Glazing Repairs
The correct repair of your glazing can boost the value of your home. It will also improve the efficiency of your window or doors.
However, it isn't easy to tell what the issue you're experiencing is one that requires professional attention. Here are a few of the most frequently encountered problems that require repair:.
Seals that are damaged
Window seals are a crucial part of your window system. They secure, insulate, and protect windows from outside air and moisture. Although they are designed to last for a long time, and may require repair or replacement, the truth is that they will have to be replaced at some moment. There are a variety of options for repair, based on your budget.
One of the most obvious indicators that your window seals are failing is the presence of fog in the double pane of your 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 to be absorbed, causing condensation. Steamers are a great option to clear the windows or apply window putty. However, it's recommended to fix your window seals by a professional.
A leaky seal can cause your windows' insulation value to decrease. The space between the two panes is filled with an inert gas such as argon or xenon which assists the IGU in resisting thermal transfer and maintain heat in the home. If the window seal is damaged, the insulating benefit of your IGU will be lost and your energy bills will increase.
Rubber gaskets begin to degrade with time due to exposure and aging. The degradation can be accelerated by insufficient care or by environmental factors such as UV radiation. This can lead to mildew and mold if it is not dealt with. This can eat through the frame and sash of your IGU and cause a shabby appearance and damaging your insulation.
The best way to prevent a breakdown of window seals is by performing regular maintenance and avoiding common errors. Avoid using a high pressure washer to clean windows as it can damage the seal. Also, avoid adding a reflective window film to your insulated glass, as it could void the warranty and harm the sealant material. Be careful when using chemicals like paint strippers because they can harm sealant and cause failure.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a hazard that requires immediate attention. A pane shattered in a window may fall and break other windows or cause drafts and possibly even water or insects to get into your home. A broken glass pane could also pose a risk to anyone who comes into contact with it, especially pets or children. Shattered glass is not only an hazard to safety, but it can also be difficult to remove and can cause further damage to frames and sash as well as adjacent surfaces.
When a windowpane cracks the first step is to seal it up using a cross-patch of ducttape to prevent further shattering and keep bugs, rain, and debris out of your home until you can replace the glass. This is particularly important for upper-story windows.
Then, be sure to take precautions by wearing thick cut-resistant gloves and eye protection. With a putty or pliers remove the old glazing points from the recesses of the frame. Once the glass is removed, you must clean the entire area to prepare it for new window.
After determining the window's opening, it's essential to make sure that the replacement is the exact 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 making mistakes make sure you measure the opening of your window and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inches to fit the new pane.
When you're ready to put in your glass, take care to put it in the frame. Check that it fits perfectly with the rabbets. A new glass pane that's too huge can cause a cloud to form and swell on the wood surrounding it, whereas one that's too small could fall from the frame or allow drafts into your home.
After you've ensured that the new pane is secure, roll another cord of glaziers' compound around the glass's perimeter to secure it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound with your fingers to ensure it's level with the new pane. After drying paint the newly glazed frame and compound to match the rest of your window.
Structural Issues
The structural integrity and performance of curtain wall and framing systems is crucial to the safety, compliance and performance of glazing surfaces. During an inspection, the professional will check fasteners, anchors, and supports to see whether they are corroded degraded or misaligned. He or she will also check the gaskets and sealants, to ensure that they have been installed correctly and aren't leaking.
Rusted frames and sagging walls are structural issues that need to be addressed. These issues can be hazardous and could result in serious damage over time. It is important to fix any structural issues as quickly as you can to avoid costly repairs down the road.
Curtain wall systems require extensive 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, and improper installation.
Warping can also lead to distortion or deformed panels which can affect the appearance, energy efficiency and security of the system. An inspector for glass looks for warping during an inspection and suggests repair measures if needed.
The first step in an inspection of glazing is to ensure that the area of work has been cleared of all obstructions and that the workers are wearing appropriate safety gear. This includes gloves, hard hats, and high-visibility vests. You can also utilize a ladder and harness to reach higher or more difficult-to-reach places.
Horley window repair for wooden windows are missing or damaged hardware. Two-part epoxy can be used to repair minor cracks on wooden window panes, but severely damaged or rotted wood should be replaced. Sliding sashes that are stuck in their tracks can be cleared by sanding them before applying graphite grease. More stubborn problems like the replacement of sliding mechanisms as well as major frame or sash parts are usually left to aluminum window companies.
The cost of replacing the curtain wall system is usually higher than the cost of rehabilitation, however the energy savings as well as the improved comfort for the occupants may let the initial investment be paid back. A replacement system may help bring an existing structure into compliance with the more stringent requirements of building codes for insulation of glass and wind resistance to load.
Sash Issues
Many sash window problems can be easily identified and dealt with through an inspection. A professional assessment of the window can identify things like wood that is rotting or paintwork damage, as well as broken glass, assuring that the window is in good condition for future use. Fortunately, the most common issues are less severe and do not necessarily require replacement.
Problems such as a sash window that isn't able to open or close can be a source of frustration and can also affect the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Windows can also be dangerous if they suddenly close closed. This could result in injuries, property damage, and a loss of air conditioning or heat.
Sliding windows require regular maintenance to keep them looking good and functioning well. Cleaning the window of your sash and spraying it with lubricant could make them easier to open and close. However, if the issue persists, it could be a sign that the balances aren't functioning properly or there's something wrong with the sash itself.
Over time wooden window sashes absorb moisture and be affected by changes in levels of humidity. They then expand and shrink, which can cause them become stuck or jammed 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 shield against moisture.
Other sash issues that may occur are a damaged lock for sash cord displacement, cord displacement or nail jamming, which can make windows for sash difficult to open and close. These issues can usually be resolved by carpenters who can take off the sash, replace or repair any damaged components, and then re-cord them.
Stained glass windows may be stained again to improve their appearance. It is crucial to keep them in good shape to prevent water intrusion and rot as well as other problems that may arise when paint starts to peel and crack. Re-leading stained glass is a different way to stop it from leaking into surrounding wood and causing decay.