Glazing Repairs
Correctly repairing your glass can increase the value of your home. This will also improve the effectiveness of your windows or doors.
It can be tricky to know whether the issue you're experiencing needs professional repair. Here are some of the most frequent problems that must be addressed:
Damaged Seals
Window seals are an important element of your glazing system. They protect the windows, insulate them and seal against moisture and air outside. They are designed to last for a long period of time, but the reality is they could require repair or replacement at some point. There are many options for repair, depending on your budget.
Fogging inside your double paned insulated glass unit is one of the most common indicators that your window seals have failed. Foggy windows result from a damaged seal between the two glass panes of your IGU that allows moisture get in, causing condensation. Steamers are a great option to clear the windows or apply window putty. However, it's recommended that you have your window seals fixed by a professional.
A failing seal can also 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 resist heat transfer and keep the heat inside the home. If the window seal is damaged the insulation benefits of your IGU will be diminished and your energy costs will increase.
Over time rubber gaskets start to lose their elasticity due to age and exposure. Degradation can be accelerated due to poor care or environmental factors like UV radiation. This can result in mildew and mold if not addressed. This could eat away at the frame and sash of your IGU and ruin the appearance and damaging your insulation.
Avoiding common mistakes and performing regular maintenance are the best ways to stop window seals from breaking down. Avoid using a high-pressure washer to clean windows as it could damage the seal. Additionally, do not add a reflective window film to your insulated glass, as it could void the warranty and damage the sealant material. Also, 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 an obvious issue 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 infiltrate your home. A glass pane that is broken can also be dangerous for anyone who comes in contact with it, especially pets or children. In addition to being a risk for safety broken glass is difficult to remove and could result in additional damage to frames, sash and other surfaces.
If a window pane breaks the first step is to seal it up using a cross-patch of duct tape to prevent further shattering and keep bugs, rain and other debris out of your home until you can replace the glass. This is especially crucial for windows with higher levels.
Take precautions by wearing cut-resistant gloves and eye protection. With a putty or pliers take the old glazing points out of the recesses of the frame. After the glass has been removed, you must clean the entire area to prepare it for a new window.
After determining the window's opening, it's important to ensure the new replacement is precisely the right size. Most glaziers will have standard-sized panes available however, if energy-efficient glass or safety glass is required, it might need to be cut to fit your frame. To avoid a mistake make sure you measure the opening of your window and subtract approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the new pane.
When you're ready to install the glass, put it in the frame with care and make sure it's an even fit with the rabbets that hold it. A new glass pane that's too big could cause clouding and swelling of the surrounding wood, while one that's too small could be thrown off the frame or let drafts in your home.
Once the new pane is secured, you can roll another glaziers compound around the perimeter of the pane to seal the glass to the frame and the sash. New Malden window repair with your fingers, making sure it's evenly distributed around the new pane. Once the compound is dry paint it on the frame to match the window.
Structural Issues
The structural integrity and performance of curtain wall and framing system are essential for the safety, compliance, and performance of glass surfaces. During an inspection, the professional will examine anchors, fasteners and supports to determine whether they have corroded, deteriorated or misaligned. They also examine the gaskets and sealants to ensure they have been properly installed and are not leaking.
Rusted frames and sagging wall are structural issues that need to be addressed. These problems are dangerous and can lead to serious destruction over time. It is crucial to fix any structural issues as soon as possible in order to avoid expensive repairs later on.
Curtain wall systems require a lot of structural support in order to withstand wind loads, and other stresses. When these components fail the resulting water intrusion could be destructive and costly. These failures are often caused by inadequate construction, design errors or poor installation.
Another problem that is frequently encountered is warping, which could result in deformed or distorted glass panels, which can impact the system's appearance, energy efficiency and safety. A glazing inspector looks for warping during an inspection and recommends repairs measures if needed.
Glazing inspections should begin by ensuring that the work area is clear of obstructions and all workers are wearing appropriate safety gear. Hard hats, gloves, and high-visibility vests are all part of the safety gear. You can also utilize a ladder and harness to reach higher or more difficult-to-reach places.
Common repairs for wooden windows include missing or loose hardware. Two-part epoxy is a good choice to repair minor cracks on window panes made of wood, but damaged or rotted wood is best replaced. Sashes that stick can be freed from their tracks by sanding and applying graphite grease. More complex issues like the replacement of sliding mechanisms as well as major frame or sash parts are typically left to aluminum window manufacturers.
Replacing a curtain wall usually comes with a much higher upfront cost than rehabilitation measures, but the energy savings and enhanced occupant comfort may eventually recoup the initial investment. In addition, a replacement system can assist in bringing the structure in line with more strict building codes for insulated glazing and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help to identify and address many issues with sash windows. Things like rotting timber or paintwork damage, as well as broken glass can be detected by a professional window assessment to ensure that the window is in good shape for future use. Luckily, the most common issues aren't as serious and don't necessarily necessitate replacement.
Problems like a sash windows that won't open or close can be a nuisance and also affect your home's energy efficiency. It's also dangerous if your windows unexpectedly slam shut, causing injuries, property damage and loss of cool air or heat.
Sliding windows require regular maintenance to ensure they look good and operating properly. Cleaning your window sash and spraying lubricant on it can make it easier to open and shut. If the issue persists it could be because the balances aren't functioning properly or there is a problem with the sash.
Over time wooden window sashes absorb moisture and are affected by changes in levels of humidity. This causes them to swell and shrink, which can cause them to become stuck or clogged within the frame. This can be avoided by keeping an airtight seal around the wood and by applying a sash paint or sealer to guard against moisture.
Other sash problems that could be caused by a defective the sash lock cord displacement, nail jamming which all make sash windows harder to open and close. A carpenter can fix these problems by removing the sash, fixing or replacing damaged parts, and then re-cording them.
Stained glass windows may be stained again to improve their appearance. It's important to maintain them in good order to guard against water ingress and rot which can occur when the paint begins to crack and peel. Re-leading stained glass is an additional method to prevent it from leaking into surrounding wood and causing decay.