Glazing Repairs
The right repair of your window can increase the value of your home. It also ensures that your door or window is working as well as possible, improving its overall performance.
It can be difficult to know if the issue you encounter requires professional assistance for repair. Here are some of most frequent problems that require to be fixed:
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals are an essential component of your glazing system. They secure, insulate and seal windows against outside air and moisture. Although they are designed to last a long time and may require repair or replacement, the truth is that they'll need to be replaced at some moment. There are many options for repair, based on your budget.
Fogging in your double paned insulated glass unit is one of the most common signs that the window seals are failing. Foggy windows are caused by a broken seal between the two glass panes of your IGU that allows moisture seep in, creating condensation. While you can try some quick fixes to clear your windows, such as using a steamer or applying window putty, the best solution is to have your window seals repaired by a professional.
A leaky seal could cause the insulation value of your windows to decrease. The space between the two panes of glass is filled with an inert gas, like xenon and argon, which helps the IGU to resist heat transfer and keep the heat inside the home. The IGU's insulating benefits will be lost when the window seal fails. Your costs for energy will also increase.
Gaskets made of rubber begin to degrade with time because of exposure and age. The degradation can be accelerated by improper maintenance or environmental factors, such as UV radiation. If not addressed, this could cause water intrusion into the building envelope resulting in mildew and mold. This could eat away at the frame and sash of your IGU and ruin the appearance of the building and compromising insulation.
The best way to avoid the loss of window seals is to carry out regular maintenance and avoiding common mistakes. For instance, you should avoid using a high-pressure washer to clean your windows as it can be able to penetrate the sash and cause damage to the seal. Don't apply reflective films to your window that is insulated, since this could invalidate the warranty and harm the sealant. Finally, be careful when using chemical products, such as paint strippers, as they can cause damage to the sealant and cause it to fail.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a clear problem that requires immediate attention. A shattered pane in a window could be thrown down and cause additional windows to break or cause a draft, or even allow water or insects into your home. A glass pane that has been broken can be dangerous for anyone who comes in contact with it. This includes children and pets. In addition to being a risk for safety broken glass is difficult to remove and may cause additional damage to frames, sash, and adjacent surfaces.
The first thing to do when a window is damaged is to wrap it up with a cross-pattern of duct tap in order to prevent further shattering. This will keep rain, bugs and debris out of the home until you are able to replace your glass. This is particularly important for windows with higher levels.
Take precautions by wearing thick protective eyewear and gloves that are cut-resistant. Using a putty knife or pliers, cut out old glazing points, or the tiny fasteners that fix glass into the frame's recesses. Once the glass has been removed, clean the areas around it to prepare for the new replacement window.
After determining the window's opening, it's important to ensure that the replacement is exactly the right size. Most glaziers will have standard-sized panes on hand however, if energy-efficient glass or safety glass is required, it could need to be cut to fit your frame. To avoid mistakes make sure you measure the opening of your window and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inch to fit the new pane.
Once you're ready to put in the glass, put it in the frame with care and make sure it's a flush fit to the rabbets holding it. A new glass pane that's too huge can cause a cloud to form and swell on the wood around it, while one that's too small could be thrown off the frame or let drafts enter your home.
Once the new pane is secured, you can wrap another cord of glaziers compound around the perimeter to seal the glass to the frame and the sash. Smooth the compound using your finger, ensuring it's even all around the new pane. After drying paint the newly glazed frame and compound to match the rest of your window.
Structural Issues
The strength and structural integrity of curtain wall and framing systems is crucial to the safety, compliance, and performance of glass surfaces. During an inspection, the professional will check fasteners, anchors, and supports to see whether they have corroded, deteriorated, or misaligned. The inspector also examines the gaskets and sealants to make sure that they are properly installed and aren't leaky.
Rusted frames and sagging walls are structural issues that need to be addressed. These issues are risky and can lead to serious destruction over time. It is crucial to fix any structural issues as soon as you can in order to avoid expensive repairs later on.
Curtain wall systems require substantial structural support to withstand the forces of wind and other stress. When these components fail the water intrusion that occurs can be costly and damaging. These failures are usually caused by inadequate construction, design errors or improper installation.
Another problem that is frequently encountered is warping, which could result in deformed or distorted glass panels that can affect the appearance of the system, energy efficiency and safety. A glass inspector will check for signs of warping and suggest repairs if needed.
The first step of a glazing inspection is to make sure that the area of work has been cleared of all obstructions and that workers are wearing the appropriate safety equipment. This includes hard hats, gloves, and high-visibility vests. It's also recommended to use the ladder and harness for accessing higher or harder-to-reach areas.
Common repairs for windows made of wood are missing or damaged hardware. Two-part epoxy is a good choice to repair minor cracks in windows made of wood, however severely damaged or rotten wood should be replaced. Sliding sashes stuck in their tracks can be removed by sanding them before applying graphite grease. Aluminum window companies are usually the ones to tackle more complicated issues like replacing sliding mechanisms or major frame or sash elements.
The cost of replacing the existing curtain wall is typically higher than the cost of rehabilitation, but the savings in energy consumption as well as the increased comfort for people living in the structure could allow the initial investment to be recouped. A replacement system may also help bring an existing structure into compliance with the more stringent standards of building codes for insulation of glass and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help diagnose and address many issues with sash windows. Things like rotting wood and paintwork damage as well as broken glass can be identified with a professional assessment of the window, ensuring the window is in good condition for future use. Fortunately, the most common issues aren't as serious and don't require replacement.
Problems such as a sash that doesn't close or open can be a nuisance and affect the energy efficiency of your home. Windows can also be dangerous if they suddenly close closed. This can result in injuries, property damage, and a loss of air conditioning or heat.
Sliding sash windows require regular maintenance to keep them looking good and operating properly. Cleaning the window of your sash and spraying it with lubricant could make them easier to open and shut. However, if double glazing repair near me persists it could be a sign that the balances aren't functioning properly or there is something wrong with the sash itself.
Wooden window sashes absorb moisture over time and can be affected when humidity levels fluctuate. This causes them to swell and shrink, which can cause them to become stuck or jammed within the frame. This can be prevented by maintaining an encapsulated seal around the wood, and by applying a sash paint or sealer to protect against moisture.
Other sash problems that could arise include a faulty sash lock, cord displacement and nail jamming which all make windows more difficult to open and close. These issues can usually be resolved by carpenters who will take out the sash, replace or repair any damaged components and replace them with a new cord.
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 and rot as well as other problems that may arise when the paint begins to peel and crack. Re-leading stained glass is an additional method to prevent it from leaking into surrounding wood and causing decay.