Glazing Repairs
Getting glazing repairs right can increase the value of your home. It will also improve the effectiveness of your windows or doors.
However, it isn't always easy to determine whether the issue you're experiencing is one that requires professional attention. Here are a few of the most frequent problems that require fixing:.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals are an essential element of your window system. They protect, insulate and protect windows from external air and moisture. They are designed to last for a long time, however, the reality is that they could require repair or replacement at some point. The good news is there are a variety of options for repair depending on your budget and timeline.
One of the most common signs that your window seals aren't working is a fogging issue in the double pane of your IGU, also known as an insulated glass unit (IGU). Foggy windows could be the result of an unsound seal between two glass panes within your IGU. This allows moisture to seep through and create condensation. Steamers can be used to defog the windows or apply window putty. However, it is best to fix your window seals by a professional.
A leaky seal can cause the insulation value of your windows to decrease. The space between the two glass panes is filled with an inert gas such as argon and xenon, which helps the IGU resist heat transfer and keep heat inside the home. The IGU's insulation benefits will be lost if the window seal fails. Your energy bills will also increase.
As time passes rubber gaskets start to deteriorate due to aging and exposure. The process can be accelerated by insufficient treatment or environmental factors such as UV radiation. If not addressed, this could cause water infiltration into the building envelope resulting in mildew and mold. This can eat away at the frame and sash of your IGU and cause damage to the appearance and weakening insulation.
Avoiding common mistakes and performing regular maintenance is the best way to stop window seals from being damaged. For instance, you should avoid using high-pressure washers to clean your windows, as it can get into the sash and damage the seal. Do not apply a reflective film to your window with insulation as this could void the warranty and damage the sealant. Be cautious when using chemicals like paint strippers because they can damage sealant and cause failure.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a problem that requires immediate attention. A broken pane within a window could fall and cause other windows to break or create drafts, or allow water or insects into your home. A broken glass pane can be a danger to anyone who comes into contact with it, particularly pets or children. In addition to being a risk for safety broken glass can be difficult to remove and may cause additional damage to frames, sash, and the surfaces that are adjacent to it.
If a window pane breaks, the first step is to board it up using a cross-patch of ducttape to stop further shattering and keep bugs, rain, and debris out of your home until you can replace the glass. This method is particularly crucial for windows with higher levels.
Take precautions by putting on thick protective eyewear and gloves that are cut-resistant. Using a putty knife or pliers, remove old glazing points, which are the tiny fasteners that hold glass into the frame's recesses. Once the glass is removed, you must clean the entire area to prepare it for new window.
After determining the window's opening, it is important to make sure that the replacement is exactly the right size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes that are ready to be inserted, but if you want energy-efficient or safety glass, it's likely to need to be custom cut to fit your frame. To avoid committing mistakes make sure you measure the opening of your window and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inches for the new pane.
Once you're ready to put in the glass you just bought, insert it carefully into the frame and make sure it's a flush fit to the rabbets that hold it. A glass pane too large could cause the wood to swell and a pane that is too small could fall out of the frame or let drafts get in.
After you've ensured that the new pane is secure to the frame, wrap another cord of glaziers' compound around the glass's perimeter to secure it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound using your fingers, making sure that it's evenly distributed across the new pane. After the compound has dried, paint it and the frame to match the window.
Structural Issues
The structural integrity of curtain wall frameworks and systems for framing is crucial to the safety performance, performance, and conformity of glazed surfaces. During an inspection, a professional will examine anchors, fasteners, and supports to see whether they have corroded, damaged or misaligned. He or she also checks the gaskets and sealants to make sure that they are installed correctly and that they are not leaking.
The structural issues that must be addressed include rusted frames and sagging walls. These problems are dangerous and could lead to severe damage over time. It is crucial to fix any structural issues as fast as you can, to avoid costly repairs down the line.
Curtain wall systems require extensive structural support in order to withstand wind loads, and other strains. Water intrusion caused by these components can be costly and damaging. These failures are usually caused by inadequate construction, design errors or inadequate installation.
Warping can also cause distortion or deformed panels which can affect the appearance, energy efficiency and security of the system. A glass inspector will look for warping during an inspection and recommends repair steps if required.
Glazing inspections should begin by making sure the work area is free of obstructions, and that everyone is wearing the appropriate safety gear. Wearing gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests form part of the safety equipment. You can also utilize a harness and ladder to reach higher or more difficult to reach places.
For wood-framed windows, common repairs involve missing or loose hardware. Burnham double glazing repairs in windows made of wood can be fixed with an epoxy that is two-part, but rotted or severely damaged wood is usually 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 to handle more complex issues such as replacing sliding mechanisms or the major frame or sash parts.
The cost of replacing the curtain wall system is usually higher than the cost of rehabilitation, but the energy savings and the increased comfort for people living in the structure could let the initial investment be returned. A replacement system can assist in bringing an existing structure into conformity with the stricter standards of building codes for insulated glass and wind resistance to load.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help identify and address many issues with sash windows. Things like rotting wood or paintwork damage, as well as broken glass can be identified through a professional window inspection, ensuring the window is in good condition for future use. Fortunately, the most frequent issues aren't as serious and don't require replacement.
Problems like a sash windows that doesn't close or open can be a source of frustration and could also impact your home's energy efficiency. Your windows can also be dangerous if they suddenly slam closed. This can result in injuries, property damage and even a loss of heat or air conditioning.
Regular maintenance is required to keep sliding sash windows in good condition and operating properly. Cleaning your windows for sash and spraying them with lubricant can aid in opening and close more quickly. However, if the issue persists it could be an indication that the balances aren't operating properly or there is something wrong with the sash itself.
Over time, wooden window sashes can absorb moisture and are affected by changing levels of humidity. This causes them swell and shrink, which may cause them become stuck or encased within the frame. This can be prevented by maintaining an encapsulated seal around the wood, and by regularly applying a sash paint or sealer to guard against moisture.
Other sash issues that may occur are a damaged the sash lock, cord displacement and nail jamming which all make windows for sash difficult to open and close. A carpenter can fix these issues by taking off the sash and fixing or replacing damaged parts, and then reconnecting them.
Stained glass windows can sometimes be re-stained to restore their appearance. It is essential to keep them in good condition to avoid water ingress, rot and other problems that can occur when the paint begins to peel and crack. Stained glass can also be re-leaded in order to prevent it from leaking water into surrounding timber and causing decay of the wood.