Glazing Repairs
Making repairs to your glazing correctly will increase the value of your home. It will also improve the effectiveness of your windows or doors.
It can be difficult to determine if the problem you are experiencing requires professional repair. Here are some of the most common issues that need fixing:.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are an essential component of your glazing system. They protect the windows, insulate them and seal against the elements of air and water. They are designed to last for a long period of time, but the reality is they could require repair or replacement at some moment. There are many options for repair, depending on your budget.
Fogging inside your double paned insulated glass unit is one of the most commonly reported indications that your window seals have failed. Foggy windows can be caused by the seal being damaged between two glass panes in your IGU. This can allow water to get in and cause condensation. Steamers are a great option to clear the windows or apply window putty. However, it is best to have your window seals fixed by a professional.
In addition to allowing condensation and fogging between the window panes, a failing seal can cause your windows to lose their insulating value. The space between the two panes is filled by inert gas such as argon and xenon that assists the IGU in resisting thermal transfer and keep heat in the home. The IGU's insulating benefits will be lost if the window seal fails. Your energy bills will also rise.
Rubber gaskets begin to degrade with time due to exposure and age. The process can be accelerated by improper treatment or environmental factors like UV radiation. This can result in mildew and mold if not taken care of. This can eat through the frame and sash of your IGU and cause a shabby appearance and compromising your insulation.
Avoiding common mistakes and performing regular maintenance is the best way to stop window seals from being damaged. Avoid using a high pressure washer to clean windows as it can cause damage to the seal. Don't apply a reflective film to your insulated window, 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 an obvious problem that requires immediate attention. A broken pane in a window can fall and break further windows or cause drafts and possibly even water or insects to infiltrate your home. A broken pane of glass could pose a risk to anyone who comes into contact with it. This includes pets and children. In addition to being a safety hazard broken glass can be difficult to remove and may cause further damage to frames, sash and other surfaces.
The first thing to do when a window is damaged is to seal it up with a cross patch of duct tape to stop further shattering. This will keep rain, bugs and debris out of the house until you can replace your glass. This is particularly important for upper-story windows.
Wear thick, durable gloves. Also, wear eye protection. With a putty or pliers, pry old glazing points from 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 available, but if energy-efficient glass or safety glass is required, it might require cutting to fit your frame. To avoid committing mistakes take a measurement of your window's opening and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inches from the new pane.
Once you're ready to put in the new glass, place it carefully into the frame and check for a flush fit with the rabbets holding it. A glass pane that's too large can cause the wood to swell and a pane that is too small can be thrown out of the frame, or allow drafts enter.
After the new pane has been secured, you can wrap another piece of glaziers' compound around the perimeter to seal the glass to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound using your fingers to ensure that it's level with the new pane. After drying paint the newly glazed frame and compound to match the rest of your window.
double glazing window repairs of curtain wall frameworks and systems for framing is essential to the safety, performance, and compliance of the glazed surfaces. During an inspection, a professional will examine anchors, fasteners and supports to determine whether they have corroded, damaged, or misaligned. The inspector also examines the sealants and gaskets to ensure that they are installed correctly and aren't leaky.
Structural issues that need to be addressed include rusted frames as well as walls that are sagging. These issues can be dangerous and could cause serious damage with time. It is essential to address any structural issues as quickly as you can to avoid costly repairs down the road.
Curtain wall systems require extensive structural support to resist the forces of wind and other stress. When these components fail, the resulting water intrusion can be costly and damaging. These failures are often caused by poor construction, design mistakes, and poor installation.
Another common problem is warping, which can cause distorted or deformed glass panels and affect the appearance of the system, its energy efficiency, and security. A glazing inspector will look for signs of warping and suggest repairs if needed.
The first step in an inspection of the glazing is to make sure that the area of work has been cleared of all obstructions and that workers are wearing the proper safety gear. Wearing gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests form part of the safety gear. You can also utilize a harness and ladder to reach higher or harder-to-reach places.
Common repairs for windows made of wood include loose or missing hardware. A few minor cracks in window frames made of wood can be fixed with a two-part epoxy, but rotted or severely damaged wood is generally recommended replacement. Sashes that are stuck can usually be removed from their tracks by sanding them and applying graphite grease. Aluminum window companies are typically the ones to handle more complex issues, such as replacing sliding mechanisms, or major frame or sash elements.
The cost of replacing an existing curtain wall system is typically higher than the cost of rehabilitation, however the energy savings and the increased comfort for people living in the structure could make it possible for the initial investment to be recouped. Additionally, a replacement system could help bring the existing structure into conformance to more strict building codes for insulated glazing and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help diagnose and address many problems with sash windows. A professional window assessment can detect things like wood that is rotting and paintwork damage as well as broken glass, assuring that the window is in good condition for future use. Fortunately, the most frequent issues aren't as serious and don't require replacement.
Issues like a sash window that isn't able to open or close can be a nuisance and could also impact your home's energy efficiency. Windows can also be dangerous if they suddenly slam shut. This can result in injuries, property damage, and the loss of air conditioning or heat.
Sliding sash windows require regular maintenance to keep them looking good and functioning well. Cleaning your sash windows and applying a lubricant spray will allow them to open and close more quickly. If the issue persists it could be an indication that the balances aren't working properly or there is something wrong with the sash itself.
Over time the wooden windowsashes absorb moisture and be affected by changes in humidity levels. They can expand and shrink, which can cause them to become stuck or clogged within the frame. This is prevented by maintaining a an airtight seal around the wood and by applying a sash paint or sealer to shield against moisture.
Other issues with sash windows include a broken lock, cord displacement and nail jamming. All of these make it difficult to open and close sash windows. A carpenter can fix these problems by removing the sash, fixing or replacing damaged components, then re-cording them.
It is possible to re-stain stained windows to restore their original appearance. It is essential to keep them in good condition to prevent water intrusion, rot and other problems that may arise when paint starts to peel and crack. Stained glass can also be re-leaded to keep it from leaking water into the surrounding timber and causing wood decay.