Glazing Repairs
Repairing your glazing correctly can boost the value of your home. It is also a way to ensure that your window or door is operating as efficiently as it can, increasing its overall performance.
It can be tricky to know whether the issue you're experiencing needs professional repair. Here are some of most common problems that need to be fixed:
Damaged Seals
Window seals are an essential component of your glazing system. They are used to secure the windows, insulate them and seal against moisture and air outside. Although they are designed to last a long time, and may require repair or replacement, the reality is that they will have to be replaced at some moment. There are several options for repair depending on your budget and timeline.
One of the most obvious signs that your window seals are failing is fogging in your double pane IGU, also known as an insulated glass unit (IGU). Foggy windows can be caused by the seal being damaged between two glass panes within your IGU. This allows water to get in and cause condensation. Steamers are a great option to defog the windows or apply window putty. However, it is best to fix your window seals by an experienced professional.
In addition to allowing fogging and condensation between the window panes, a faulty seal can cause your windows to lose their insulation value. 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 retain warm within the house. If the window seal is damaged the insulation benefit of your IGU will be diminished and your energy costs will increase.
Rubber gaskets start to degrade over time due to exposure and age. The degradation can be accelerated by insufficient treatment or environmental factors, such as UV radiation. This can lead to mildew and mold if it is not dealt with. This can eat away at the frame and sash of your IGU, destroying the appearance of the building and compromising insulation.
The best way to prevent the loss of window seals is to carry out regular maintenance and avoiding common errors. For instance, do not use a high-pressure washer to clean your windows as it can work its way into the sash, and damage the seal. Do not apply reflective films to your insulated window, because it could void the warranty and damage the sealant. Finally, be careful when using chemical products, such as paint strippers, since they could damage the sealant and cause it to fail.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a problem that requires immediate attention. A glass pane that has broken in a window can fall and break further windows or cause drafts and possibly even water or insects to infiltrate your home. A broken glass pane can be a danger for anyone who comes in contact with it, particularly children or pets. In addition to being a safety hazard broken glass is difficult to remove and could cause additional damage to frames, sash, and adjacent surfaces.
The first step to take when a windowpane is damaged is to seal it up with a cross patch of duct tap in order to prevent further shattering. This will keep rain, bugs and other debris out of the home until you are able to replace the glass. This is particularly important for windows with higher levels.
Wear thick, durable gloves. Also wear eye protection. With pliers or a putty, pry old glazing points out of the recesses of the frame. Once the glass is removed, clean the entire area to prepare it for a new window.
After determining the window's opening, it is important to ensure that the replacement is exactly the right size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes on hand however if energy-efficient or safety glass is required, it might require cutting to fit the frame. To avoid mistakes make sure you measure the opening of your window and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inches for the new pane.
When you're ready to install your new glass, be sure to place it into the frame. Make sure that it's perfectly with the rabbets. A glass pane that's too huge can cause a cloud to form and swell on the surrounding wood, while one that's too small may fall off the frame and allow drafts into your home.
After you've ensured that the new pane is securely secured to the frame, wrap 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 finger, ensuring that it's evenly distributed across the new pane. When the compound is dry, paint it and the frame to match your window.
Structural Problems
The strength and structural integrity of curtain wall and framing system are essential for the safety, compliance and performance of glazing surfaces. During an inspection, a professional examines anchor points, fasteners and supports for signs of corrosion or deterioration or misalignment. The inspector also examines the sealants and gaskets to ensure that they're installed correctly and that they aren't leaky.
Rusted frames and sagging walls are structural issues that must be addressed. These problems are dangerous and could cause serious damage over time. It is important to take care of any structural issues as fast as possible to avoid costly repairs down the road.
Curtain wall systems require substantial structural support to resist winds and other strains. If these components fail, the resulting water intrusion can be costly and damaging. The main causes for these failures are due to poor construction, design flaws and poor installation.
Another issue that is common is warping. This can cause deformed or distorted glass panels, which can impact the appearance of the system, its energy efficiency and safety. An inspector for glass looks for warping during an inspection and recommends repair measures if needed.
Glazing inspections should start by ensuring that the work area is clear of obstructions and all workers are wearing appropriate safety gear. This includes gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests. It is also an excellent idea to wear a 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 small crack in windows made of wood can be fixed with an epoxy that is two-part, but damaged or rotten wood is usually best replaced. Sliding double glazing window repairs that are stuck in their tracks can be cleared by sanding them, then applying graphite grease. Window companies made of aluminum are typically the ones who handle more complex issues, such as replacing sliding mechanisms, or major frame or sash elements.
The cost of replacing an existing curtain wall system is usually greater than the cost of rehabilitation, but the energy savings as well as the increased comfort of residents could let the initial investment be paid back. In addition, a replacement system could help bring the current structure into compliance with the more stringent building code requirements for insulated glass and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help identify and resolve a number of problems with sash windows. Things like rotting wood and paintwork damage as well as broken glass are all picked up by a professional window assessment to ensure that the window is in good shape to be used in the future. Most of the problems that arise can be fixed easily and do not need replacement.
Issues like the sash not closing or open could be frustrating and can affect the efficiency of your home. It's also dangerous when windows suddenly slam shut, causing injuries, property damage and loss of cool or warm air.
Regular maintenance is required to keep sliding sash windows looking good and functioning properly. Cleaning the window of your sash and spraying lubricant on it can make it easier to open and shut. If the problem continues it could be because the balances aren't working properly or there is a problem with the sash.
Wooden window sashes absorb water over time, and are affected when humidity levels fluctuate. This causes them swell and shrink, which could result in them becoming stuck or encased within the frame. This can be prevented by maintaining a tight seal around the wood and by applying the sash paint or sealer to protect against moisture.
Other issues with sash windows include a broken lock, cord displacement and nail jamming. These all make it difficult to open and close sash windows. A carpenter can fix these problems by removing the sash and replacing or repairing any damaged parts, before re-cording them.
Stained glass windows may be re-stained to restore their appearance. It's important to maintain them in good order to safeguard the glass from water ingress and rot which could occur when the paint begins to peel and crack. Stained glass can also be re-leaded in order to keep it from leaking water onto the surrounding timber and causing decay of the wood.