Glazing Repairs
The right repair of your window can boost your home's value. It will also ensure that your door or window is working as well as it can, increasing its overall performance.
It can be a challenge to determine if the problem you are experiencing requires professional repair. Here are a few of the most frequently encountered problems that require repair:.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are an important part of your glazing system. They are used to secure windows, insulate them and seal them against moisture and air outside. Although they are designed to last a long time, and may require repair or replacement, the truth is that they will have to be replaced at some time. There are many options to repair them, based on your budget.
One of the most obvious indicators that your window seals are failing is fogging in the double pane of your insulated glass unit (IGU). Foggy windows are caused by a broken seal between the two glass panes of your IGU which allows moisture to get in, causing condensation. Although you can try some quick fixes to clear your windows, like using a steamer or window putty, the most effective solution is to repair your window seals by an expert.
In addition to allowing fogging and condensation between the window panes, a failing seal will also cause your windows to lose their insulation value. The space between the two glass panes is filled with an inert gas, such as argon and xenon which helps the IGU ward off heat transfer and keep the heat inside the home. Once the window seal fails the insulation benefit of your IGU will be lost and your energy bills will rise.
Over time rubber gaskets start to degrade due to age and exposure. Degradation can be accelerated due to inadequate 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 can eat away at the frame and sash of your IGU and cause damage to the appearance and weakening insulation.
Avoiding common blunders and performing regular maintenance are the best ways to stop window seals from being damaged. Avoid using a high pressure washer to clean windows, as it could damage the seal. Do not apply a reflective film to your insulated window, since this could invalidate the warranty and damage the sealant. Be careful when using chemicals like paint strippers because they can damage sealant and cause failure.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a clear issue that requires immediate attention. A glass pane that has broken in a window may fall and break further windows, or create drafts and possibly even water or insects to enter your home. A glass pane that is broken can be a danger to anyone who comes in contact with it, including children or pets. Glass that has been broken is not just a safety risk, but it can be a challenge to remove and cause further damage to sash and frames as well as adjacent surfaces.
If a window pane breaks the first step is to seal it up using the cross-patch of duct tape to prevent further shattering and keep bugs, rain and other debris out of your home until you can replace the glass. This method is especially important for upper-story windows.
Next, take precautions by putting on thick cut-resistant gloves and eye protection. With pliers or a putty, pry old glazing points out of the frame recesses. After the glass has been removed, wash the entire area to prepare it for a new window.
After measuring the window opening, it is important to ensure that the replacement is the exact size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes, but if energy-efficient glass or safety glass is required, it could need to be cut to fit your frame. To avoid any mistakes make sure you measure the opening of your window and subtract about 1/8 to 1/4 inch to fit the new pane.
Once you're ready to install your new glass, carefully place it into the frame. Check that it fits in a straight line with the rabbets. A glass pane that is too big can cause the wood to expand and a pane that is too small may be thrown out of the frame or let drafts in.
After the new pane has been secured, you can roll another piece of glaziers' compound around the perimeter to seal the glass to the frame and the sash. Smooth the compound using your fingers to ensure it's level with the new pane. After the compound has dried paint it on the frame to match the window.
Structural Issues
The strength and structural integrity of curtain wall and framing systems are crucial to the safety, compliance and performance of glazing surfaces. In an inspection, a professional examines anchor points, fasteners and supports for signs of corrosion, deterioration, or misalignment. The inspector will also check the sealants and rubber gaskets to ensure they have been installed correctly and are not leaking.
Rusted frames and sagging wall are structural problems that need to be addressed. These issues are risky and could cause serious damage with time. It is crucial to fix any structural issues as soon as possible so that you avoid costly repairs in the future.
Curtain wall systems require extensive structural support to withstand winds and other strains. When these components fail, the water intrusion that occurs can be costly and damaging. The underlying causes of these failures include poor construction, design errors and poor installation.
Another common problem is warping, which could cause deformed or distorted glass panels that can affect the appearance of the system, energy efficiency and security. A glazing inspector looks for warping during an inspection and recommends repairs measures if needed.
The first step in a glazing inspection is to ensure that the work area has been cleared of all obstructions and that the workers are wearing the appropriate safety equipment. This includes gloves, hard hats, and high-visibility vests. It's also an excellent idea to wear the ladder and harness to gain access to higher or difficult-to-access areas.
Common repairs for windows made of wood are missing or damaged hardware. double glazing window repairs in window frames made of wood can be fixed with two-part epoxy, however rotted or severely damaged wood is typically better replaced. Sliding sashes that have become stuck in their tracks can be loosened by sanding them and applying graphite grease. Aluminum window companies are typically the ones to handle more complex issues like replacing sliding mechanisms, or major frame or sash components.
The cost of replacing the curtain wall system is usually higher than the cost of rehabilitation, however the energy savings as well as the improved comfort for the people living in the structure could make it possible for the initial investment to be paid back. A replacement system can help bring an existing structure in conformity with the stricter requirements of building codes, such as insulated glass and wind resistance to load.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help identify and resolve a number of issues with sash windows. A professional window assessment will reveal things like rotting wood and paintwork damage as well as broken glass, assuring that the window is in good shape to be used in the future. The most common problems can be easily fixed and do not need replacement.
Issues like a sash window that isn't able to open or close can be a nuisance and could also impact the efficiency of your home's energy usage. It's also dangerous when windows suddenly snap shut, causing injuries, property damage or loss of cool or warm air.
Sliding sash windows require regular maintenance to ensure they look good and operating properly. Cleaning your window sash and spraying lubricant on it can make it easier to open and shut. If the problem continues it could mean that the balances don't work correctly or that something is wrong with the sash.
Over time the wooden windowsashes absorb moisture and are affected by changes in humidity levels. They can expand and shrink, which could cause them to become stuck or jammed within the frame. This is prevented by maintaining a an encapsulated seal around the wood, and by regularly applying the sash paint or sealer to protect against moisture.
Other sash issues that may occur are a damaged lock for sash cord displacement, nail jamming that can make windows for sash difficult to open and close. They can be repaired by carpenters who can take off the sash, replace or repair any damaged components, and then reconnect them.
It is possible to re-stain stained glass windows in order to restore their original appearance. It is crucial to keep them in good shape to prevent water ingress, rot and other problems that may occur when the paint begins to peel and crack. Stained glass can also be re-leaded to keep it from leaking water into the surrounding timber, causing wood decay.