Glazing Repairs
The correct repair of your glazing can boost the value of your home. It also ensures that your door or window is operating as well as it can, enhancing its overall performance.
It can be a challenge to know if the issue you are experiencing requires professional help. Here are a few of the most frequent problems that must be addressed:
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals are a crucial component of your window system. They protect, insulate, and seal windows from outside air and moisture. They are designed to last for a long period of time, however, the reality is that they could require repair or replacement at some moment. There are a variety of options for repair, based on your budget.
One of the most common indicators that your window seals are failing is a fogging issue in the double pane of your IGU, also known as an insulated glass unit (IGU). Foggy windows may be caused by a damaged seal between two glass panes in your IGU. This can allow moisture to seep through and create condensation. Although you can try some quick-fixes to defog your windows, such as using a steamer, or applying window putty, the best solution is to have your window seals repaired by a professional.
A leaky seal could cause the insulation value of your windows to decrease. The space between the two panes is filled by inert gas such as argon or xenon that assists the IGU in resisting thermal transfer and retain heat within the home. The IGU's insulating benefits will be lost when the window seal fails. Your costs for energy will also increase.
Gaskets made of rubber begin to degrade with time because of exposure and age. Degradation can be accelerated through poor care or environmental factors like UV radiation. If not addressed, this could cause water intrusion into the building envelope, resulting in the growth of mold and mildew. This could eat away at the frame and sash of your IGU, ruining the appearance and damaging your insulation.
Avoiding common mistakes and performing regular maintenance is the best method to avoid window seals being damaged. For instance, avoid using a high-pressure washer to clean your windows as it can work its way into the sash, and damage the seal. Do not add a reflective film to your insulated window, as this could void the warranty and harm the sealant. Finally, be careful when using chemical products, such as paint strippers, since they can cause damage to the sealant and cause it to fail.
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Broken glass is a problem that needs immediate attention. A shattered pane in a window could be thrown down and cause additional windows to break or create drafts, or allow water or insects into your home. A broken pane of glass can be dangerous for anyone who comes into contact with it. This includes pets and children. In addition to being a safety hazard broken glass is difficult to remove and may result in additional damage to frames, sash and other surfaces.
The first step to take when a windowpane is damaged is to wrap it up with a cross patch of duct tap in order to prevent further shattering. This will keep insects, rain and other debris out of the house until you can replace the glass. This method is particularly important for upper-story window.
Next, take precautions by putting on thick cut-resistant gloves and eye protection. With pliers or a putty remove the old glazing points out of the frame recesses. After the glass is removed, clean all the areas around it to prepare for the new replacement window.
After determining the window's opening, it's important to make sure that the replacement is precisely the right size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes however, if energy-efficient glass or safety glass is required, it might need to be cut to fit your frame. To avoid any mistakes, measure the window opening and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inch for the new pane.
When you're ready to install the glass, put it with care into the frame and ensure it's a flush fit to the rabbets that support it. A glass pane that is too big can 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, roll 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 fingers to ensure that it's even around the new pane. After drying, paint the newly glazed frame and compound to match the rest of your window.
Structural Problems
The structural integrity of curtain wall frames and systems is crucial to the safety and performance of glass surfaces. During an inspection, a professional inspects fasteners, anchor points, and supports for signs of corrosion or deterioration or misalignment. He or she also checks the sealants and gaskets to make sure that they are properly installed and aren't leaky.
Rusted frames and sagging wall are structural issues that need to be addressed. These issues can be extremely risky and could cause severe damage in the future. It is essential to take care of any structural issues as quickly as possible to avoid costly repairs down the line.
Curtain wall systems require extensive structural support to resist wind loads and other stresses. When these components fail the water intrusion that occurs could be destructive and costly. The main causes for these failures are due to poor construction, design errors and poor installation.
Another problem that is frequently encountered is warping, which could result in deformed or distorted glass panels, which can impact the appearance of the system, energy efficiency, and security. A glass inspector will look for warping during an inspection and recommends repairs measures if needed.
Glazing inspections should start by making sure that the work area is clear of obstructions, and that all workers are wearing appropriate safety equipment. This includes hard hats, gloves, and high-visibility vests. You can also utilize a ladder and harness to reach higher or harder-to-reach places.
Common repairs for wooden windows include missing or loose hardware. Two-part epoxy is a good choice to repair minor cracks in windows made of wood, however damaged or rotted wood should be replaced. Sashes that stick can be freed from their tracks by sanding and applying graphite oil. More complex issues like replacing sliding mechanisms and the major frame or sash components are typically left to aluminum window manufacturers.
Replacing a curtain wall system usually involves the cost of installation is much higher than rehabilitation options, however the energy savings and enhanced occupant comfort may eventually recoup the initial investment. 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
Many sash window issues may be easily identified and dealt with through a visual inspection. A professional window inspection can detect issues like rotting wood, paintwork damage and broken glass, ensuring that the window is in good shape for future use. Fortunately, the most common issues are less severe and do not necessarily require replacement.
Issues like the sash not closing or open can be a nuisance and can affect the efficiency of your home. Windows can also be risky if they suddenly snap shut. This could result in injuries, property damage and even a loss of air conditioning or heat.
Regular maintenance is necessary to keep sliding sash windows looking good and working well. Cleaning the window of your sash and spraying it with lubricant could make it easier to open and shut. 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 humidity levels. This causes them to expand and shrink, which can cause them to get stuck or trapped within the frame. This can be avoided by keeping an encapsulated seal around the wood and by applying the sash paint or sealer to protect against moisture.
Other sash issues that can occur are a damaged the sash lock cord displacement, nail jamming which all make sash windows harder to open and close. A carpenter can fix these problems by removing the sash, fixing or replacing damaged components, then reconnecting them.
Stained glass windows can be stained again to improve their appearance. It's important to keep them in good condition to protect the glass from water infiltration and rot that may occur when the paint begins to crack and peel. Stained glass can also be re-leaded in order to prevent it from leaking water into surrounding timber, causing wood decay.