Glazing Repairs
The correct repair of your glazing can boost the value of your home. It is also a way to ensure that your window or door is operating as well as it can, enhancing its overall efficiency.
It can be difficult to know if the issue you encounter requires professional assistance for repair. Here are some of the most common issues that need fixing:.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals are a crucial 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 reality is that they will have to be replaced at some time. There are many options for repair, based on your budget.
One of the most common indicators that your window seals aren't working is fogging in your double pane insulated glass unit (IGU). Foggy windows can be caused by a damaged seal between two glass panes of your IGU. This allows moisture to enter the IGU, causing condensation. Although you can try some quick solutions to remove the fog from your windows, for instance using a steamer, or applying window putty, the best solution is to repair your window seals by a professional.
In addition to allowing fogging and condensation between the windows, a weak seal can cause your windows to lose their insulation value. The space between the two panes is filled by inert gas such as argon or xenon, which helps the IGU resist thermal transfer and keep warm within the house. If the window seal is damaged, the insulating benefit of your IGU will be lost and your energy bills will increase.
Gaskets made of rubber begin to degrade with time because of exposure and age. The process is accelerated by poor treatment or environmental factors like UV radiation. This can cause mildew and mold if it is not taken care of. This can cause damage to the frame and sash of your IGU, ruining the appearance and compromising your insulation.
The best way to avoid the loss of window seals is to carry out regular maintenance and avoiding common errors. For instance, do not use high-pressure washers to clean your windows, because it could be able to penetrate the sash and cause damage to the seal. Don't apply reflective film to your window with insulation because it could void the warranty and damage the sealant. Be cautious when using chemical products, such as paint strippers because they can damage the sealant and cause it to fail.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a problem that requires immediate attention. A cracked pane of glass within a window could fall and cause further windows to break or cause drafts, or allow insects or water to enter your home. A glass pane that has been 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 broken glass is difficult to remove and may result in additional damage to frames, sash and adjacent surfaces.
If a window pane breaks, the first step is to board it up with a cross-patch of ducttape to stop the glass from shattering further and keep bugs, rain and other debris out of your home until you can replace the glass. This method is particularly important for windows that are higher up.
Next, take precautions by wearing thick cut-resistant gloves and eye protection. With pliers or a putty take the old glazing points out of the frame recesses. After the glass has been removed, wash the surrounding areas to prepare for the new replacement window.
After determining the window's opening, it's essential to ensure that the replacement is the exact size. Most glaziers stock standard-sized panes that are ready to be inserted however if you're looking for energy-efficient or safety glass it's likely to need to be custom cut for the frame. To avoid committing mistakes make sure you measure the opening of your window and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inches for the new pane.
Once you're ready to put in your new glass, be sure to place it into the frame. Make sure it is perfectly with the rabbets. A new glass pane that's too big can cause a cloud to form and swell on the wood around it, while one that's too small could fall off the frame and let drafts in your home.
Once you've confirmed that the new pane is secured to the frame, wrap another cord of compound for glaziers around the glass's perimeter to secure it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound with your fingers, making sure that it's evenly distributed across the new pane. Once the compound is dry, paint it and the frame to match the window.
Structural Issues
The structural integrity of curtain wall frames and systems is essential to the safety, performance, and compliance of the glazed surfaces. During an inspection, a professional will inspect anchors, fasteners, and supports to see whether they have corroded, deteriorated, or misaligned. He or she will also examine the gaskets and sealants to ensure they have been installed correctly and aren't leaky.
Structural issues that must be addressed include rusted frames and walls that are sagging. These problems are dangerous and can lead to serious destruction over time. It is crucial to take care of any structural issues as quickly as you can to avoid costly repairs down the road.
Curtain wall systems need extensive structural support in order to withstand wind loads, and other strains. When these components fail the resulting water intrusion can be costly and damaging. These failures are usually caused by poor 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 glazing inspector will look for warping and recommend repair measures if necessary.
The first step of an inspection of the glazing is to ensure that the area of work is free of obstructions and that workers are wearing appropriate safety gear. Gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests form part of the safety gear. It's also a good idea to use the ladder and harness to gain access to higher or difficult-to-access areas.
Common repairs for wooden windows include missing or loose hardware. A few minor cracks in windows made of wood can be fixed with a two-part epoxy, but damaged or rotten wood is usually best replaced. Sliding sashes stuck in their tracks can be loosened by sanding them, then applying graphite grease. Aluminum window companies are usually the ones who handle more complex issues like replacing sliding mechanisms or major frame or sash components.
double glazing repair near me of replacing the existing curtain wall is usually higher than the cost of rehabilitation, however the energy savings and the improved comfort for the occupants may allow the initial investment to be returned. A replacement system may also help bring an existing structure in line with the more stringent requirements of building codes, such as insulation of glass and wind resistance to load.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help identify and resolve a number of issues with sash windows. Things like rotting timber, damage to paintwork and broken glass can be detected with a professional assessment of the window and ensure that the window is in good order for future use. The most common problems can be fixed easily and don't require replacement.
Issues like a sash window that doesn't close or open can be a source of frustration and also affect your home's energy efficiency. Your windows could also be dangerous if they suddenly close closed. This can result in injuries, property damage, and a loss of heat or air conditioning.
Regular maintenance is necessary to keep sliding sash windows looking nice and working well. Cleaning your windows for sash and spraying them with lubricant will allow them to open and close more quickly. If the problem continues it could mean that the balances aren't working properly or there is a problem with the sash.
Over time, wooden window sashes can absorb moisture and are affected by changes in humidity levels. They then expand and shrink, which could result in them becoming stuck or trapped within the frame. This can be avoided by ensuring a good seal on the wood, and by regularly applying paint or a sash sealer to protect against moisture.
Other sash problems include a damaged lock, cord displacement, and nail jamming. All of these make it difficult to open and close windows in sash. A carpenter can solve these problems by removing the sash, replacing or repairing any damaged parts, and then reconnecting them.
Stained glass windows may be stained again to improve their appearance. It is crucial to keep them in good condition to avoid water ingress, rot and other problems that may arise when the paint begins to peel and crack. Stained glass can also be re-leaded to keep it from leaking water into surrounding timber and causing decay of the wood.