Glazing Repairs
The correct repair of your glazing will increase the value of your home. This will also improve the effectiveness of your windows or doors.
However, it isn't easy to tell what the issue you're experiencing requires professional assistance. Here are a few of the most frequent problems that must be fixed:
Damaged Seals
Window seals are an important component of your glazing system. They are used to secure the windows, insulate them and seal against outside air and moisture. Although they are designed to last a long time, and may require repair or replacement, the reality is that they will have to be replaced at some point. There are many options to repair them, based on your budget.
Fogging inside your double paned IGU is one of the most commonly reported indications that the window seals are failing. Foggy windows can be caused by a damaged seal between two glass panes within your IGU. This can allow moisture to enter the IGU and create condensation. Steamers are a great option to clear the windows or apply window putty. However, it's recommended that you get your window seals repaired by a professional.
A failing seal can also cause your windows' insulation to decrease. The space between your two panes is filled with inert gas such as argon and xenon which helps the IGU resist thermal transfer and retain warm within the house. When the window seal fails, the insulating benefit of your IGU will be lost and your energy bills will rise.
Gaskets made of rubber begin to degrade with time due to exposure and age. The degrading process can be accelerated by improper maintenance or environmental factors, such as UV radiation. This can cause mildew and mold if not dealt with. This can cause damage to the frame and sash on your IGU and ruin the appearance and compromising insulation.
The best way to avoid the loss of window seals is to perform regular maintenance and avoiding common errors. For instance, do not use high-pressure washers to clean your windows, as it can work its way into the sash, and damage the seal. Do not apply reflective film to your insulated window, since this could invalidate 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 glass pane that has broken in a window may fall and break other windows or cause a draft and possibly even water or insects to get into your home. A glass pane that has been broken could also pose a risk to 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 additional damage to frames, sash and the surfaces that are adjacent to it.
The first step to take when a window is damaged is to seal it up with a cross-pattern of duct tape to stop further shattering. This will keep rain, bugs and other debris out of your home until you are able to replace the glass. This method is particularly crucial for windows with higher levels.
Wear thick, durable gloves. Also, wear eye protection. Utilizing a putty knife, or pliers, remove old glazing points, the tiny fasteners that fix glass into the frame's recesses. Once the glass is removed, clean the entire area to prepare it for a new window.
After measuring the window's opening, it's essential to ensure the new replacement is exactly the right size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes ready to insert but if you're looking to get security glass or energy-efficient, it's likely to have to be made specifically for your frame. To avoid mistakes, measure your window opening and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inches from the new pane.
When you're ready for installing the new glass, place it with care into the frame and check for a flush fit to the rabbets holding it. A new glass pane that's too big can cause a cloud to form and swell on the wood surrounding it, whereas one that's too small could fall from the frame or allow drafts into your home.
Once the new pane has been secured, you can wrap another glaziers compound around the perimeter to seal the glass to the frame and the sash. Smooth the compound using your finger, ensuring it's even all around the new pane. After the compound has dried, paint it and the frame to match your window.
Structural Issues
The structural integrity and performance of curtain wall and framing systems are crucial for the safety, compliance, and performance of glazed surfaces. In double glazing repairs , a professional examines fasteners, anchor points, and supports for corrosion, deterioration, or misalignment. He or she also checks the sealants and gaskets to make sure that they are properly installed and that they aren't leaking.
Rusted frames and sagging wall are structural issues that must be addressed. These problems can be very dangerous and may lead to severe damage in the future. It is essential to fix any structural issues promptly in order to avoid expensive repairs down the line.
Curtain wall systems need extensive structural support to withstand wind loads, and other strains. Water intrusion caused by these components can be costly and destructive. The main causes for these failures include inadequate construction, design mistakes, and inadequate installation.
Warping can also result in distortion or deformed panels which could impact the appearance, energy efficiency and security of the system. A glass inspector will check for warping and recommend repairs if needed.
Glazing inspections should begin by making sure that the work area is free of obstructions, and that everyone is wearing the appropriate safety equipment. This includes hard hats, gloves and high-visibility vests. It is also an excellent idea to wear a harness and ladder to gain access to higher or difficult-to-access areas.
For wood-framed windows, common repairs involve loose or missing hardware. A small crack in windows made of wood can be repaired with two-part epoxy, however rotted or severely damaged wood is usually recommended replacement. Sashes that stick can be removed from their tracks by sanding and applying graphite grease. Aluminum window companies are typically the ones to handle more complicated issues such as replacing sliding mechanisms, or the major frame or sash parts.
The cost of replacing an existing curtain wall system is usually greater than the cost of rehabilitation, however the energy savings and the improved comfort for the occupants may make it possible for the initial investment to be paid back. A replacement system can assist in bringing an existing structure into conformity with the stricter 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 an examination. Things like rotting timber, damage to paintwork and broken glass are all identified through a professional window inspection, ensuring the window is in good condition for future use. Fortunately, the most frequent issues are less severe and don't require replacement.
Problems like a sash windows that isn't able to open or close can be a hassle and also affect your home's energy efficiency. It's also a risk when windows suddenly snap shut, causing injuries, property damage, and loss of cool or warm air.
Regular maintenance is essential to keep sliding sash windows looking good and working well. Cleaning your sash window and spraying it with lubricant could make it easier to open and shut. If the problem continues it could be because the balances don't work properly or something is wrong with the sash.
Wooden window sashes absorb moisture over time, and are affected by changes in humidity. This causes them swell and shrink, which may result in them becoming stuck or jammed within the frame. This can be avoided by maintaining a tight seal on the wood, and applying regularly a sash sealer or paint to guard against moisture.
Other sash issues that can occur are a damaged lock for sash cord displacement, cord displacement or nail jamming which all make sash windows harder to open and close. These issues can usually be resolved by carpenters who can take off the sash, repair or replace any damaged components and reconnect them.
It is possible to re-stain stained glass windows to restore their original appearance. It's important to keep them in good condition to guard against water ingress and rot which could occur when the paint begins to crack and peel. Stained glass can also be re-leaded to keep it from leaking water onto the surrounding timber and causing wood decay.