Glazing Repairs
Correctly repairing your glass will increase the value of your home. It also ensures that your window or door is operating as well as it can, increasing its overall efficiency.
However, it can be tricky to know whether the problem you're experiencing requires professional attention. Here are some of the most frequent issues that need fixing:.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals are an essential element of your glazing system. They protect, insulate and protect windows from external air and moisture. Although they are designed to last a long time, and may require repair or replacement, the reality is that they'll need to be replaced at some point. There are several options available to repair them, based on your budget.
One of the most common indicators that your window seals aren't working is the presence of fog in your double pane insulated glass unit (IGU). Foggy windows result from a damaged seal between the two glass panes of your IGU that allows moisture to be absorbed, causing condensation. Although you can try some quick fixes to clear your windows, like using a steamer or window putty, the most effective solution is to get your window seals replaced by a professional.
A leaky seal can cause the insulation value of your windows to decrease. The space between the two panes of glass is filled with an inert gas, such as xenon or argon which helps the IGU to resist heat transfer and keep the heat in the home. The IGU's insulating benefits will be lost when the window seal fails. Your energy bills will also rise.
Over time, rubber gaskets will begin to degrade due to age and exposure. The degrading process can be accelerated by insufficient maintenance or environmental factors such as UV radiation. This can result in mildew and mold if it is not addressed. This can eat through the frame and sash of your IGU and ruin the appearance and weakening the insulation.
The best way to prevent a breakdown of window seals is to carry out regular maintenance and avoiding common mistakes. Avoid using a high-pressure washer to clean windows as it can cause damage to the seal. Additionally, do not add a reflective window film to your insulated glass, as it could void the warranty and harm the sealant material. Be careful when using chemicals such as paint strippers, as they can damage sealant and cause failure.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a common issue that requires immediate attention. A broken pane in a window can fall and break other windows or cause drafts and possibly water or insects to infiltrate your home. A broken pane of glass could pose a risk to anyone who comes in contact with it. This includes children and pets. Shattered glass is not only a safety risk however, it can be a challenge to remove and cause further damage to frames and sash as well as adjacent surfaces.
If a window pane breaks, the first step is to tape it up with the cross-patch of duct tape to prevent further shattering and keep rain, bugs and other debris out of your home until you are able to replace the glass. This is especially important for windows that are higher up.
Take precautions by wearing cut-resistant gloves and eye protection. With pliers or a putty, pry old glazing points out of the recesses of the frame. After the glass has been removed, clean the areas around it to prepare for the installation of a new replacement window.
After determining the window's opening, it's essential to ensure that the replacement is precisely the right size. Most glaziers will have standard-sized panes ready to insert but if you're looking to get energy-efficient or safety glass it's likely to need to be custom cut for the frame. To avoid any mistakes take a measurement of the window opening and subtract about 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the new pane.
Once you're ready to install your new glass, be sure to place it in the frame. Check that it fits in a straight line with the rabbets. A glass pane that's too large could cause the wood to expand and a pane that is too small could fall out of the frame or let drafts in.
After the new pane is secured, you can roll another cord of glaziers compound around the perimeter to secure the glass to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound with your finger to ensure it is even around the new pane. When the compound is dry, paint it and the frame to match your window.
Structural Issues
The structural integrity of curtain wall frames and systems is crucial to the safety, performance, and compliance of the glazed surfaces. During an inspection, the professional will examine anchors, fasteners, and supports to see if they are corroded, degraded or misaligned. The inspector will also check the gaskets and sealants made of rubber to ensure they have been installed correctly and are not leaking.
Rusted frames and sagging walls are structural issues that must be addressed. These issues can be hazardous and could result in severe damage over the course of time. It is essential to fix any structural issues as soon as you can to avoid costly repairs down the line.
Curtain wall systems need extensive structural support in order to withstand wind loads and other stresses. The intrusion of water by these components could be costly and destructive. The main causes for these failures are due to poor construction, design flaws and inadequate installation.
Warping can also lead to distortion or deformed panels which may affect the appearance as well as the 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 area of work is free of obstructions and that the workers are wearing the appropriate safety equipment. This includes hard hats, gloves, and high-visibility vests. You can also utilize 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. Two-part epoxy is a good choice to repair minor cracks in window panes made of wood, but severely damaged or rotten wood is best replaced. Sliding sashes that are stuck in their tracks can be cleared by sanding them and applying graphite grease. Aluminum window companies are usually the ones to handle more complex issues, such as replacing sliding mechanisms, or major frame or sash components.
Replacing a curtain wall usually comes with the cost of installation is much higher than rehabilitation, however the energy savings and enhanced occupant comfort may eventually recoup the initial investment. In addition, a replacement system can help bring the existing structure into conformance with more stringent building code requirements for insulated glazing and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help identify and fix a variety of issues with sash windows. Things like rotting wood, damage to paintwork and broken glass are all picked up by a professional window assessment, ensuring the window is in good condition for its future use. Fortunately, the most common problems are less serious and don't require replacement.
Issues like a sash window that won't open or close can be a nuisance and could also impact your home's energy efficiency. Your windows can also be dangerous if they suddenly slam shut. This can result in injuries, property damage, and even a loss of heat or air conditioning.
Sliding windows require regular maintenance to ensure they look good and operating properly. Cleaning double glazing repairs near me for sash and spraying them with lubricant can help them to open and close more easily. If the problem continues it could mean that the balances aren't functioning properly or something is wrong with the sash.
Over time the wooden windowsashes absorb moisture and are affected by the fluctuation in levels of humidity. They can expand and shrink which can cause them to become stuck or jammed in the frame. This can be prevented by ensuring a tight seal on the wood and by regularly applying a sash sealer or painting to protect against moisture.
Other issues with sash windows include a faulty cord displacement, lock and nail jamming. All of these make it difficult to open and close sash windows. A carpenter can fix these issues by taking off the sash and fixing or replacing damaged parts, before re-cording them.
It is possible to re-stain stained glass windows to bring back their original appearance. It is important to maintain them in good condition to prevent water intrusion, 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 wood decay.