Glazing Repairs
The correct repair of your glazing can increase the value of your home. This can also increase the effectiveness of your windows or doors.
It can be a challenge 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 addressed:
Damaged Seals
Window seals are an essential component of your glazing system. They protect, insulate and seal windows against moisture and air outside. Although they are designed to last a long time, and may require repair or replacement, the fact is that they will need to be replaced at some time. The good news is that there are many options for repairs in accordance with your budget and timeline.
Fogging in your double paned IGU is among the most common indicators that your window seals have failed. Foggy windows result from a damaged seal between the two glass panes of your IGU that allows moisture to get in, causing condensation. Steamers can be used to defog the windows or apply window putty. However, it's best to get your window seals repaired by a professional.
A leaky seal can cause the insulation value of your windows to decrease. The space between your two panes is filled with inert gas like argon or xenon, which helps the IGU resist thermal transfer and retain heat within the home. The benefits of the IGU's insulation will be lost in the event that the window seal is damaged. Your energy bills will also rise.
Over time rubber gaskets begin to lose their elasticity due to aging and exposure. The process can be accelerated by improper care, or environmental factors like UV radiation. If not addressed, this may cause water infiltration into the building envelope, resulting in mildew and mold. This could eat away at the frame and sash on your IGU, destroying the appearance and compromising insulation.
Avoiding common blunders and performing regular maintenance is the best way to avoid window seals breaking down. Avoid using a high-pressure washer to clean windows since it could damage the seal. Do not apply reflective films to your insulated window, because it could void the guarantee and damage the sealant. Be cautious when using chemicals such as paint strippers, as they can damage sealant and cause failure.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a clear issue that requires immediate attention. A cracked pane of glass in a window could be thrown down and cause additional windows to break or create a draft, or even allow insects or water to enter your home. A glass pane that has been broken can be dangerous for anyone who comes in contact with it. This includes pets and children. Glass that is shattering is not just a risk to safety but can also be difficult to get rid of and cause further damage to frames and sash as well as adjacent surfaces.
The first step to take when a window has damaged is to wrap it up with a cross patch of duct tap to prevent further shattering. This will keep insects, rain and other debris out of the house until you can replace the glass. This is particularly important for windows that are higher up.
Take precautions by putting on thick protective eyewear and gloves that are cut-resistant. With a putty knife or pliers, remove old glazing points, which are the tiny fasteners that pin glass into the frame's recesses. After the glass has been removed, wash the entire area to prepare it for new window.
After measuring the window opening, it's essential to make sure that the replacement is the exact size. Most glaziers will have standard-sized panes available however, if energy-efficient glass or safety glass is required, it may need to be cut to fit the frame. To avoid mistakes, measure the window opening and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the new pane.
When you are ready to install your new glass, carefully place it into the frame. Make sure window repair Folketone is flush with the rabbets. A glass pane that's too large could cause the wood to expand and a pane that is too small may be thrown out of the frame or let drafts in.
Once the new pane has been secured, you can roll another cord of glaziers compound around the perimeter to secure the glass to the frame and the sash. Smooth the compound using your finger, ensuring that it's evenly distributed across the new pane. After drying paint the newly glazed frame and compound to match the rest of your window.
Structural Issues
The structural strength of curtain wall systems and framing systems is crucial to the safety, performance, and compliance of glazed surfaces. In an inspection, a professional inspects fasteners, anchor points, and supports for signs of corrosion, deterioration, or misalignment. He or she will also check the gaskets and sealants to make sure they are installed correctly and are not leaking.
Structural issues that need to be addressed include rusted frames as well as sagging walls. These problems can be very dangerous and may lead to severe damage over the course of time. It is important that you fix any structural issues as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs in the future.
Curtain wall systems require a lot of structural support to be able to withstand the forces of wind and other stress. Water intrusion caused by these components could be costly and destructive. The underlying causes of these failures are due to poor construction, design errors, and inadequate installation.
Another problem that is frequently encountered is warping, which can cause deformed or distorted glass panels and affect the appearance of the system, its energy efficiency, and security. A glazing inspector will look for signs of warping and suggest repairs if required.
The first step in a glazing inspection is to make sure that the work area has been cleared of all obstructions and that the workers are wearing the proper safety gear. This includes gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests. You can also utilize a ladder and harness to reach higher or more difficult to reach places.
For wood-framed windows, common repairs involve missing or loose hardware. Two-part epoxy can be used to repair minor cracks in window panes made of wood, but severely damaged or rotted wood should be replaced. Sliding sashes stuck in their tracks can be loosened by sanding them, then applying graphite grease. More stubborn problems like replacing sliding mechanisms and major sash or frame parts are usually left to aluminum window manufacturers.
The cost of replacing the existing curtain wall is usually higher than the cost of rehabilitation, however the energy savings as well as the increased comfort for residents could make it possible for the initial investment to be recouped. A replacement system may help bring an existing structure into compliance with the more stringent standards of building codes for insulated glass and wind resistance to load.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help identify and fix a variety of sash window problems. A professional window assessment will reveal things like rotting wood, paintwork damage and broken glass, assuring that the window is in good shape for its future use. Luckily, the most common issues are less severe and don't require replacement.
Problems such as the sash not closing or open could be frustrating and impact the efficiency of your home. It's also a risk when windows suddenly slam shut and cause injuries, property damage and loss of cool or warm air.
Regular maintenance is required to keep sliding sash windows looking nice and working well. Cleaning your sash window and spraying lubricant on it can make them easier to open and close. However, if the issue persists, it could be an indication that the balances aren't functioning correctly or that something is wrong with the sash itself.
Over time, wooden window sashes can absorb moisture and can be affected by changes in humidity levels. This causes them to swell and shrink, which could cause them to become stuck or clogged 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 shield against moisture.
Other sash issues that can arise include a faulty lock for sash cord displacement, cord displacement or nail jamming, which can make sash windows harder to open and close. They can be repaired by a carpenter who will remove the sash, replace or repair any damaged parts and re-cord them.
It is possible to re-stain stained glass windows in order to restore their original appearance. It is essential to keep them in good shape to safeguard the glass from water infiltration and rot that can occur when the paint begins to crack and peel. Stained glass can also be re-leaded to prevent it from leaking water onto the surrounding timber, causing wood decay.