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Glazing Repairs
Correctly repairing your glass can boost the value of your home. It is also a way to ensure that your door or window is operating as efficiently as possible, improving its overall efficiency.
It can be difficult to determine if the issue you encounter requires professional assistance for repair. Here are a few of the most common problems that need to be fixed:
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals are an essential part of your glazing system. They protect, insulate and seal windows against outside air and moisture. Although they are designed to last a long time and could require repair or replacement, the fact is that they will need to be replaced at some point. There are a variety of options for repair, depending on your budget.
One of the most frequent signs that your window seals are failing is a fogging issue in your double pane IGU. (IGU). Foggy windows result from a damaged seal between the two glass panes of your IGU that allows moisture get in, causing condensation. While you can try some quick-fixes to defog your windows, like using a steamer or applying window putty, the best solution is to have your window seals repaired by a professional.
A leaky seal can cause your windows' insulation value to decrease. The space between the two panes of glass is filled with an inert gas, like xenon and argon which helps the IGU ward off heat transfer and keeps the heat inside the home. The IGU's insulation benefits will be lost when the window seal fails. Your energy bills will also rise.
As time passes rubber gaskets start to lose their elasticity due to age and exposure. The process can be accelerated by improper care, 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 could eat away at the frame and sash of your IGU, ruining the appearance and damaging your insulation.
Avoiding common blunders and performing regular maintenance is the best way to prevent window seals from breaking down. For instance, 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. Additionally, do not add a reflective window film to your insulated glass because it could void the warranty and damage the sealant material. Be careful when using chemicals like paint strippers because they can damage sealant and cause failure.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a common problem that requires immediate attention. A broken pane in a window could fall and cause further windows to break or create drafts, or allow insects or water to enter your home. A glass pane that has been broken can also be dangerous to anyone who comes into contact with it, especially pets or children. In addition to being a safety risk broken glass is difficult to remove and could cause further damage to frames, sash, and the surfaces that are adjacent to it.
The first thing to do when a window has cracked is to tape it up with a cross-pattern of duct tap to prevent further shattering. This will keep rain, bugs and other debris out of the house until you can replace your glass. This is especially crucial for windows with higher levels.
Wear thick, cut-resistant gloves. Also, wear eye protection. With a putty knife or pliers, remove old glazing points, the tiny fasteners that pin glass into the frame's recesses. After the glass has been removed, clean the entire area to prepare it for a new window.
After measuring the window's opening, it is important to ensure the new replacement is the exact size. Most glaziers stock standard-sized panes available to insert but if you're looking to get energy-efficient or safety glass it will likely need to be cut specifically to fit your frame. To avoid any mistakes, measure the window opening and subtract about 1/8 to 1/4 inch to fit the new pane.
Once you're ready to put in the glass you just bought, insert it in the frame with care and check for a flush fit with the rabbets that support it. A new glass pane that's too big could cause clouding and swelling of the surrounding wood, while one that's too small can fall off the frame and let drafts enter your home.
Once you've confirmed that the new pane is securely secured to the frame, wrap another cord of glaziers' compound around the edges of the glass to secure it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound using your fingers, making sure it's even all around the new pane. When the compound is dry, paint it and the frame to match your window.
Structural Issues
The structural integrity and performance of curtain wall and framing systems is essential for the safety, compliance and performance of glass surfaces. In an inspection, a professional examines anchor points, fasteners and supports for corrosion, deterioration, or misalignment. He or she will also examine the gaskets and sealants made of rubber to ensure they have been installed correctly and are not leaking.
Rusted frames and sagging wall are structural issues that must be addressed. These issues can be dangerous and may lead to severe damage in the future. It is crucial to address any structural issues as fast as possible to avoid costly repairs down the road.
Curtain wall systems require extensive structural support to be able to withstand the forces of wind and other stress. The water intrusion caused by these components can be costly and destructive. These failures are usually caused by inadequate construction, design errors, and poor installation.
Another issue that is common is warping. This can cause distorted or deformed glass panels and affect the appearance of the system, energy efficiency and security. A glass inspector will look for warping during an inspection and recommends repairs actions if necessary.
Glazing inspections should begin by making sure the work area is free of obstructions and all workers are wearing the appropriate safety equipment. Wearing gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests form part of the safety equipment. It's also a good idea to use the ladder and harness for accessing higher or harder-to-reach areas.
For windows made of wood, the most common repairs involve missing or loose hardware. A few minor cracks in wooden window panes can often be repaired with a two-part epoxy, but rotted or severely damaged wood is typically better replaced. Sliding sashes that are stuck in their tracks can be cleared by sanding them, then applying graphite grease. More complex issues like the replacement of sliding mechanisms as well as major sash or frame parts are usually left to aluminum window manufacturers.
The cost of replacing the curtain wall system is usually greater than the cost of rehabilitation, however the energy savings and the increased comfort of people living in the structure could let the initial investment be returned. Additionally, a replacement system could help bring the existing structure into conformance with the more stringent building code requirements for insulated glazing and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help identify and resolve a number of problems with sash windows. double glazing repairs like rotting timber, damage to paintwork and broken glass are all detected through a professional window inspection and ensure that the window is in good condition to be used in the future. The most common problems can be fixed easily and don't need replacement.
Issues like the sash not closing or open can be a nuisance and impact the energy efficiency of your home. It's also a risk if your windows unexpectedly slam shut and can lead to injuries, property damage and loss of cool or warm air.
Regular maintenance is required to keep sliding sash windows looking nice and functioning properly. Cleaning your windows for sash and applying a lubricant spray can aid in opening and close more easily. However, if the issue persists, it could be a sign that the balances aren't working properly or there's something wrong with the sash itself.
Over time wooden window sashes absorb moisture and are affected by the fluctuation in levels of humidity. This causes them to expand and shrink which can cause them to get stuck or trapped in the frame. This can be avoided by maintaining a tight seal on the wood and by regularly applying a sash sealer or painting to protect against moisture.
Other sash issues that can be caused by a defective the sash lock cord displacement, nail jamming which all make sash windows harder 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 be stained to restore their appearance. It is essential to keep their condition to prevent water intrusion and rot, as well as other issues that may occur when the paint begins to peel and crack. Re-leading stained glass is a different method to prevent it from leaking into the surrounding wood and causing decay.