Glazing Repairs
Correctly repairing your glass will increase the value of your home. This will also improve the effectiveness of your windows or doors.
It can be a challenge to know if the issue you encounter requires professional assistance for repair. Here are some of the most frequent problems that must be addressed:
Damaged Seals
Window seals are an essential component of your glazing system. They protect, insulate and seal windows against moisture and air outside. They are designed to last for a long period of time, however, the reality is that they may need repair or replacement at some moment. There are several options available to repair them, based on your budget.
Fogging inside your double paned insulated glass unit is one of the most common signs that your window seals have failed. Foggy windows result from a damaged seal between the two glass panes of your IGU which allows moisture to be absorbed, causing condensation. Although you can try some quick solutions to remove the fog from your windows, such as using a steamer, or applying window putty, the most effective solution is to get your window seals replaced by a professional.
A leaky seal can cause your windows' insulation to decrease. The space between your two panes is filled with inert gas such as argon or xenon, which assists the IGU in resisting thermal transfer and maintain warm within the house. When the window seal fails the insulation benefits of your IGU will be removed and your energy costs will increase.
Rubber gaskets begin to degrade with time because of exposure and age. Degradation can be accelerated through poor care or environmental factors like UV radiation. If not addressed, this can cause water intrusion into the building envelope resulting in mildew and mold. This could eat away at the frame and sash of your IGU, ruining the appearance and weakening the insulation.
Avoiding common blunders and performing regular maintenance is the best way to stop window seals from falling apart. Avoid using a high-pressure washer to clean windows as it could damage the seal. Also, don't add a reflective window film to your insulated glass, since it could invalidate the warranty and damage the sealant material. Finally, be careful when using chemical products, such as paint strippers, since they can cause damage to the sealant and cause it to fail.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a problem that needs immediate attention. A glass pane that has broken in a window could fall and break other windows, or create drafts and possibly water or insects to enter your home. A glass pane that is broken could pose a risk to anyone who comes into contact with it. This is especially true for pets and children. Glass that is shattering is not just a safety risk, but it can also be difficult to get rid of, and cause additional damage to frames and sash as well as other surfaces.
The first thing to do when a window has cracked is to tape it up with a cross patch of duct tape to stop further shattering. This will keep bugs, rain and debris out of the house until you can replace your glass. This method is particularly crucial for windows that are higher up.
Take precautions by wearing cut-resistant gloves and eye protection. With a putty or pliers, pry old glazing points from the frame recesses. Once the glass has been removed, clean the surrounding areas to prepare for the new replacement window.
It's important to measure the opening of your window and ensure that the replacement is the exact right size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes available however, if energy-efficient glass or safety glass is required, it might require cutting to fit your frame. To avoid mistakes, measure your window opening and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inches for the new pane.
When you're ready to install the glass you just bought, insert it in the frame with care and make sure it's an even fit with the rabbets holding it. A glass pane that's too big could cause clouding and swelling of the wood surrounding it, whereas one that's too small may fall from the frame or allow drafts into your home.
Once you've confirmed that the new pane is secured, roll another cord of compound for glaziers around the edges of the glass to seal 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 compound and frame to match the rest of your window.
Structural Issues
The structural integrity of curtain wall systems and framing systems is crucial to the safety and performance of the glazed surfaces. During an inspection, the expert will check fasteners, anchors, and supports to see whether they have corroded, damaged, or misaligned. He or she also checks the gaskets and sealants to ensure that they are installed correctly and aren't leaky.
Structural issues that need to be addressed include rusted frames and walls that are sagging. These problems are dangerous and could cause serious destruction over time. It is important to take care of any structural issues as quickly as you can, to avoid costly repairs down the line.
Curtain wall systems require substantial structural support to be able to withstand the forces of wind and other stress. When these components fail, the water intrusion that results can be damaging and costly. The root causes of these failures are due to poor construction, design flaws, and inadequate installation.
Another common problem is warping, which could cause distorted or deformed glass panels, which can impact the appearance of the system, energy efficiency and safety. An inspector for glass looks for warping during an inspection and recommends repair steps if required.
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 the appropriate safety equipment. Wearing gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests are all a part of the safety equipment. double glazing repair is also a good idea to use the ladder and harness for accessing higher or harder-to-reach areas.
Common repairs for wood-framed windows are missing or damaged hardware. A small crack in wooden window panes can often be fixed using two-part epoxy, however rotted or severely damaged wood is typically best replaced. Sliding sashes that have become stuck in their tracks can be removed by sanding them, then applying graphite grease. Window companies made of aluminum are typically the ones who handle more complicated issues like replacing sliding mechanisms or major frame or sash elements.
The cost of replacing the existing curtain wall is usually greater than the cost of rehabilitation, however the energy savings as well as the increased comfort of people living in the structure could allow the initial investment to be paid back. A replacement system may help bring an existing structure in compliance with the more stringent standards of building codes for insulated glass and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Many issues with sash windows can be easily diagnosed and addressed through a visual examination. Things like rotting wood and paintwork damage as well as broken glass can all be picked up by a professional window assessment and ensure that the window is in good order to be used in the future. Fortunately, the most common issues aren't as serious and don't require replacement.
Issues like a sash that doesn't close or open can be a nuisance and can affect the efficiency of your home. Windows can also be risky if they suddenly snap shut. This can cause injuries, property damage and even a loss of air conditioning or heat.
Regular maintenance is necessary to keep sliding sash windows looking good and functioning properly. Cleaning your windows for sash and spraying them with lubricant can aid in opening and close more easily. If the issue persists it could mean that the balances aren't functioning correctly or that something is wrong with the sash.
Wooden window sashes absorb water over time, and are affected by changes in humidity. This causes them to swell and shrink, which can cause them to become stuck or clogged within the frame. This can be prevented by ensuring a good seal on the wood, and regularly applying a sash sealer or painting to guard against moisture.
Other sash problems that could arise include a faulty sash lock cord displacement, cord displacement or nail jamming, which can make sash windows harder to open and close. A carpenter can solve these issues by removing the sash, fixing or replacing damaged components, then reconnecting them.
Stained glass windows may be stained again to improve their appearance. It is important to maintain them in good order to safeguard the glass from water ingress and rot which may occur when the paint begins to crack and peel. Re-leading stained glass is an additional option to prevent it from leaking into the surrounding wood and causing decay.