact with it. This is especially true for pets and children. Shattered glass is not only an hazard to safety, but it can be a challenge to remove and can cause further damage to sash and frames as well as adjacent surfaces.
The first thing to do when a windowpane is damaged is to wrap it up with a cross-pattern of duct tape to stop further shattering. This will keep bugs, rain and other debris out of the home until you are able to replace the glass. This method is particularly crucial for upper-story windows.
Next, take precautions by putting on thick protective eyewear and gloves that are cut-resistant. With a putty or pliers take the old glazing points out of the frame recesses. Once the glass is removed, wash the entire area to prepare it for a new window.
It is important to measure the opening of your window and make sure that the replacement is of the proper size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes that are ready to be inserted, but if you want energy-efficient or safety glass, it's likely to need to be made specifically for 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.
Once you're ready to put in the glass, put it with care into the frame and make sure it's an even fit with the rabbets that support it. A glass pane that's too large could cause the wood to swell and a pane that is too small could fall out of the frame or allow drafts get in.
Once the new pane has been secured, you can roll another glaziers compound around the perimeter of the pane to seal the glass to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound using your fingers to ensure that it's even around the new pane. Once the compound is dry, paint it and the frame to match the window.
Structural Problems
The structural integrity of curtain wall systems and framing systems is crucial to the safety performance, performance, and conformity of glazed surfaces. During an inspection, the professional will inspect anchors, fasteners, and supports to see if they are corroded, deteriorated, or misaligned. They also inspect the gaskets and sealants, to ensure that they are installed correctly and aren't leaky.
Rusted frames and sagging wall are structural problems that need to be addressed. These issues can be risky and could cause severe damage in the future. It is important that you address any structural problems as soon as you can so that you avoid costly repairs down the line.
Curtain wall systems require a lot of structural support to withstand winds, and other stresses. If these components fail, the resulting water intrusion could be destructive and costly. The underlying causes of the failures are poor construction, design flaws, and inadequate installation.
Warping can also result in distortion or deformed panels, which could impact the appearance, energy efficiency and safety of the system. A glazing inspector will search for warping and recommend repair measures if necessary.
The first step of an inspection of the glazing is to make sure that the work area is free of obstructions and that employees are wearing the proper safety gear. Gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests are all a part of the safety gear. It's also an excellent idea to wear the ladder and harness for accessing higher or harder-to-reach areas.
Common repairs for windows made of wood are missing or damaged hardware. A few minor cracks on wooden window panes can often be fixed with a two-part epoxy, but damaged or rotten wood is typically better replaced. Sliding sashes that have become stuck in their tracks can be removed by sanding them before applying graphite grease. More difficult problems, such as replacing sliding mechanisms or the major frame or sash components are typically left to aluminum window manufacturers.
Replacing an existing curtain wall system usually involves the cost of installation is much higher than rehabilitation measures, but the energy savings and enhanced quality of life for the occupants may eventually cover the initial investment. In addition, a new system can assist in bringing the structure in line with more stringent building code requirements for insulated glazing and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help diagnose and fix a variety of issues with sash windows. Things like rotting timber, damage to paintwork and broken glass are all identified with a professional assessment of the window, ensuring the window is in good order to be used in the future. Fortunately, the most frequent issues are less severe and do not necessarily require replacement.
Problems such as the sash not closing or open could be frustrating and can affect the efficiency of your home. Your windows could also be dangerous if they suddenly close shut. This can result in injuries, property damage and even a loss of air conditioning or heat.
Sliding windows require regular maintenance to ensure they look good and working properly. Cleaning your sash windows and spraying them with lubricant will allow them to open and close more quickly. However, if the problem persists, it could be an indication that the balances aren't operating properly or there is something wrong with the sash itself.
Over time the wooden windowsashes absorb moisture and are affected by the fluctuation in humidity levels. They then expand and shrink, which could cause them to become stuck or trapped within the frame. This can be prevented by ensuring a tight seal on the wood, and regularly applying a sash sealer or paint to shield against moisture.
Other sash problems that could be caused by a defective sash lock cord displacement, cord displacement or nail jamming that can make windows for sash difficult to open and close. These issues can usually be resolved by a carpenter who will remove the sash, repair or replace any damaged components and replace them with a new cord.
It is possible to re-stain stained windows in order to restore their original appearance. It is important to maintain them in good order to protect the glass from water ingress and rot which could occur when the paint starts to peel and crack. Re-leading stained glass is a different method to prevent it from leaking into surrounding wood and causing decay.