Glazing Repairs
Repairing your glazing correctly can boost the value of your home. This will also improve the efficiency of your windows and doors.
However, it isn't always easy to determine whether the issue you're experiencing requires professional assistance. Here are some of the most frequently encountered problems that require fixing:.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are a crucial part of your glazing system. They secure, insulate, and protect windows from external air and moisture. They are designed to last for a long time, however, the reality is that they might require repair or replacement at some point. There are many options to repair them, based on your budget.
One of the most obvious indicators that the window seals in your home are failing is a fogging issue in your double pane IGU, also known as an insulated glass unit (IGU). Foggy windows result from a damaged seal between the two glass panes of your IGU that allows moisture seep in, creating condensation. Steamers can be used to defog the windows or apply window putty. However, it is recommended that you fix your window seals by an expert.
A failing seal can also cause your windows' insulation to decrease. The space between your two panes is filled with an inert gas like argon or xenon that helps the IGU resist thermal transfer and retain heat within the home. The benefits of the IGU's insulation will be lost if the window seal fails. Your energy bills will also increase.
Gaskets made of rubber begin to degrade with time due to exposure and aging. The process can be accelerated by poor care or environmental factors such as UV radiation. If not addressed, this may cause water penetration into the building envelope and result in the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause damage to the frame and sash on your IGU, destroying the appearance and compromising insulation.
Avoiding common mistakes and performing regular maintenance are the best ways to avoid window seals breaking down. Avoid using a high-pressure washer to clean windows as it can cause damage to the seal. Also, don't add a reflective window film to your insulated glass, as it could void the warranty and damage the sealant material. Be cautious when using chemicals such as paint strippers because they could damage the sealant and cause it to fail.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a clear issue that requires immediate attention. A broken pane in a window could fall and break further windows, or create drafts 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 into contact with it, particularly pets or children. In addition to being a risk for safety broken glass can be difficult to remove and could cause additional damage to frames, sash, and adjacent surfaces.
If a window pane breaks, the first step is to board it up with the cross-patch of duct tape to stop the glass from shattering further and keep rain, bugs and other debris out of your home until you can replace the glass. This method is particularly crucial for windows that are higher up.
Wear thick, durable gloves. Also, wear eye protection. Utilizing a putty knife, or pliers, remove old glazing points, which are the tiny fasteners that fix glass into the frame's recesses. Once the glass has been removed, clean all the surrounding areas to prepare for the new replacement window.
After measuring the window's opening, it's important to ensure that the replacement is precisely the right size. Most glaziers stock standard-sized panes ready to insert but if you're looking to get energy-efficient or safety glass, it's likely to have to be made specifically for your frame. To avoid making mistakes, measure your window opening and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inches to fit the new pane.
Once you're ready to put in the new glass, place it carefully into the frame and make sure it's a flush fit with the rabbets that hold it. A glass pane that's too large could cause clouding and swelling of the surrounding wood, while one that's too small may fall off the frame and let drafts enter your home.
After you've ensured that the new pane is secure to the frame, wrap another cord of glaziers' compound around the edges of the glass to seal it to the frame and sash. double glazing repair near me with your fingers to ensure that it is even around the new pane. After drying paint the newly glazed frame and compound to match the rest of your window.
Structural Problems
The structural integrity and performance of curtain wall and framing systems are essential for the safety, compliance, and performance of glass surfaces. During an inspection, the professional will check fasteners, anchors and supports to determine if they are corroded, deteriorated, or misaligned. He or she also checks the sealants and gaskets to make sure that they're installed correctly and that they aren't leaking.
The structural issues that must be addressed include rusted frames as well as sagging walls. These issues are risky and could cause serious damage over time. It is crucial to address any structural issues as soon as you can to avoid costly repairs later on.
Curtain wall systems require extensive structural support to resist wind loads and other stresses. When these components fail the resulting water intrusion can be costly and damaging. The underlying causes of these failures include poor construction, design flaws and poor installation.
Another problem that is frequently encountered is warping, which could cause distorted or deformed glass panels that can affect the appearance of the system, energy efficiency, and security. A glazing inspector will look for warping and recommend repairs if needed.
The first step in an inspection of glazing is to ensure that the work area is free of obstructions and that the workers are wearing the proper safety gear. This includes gloves, hard hats, and high-visibility vests. 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 loose or missing hardware. Two-part epoxy can be used to repair minor cracks on window panes made of wood, but severely damaged or rotted wood should be replaced. Sliding sashes that have become stuck in their tracks can be removed by sanding them before applying graphite grease. Aluminum window companies are typically the ones who handle more complex issues like replacing sliding mechanisms or major frame or sash elements.
The cost of replacing the existing curtain wall is usually higher than the cost of rehabilitation, but the energy savings as well as the increased comfort of residents could let the initial investment be recouped. A replacement system can help bring an existing structure into conformity with the stricter requirements of building codes for insulated glass and wind resistance to load.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help diagnose and fix a variety of issues with sash windows. Things like rotting wood, damage to paintwork and broken glass are all picked up through a professional window inspection to ensure that the window is in good shape for future use. Luckily, the most common problems are less serious and don't require replacement.
Problems such as a sash window that doesn't close or open can be a source of frustration and also affect your home's energy efficiency. It's also a risk when windows suddenly snap shut and cause injuries, property damage, and loss of heat or cool air.
Sliding sash windows need regular maintenance to ensure they look good and functioning well. Cleaning your windows for sash and spraying them with lubricant can help them to open and close more quickly. If the problem persists it could be because the balances aren't functioning properly or something is wrong with the sash.
Wooden window sashes absorb moisture over time and can be affected when humidity levels fluctuate. This causes them to expand and shrink, which could cause them to get stuck or trapped within the frame. This can be avoided by maintaining a tight seal on the wood, and applying regularly paint or a sash sealer to protect against moisture.
Other sash issues that can be caused by a defective lock for sash cord displacement, cord displacement or nail jamming which all 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 parts and re-cord them.
Stained glass windows can sometimes be re-stained to restore their appearance. It is essential to keep them in good shape to guard against water infiltration and rot that could occur when the paint begins to peel and crack. Stained glass can also be re-leaded to keep it from leaking water onto the surrounding timber and causing decay of the wood.