Glazing Repairs
Making repairs to your glazing correctly can increase 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 some of the most common problems that need to be addressed:
Damaged Seals
Window seals are an essential part of your window system. They protect, insulate, and protect windows from outside air and moisture. Although they are designed to last for a long time and could require repair or replacement, the reality is that they will have to be replaced at some point. There are a variety of options for repair in accordance with your budget and timeline.
Fogging in your double-paned insulated glass unit is among the most frequent indicators that your window seals have failed. Foggy windows could be the result of the seal being damaged between two glass panes in your IGU. This can allow moisture to seep through and create condensation. Steamers are a great option to remove the fog from your windows or apply window putty. However, it is recommended to have your window seals fixed by an experienced professional.
A leaky seal could cause your windows' insulation to decrease. The space between the two glass panes is filled with an inert gas, like xenon and argon, which helps the IGU resist heat transfer and keep heat in the home. The IGU's insulation benefits will be lost in the event that the window seal is damaged. Your costs for energy will also increase.
Rubber gaskets begin to degrade over time because of exposure and age. Degradation can be accelerated due to improper care, or environmental factors such as UV radiation. If not addressed, this may cause water intrusion into the building envelope resulting in mildew and mold. This could eat away at the frame and sash on your IGU, destroying the appearance of the building and compromising insulation.
Avoiding common mistakes and executing regular maintenance are the best ways to stop window seals from breaking down. For instance, you should avoid using a high-pressure washer to clean your windows since it could work its way into the sash and cause damage to the seal. Do not apply reflective film to your window that is insulated, as this could void the warranty and damage the sealant. Finally, be careful when using chemicals such as paint strippers, since they can damage the sealant and cause it to fail.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a hazard that requires immediate attention. A pane shattered in a window can fall and break windows or cause a draft and possibly water or insects to infiltrate your home. A glass pane that is broken can pose danger to anyone who comes in contact with it. This includes pets and children. Shattered glass is not only a safety risk but can be a challenge to remove, and cause additional damage to frames and sash and other surfaces.
The first thing to do when a windowpane is damaged is to wrap it up with a cross patch of duct tap to prevent further shattering. This will keep bugs, rain and debris out of the house until you can replace the glass. This method is particularly important for upper-story window.
Wear thick, cut-resistant gloves. Also wear eye protection. With a putty or pliers take the old glazing points out of the frame recesses. Once the glass has been removed, clean the areas around it to prepare for the installation of a new replacement window.
It is important to measure the opening of your window and ensure that the replacement is of the right size. Most glaziers stock standard-sized panes that are ready to be inserted but if you're looking to get energy-efficient or safety glass, it will likely need to be made specifically for your frame. To avoid committing mistakes make sure you measure the opening of your window and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inches from the new pane.
Once you're ready to put in the new glass, place it in the frame with care and check for a flush fit to the rabbets holding it. A glass pane too large could cause the wood to expand, and a pane too small could fall out of the frame or let drafts get in.
Once you've made sure the new pane is secured by a second cord of compound for glaziers around the edges of the glass to seal it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound with your finger to ensure it is even around the new pane. Once dry, paint the newly glazed frame and compound to match the rest of your window.
Structural Issues
The structural strength of curtain wall systems and framing systems is crucial to the safety, performance, and compliance of glazed surfaces. In an inspection, a professional checks anchor points, fasteners, and supports for signs of corrosion, deterioration, or misalignment. They also check the gaskets and sealants made of rubber to ensure they are installed correctly and aren't leaking.
Rusted frames and sagging wall are structural problems that need to be addressed. These issues can be dangerous and could lead to severe damage with time. It is crucial to fix any structural issues as quickly as you can to avoid costly repairs later on.
Curtain wall systems need extensive structural support in order to withstand wind loads, and other strains. The water intrusion caused by these components can be costly and damaging. These failures are usually caused by inadequate construction, design errors or poor installation.
Another issue that is common is warping, which could cause distorted or deformed glass panels and affect the system's appearance, energy efficiency, and safety. A glass inspector will check for warping and recommend repair measures if necessary.
Glazing inspections should start by making sure that the work area is clear of obstructions and everyone is wearing the appropriate safety gear. Gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests are all a part of the safety gear. It's also an excellent idea to wear a harness and ladder to gain access to higher or difficult-to-access areas.
For wood-framed windows, common repairs involve loose or missing hardware. Two-part epoxy can be used to repair minor cracks on windows made of wood, however severely damaged or rotted wood should be replaced. Sashes that are stuck can usually be freed from their tracks by sanding and applying graphite grease. More complex issues like the replacement of sliding mechanisms as well as the major frame or sash components are usually left to aluminum window companies.
Hertford double glazing of replacing the curtain wall system is usually higher than the cost of rehabilitation, however the energy savings and the improved comfort for the residents could make it possible for the initial investment to be recouped. A new system could also help bring an existing structure in compliance with the more stringent standards of building codes for insulation of glass and wind resistance to load.
Sash Issues
Many sash window issues may be easily identified and dealt with through a visual inspection. A professional window inspection will reveal issues like rotting wood or paintwork damage, as well as broken glass, assuring that the window is in good condition for its future use. Fortunately, the most common problems are less serious and don't require replacement.
Problems such as a sash that doesn't close or open can be annoying and can affect the energy efficiency of your home. It's also risky when windows suddenly slam shut, causing injuries, property damage or loss of cool or warm air.
Regular maintenance is essential to keep sliding sash windows in good condition and working well. Cleaning your window sash and spraying it with lubricant could make them easier to open and close. If the problem persists it could be because the balances aren't functioning properly or something is wrong with the sash.
Wooden window sashes take in moisture over time and can be affected by changes in humidity. They can expand and shrink which can cause them to become stuck or jammed within the frame. This is prevented by maintaining a a tight seal around the wood and by regularly applying the sash paint or sealer to guard against moisture.
Other sash issues that can be caused by a defective sash lock, cord displacement and nail jamming that can make sash windows harder to open and close. They can be repaired by a carpenter who will remove the sash, repair or replace any damaged components and reconnect them.
It is possible to re-stain stained windows to bring back their original appearance. It is essential to keep them in good shape to prevent water intrusion and rot, as well as other issues that may arise when paint starts to peel and crack. Stained glass can also be re-leaded to prevent it from leaking water onto the surrounding timber, causing wood decay.