Making repairs to your glazing correctly can increase the value of your home. It also ensures that your door or window is operating as well as it can, increasing its overall performance.
However, it isn't easy to tell whether the issue you're experiencing requires professional assistance. Here are some of the most frequently encountered problems that require repair:.
Seals that are damaged
Window seals are a crucial element of your glazing system. They secure windows, insulate them and seal them against moisture and air outside. They are designed to last for a long time, but the reality is they may need repair or replacement at some time. The good news is there are a variety of options for repair in accordance with your budget and timeframe.
Fogging in your double paned IGU is among the most frequent indications that your window seals have failed. Foggy windows are caused by a broken seal between the two glass panes of your IGU which allows moisture to seep in, creating condensation. You can use a steamer to remove the fog from your windows or apply window putty. However, it is recommended to have your window seals fixed by an expert.
A failing seal can also cause your windows' insulation value to decrease. The space between your two panes is filled with inert gas such as argon and xenon, which helps the IGU resist thermal transfer and retain heat in the home. When the window seal fails, the insulating benefit of your IGU will be diminished and your energy costs will rise.
As time passes rubber gaskets start to deteriorate due to aging and exposure. The degrading process is accelerated by poor care or by environmental factors like UV radiation. This can lead to mold and mildew if not addressed. This could eat away at the frame and sash of your IGU and cause damage to the appearance and compromising insulation.
The best way to avoid a breakdown of window seals is to perform regular maintenance and avoiding common errors. Avoid using a high-pressure washer to clean windows since it could damage the seal. Additionally, do not add a reflective window film to your insulated glass as it could void the warranty and harm the sealant material. Be cautious when using chemicals like paint strippers because they can harm sealant and cause failure.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a problem that needs immediate attention. A pane shattered in a window may fall and break other windows, or create drafts and possibly even water or insects to enter your home. A glass pane that has been broken can also be dangerous for anyone who comes in contact with it, particularly children or pets. Shattered glass is not only a risk to safety however, it can be a challenge to remove and can cause further damage to sash and frames and other surfaces.
If a window is cracked, the first step is to tape it up with a cross-patch of ducttape to stop the glass from shattering further and keep rain, bugs and other debris out of your home until you are able to replace the glass. double glazing repair is particularly important for upper-story window.
Take precautions by wearing thick cut-resistant gloves and eye protection. Utilizing a putty knife, or pliers, pry out old glazing points, the tiny fasteners that hold glass into the frame's recesses. After the glass is removed, wash the areas around it to prepare for the new replacement window.
It's important to measure the window opening and make sure that the replacement is of the proper size. Most glaziers will have standard-sized panes ready to insert but if you're looking to get security glass or energy-efficient, it's likely to need to be cut specifically to fit your frame. To avoid any mistakes make sure you measure the opening of your window and subtract approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch to fit the new pane.
When you're ready to install the glass, put it in the frame with care and ensure it's a flush fit with the rabbets that hold it. A glass pane that's too large can cause the wood to swell and a pane that's too small may be thrown out of the frame or let drafts get in.
After the new pane is secured, you can roll another glaziers compound around the perimeter of the pane to seal the glass to the frame and the sash. Smooth the compound with your fingers to ensure it's even around the new pane. After the compound has dried, paint it and the frame to match the window.
Structural Issues
The strength and structural integrity of curtain wall and framing system are crucial to the safety, compliance and performance of glass surfaces. During an inspection, a professional will inspect anchors, fasteners and supports to determine whether they have corroded, degraded, or misaligned. He or she also checks the sealants and gaskets to make sure that they are properly installed and that they are not leaky.
Rusted frames and sagging walls are structural problems that need to be addressed. These issues can be dangerous and may lead to severe damage over the course of time. It is important to take care of any structural issues as soon as you can to avoid costly repairs down the line.
Curtain wall systems need extensive structural support to withstand wind loads, and other stresses. If these components fail, the resulting water intrusion can be costly and damaging. These failures are usually caused by inadequate construction, design errors or improper installation.
Warping can also result in distortion or deformed panels which could impact the appearance as well as the energy efficiency and safety of the system. A glazing inspector will search for signs of warping and suggest repair measures if necessary.
Glazing inspections should start by making sure the work area is free of obstructions, and that all workers are wearing appropriate safety gear. Gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests are all part of the safety gear. It is also an excellent idea to wear a ladder and harness to gain access to higher or difficult-to-access areas.
For windows made of wood, the most common repairs involve a lack of or damaged hardware. A few minor cracks in wooden window panes can often be fixed with an epoxy that is two-part, but damaged or rotten wood is usually best replaced. Sliding sashes stuck in their tracks can be removed by sanding them before applying graphite grease. More difficult problems, such as the replacement of sliding mechanisms as well as major sash or frame parts are typically left to aluminum window companies.
Replacing an existing curtain wall usually comes with the cost of installation is much higher than rehabilitation measures, but the energy savings and improved occupant comfort may eventually recoup the initial investment. In addition, a replacement system can assist in bringing the existing structure into conformance with the more strict building codes for insulated glazing and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Many issues with sash windows can be identified and resolved through a visual examination. A professional window assessment can identify things like wood that is rotting, paintwork damage and broken glass, ensuring that the window is in good order for its future use. Fortunately, the most common issues aren't as serious and do not necessarily require replacement.
Problems like a sash windows that won't open or close can be a hassle and can also affect your home's energy efficiency. Your windows could also be dangerous if they suddenly slam closed. This can result in injuries, property damage and the loss of heat or air conditioning.
Regular maintenance is necessary to keep sliding sash windows looking nice and functioning properly. Cleaning your sash windows and spraying them with lubricant will allow them to open and close more quickly. 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 the wooden windowsashes absorb moisture and be affected by the fluctuation in levels of humidity. This causes them to expand and shrink, which could cause them to get stuck or trapped within the frame. This can be avoided by ensuring a tight seal on the wood and by regularly applying paint or a sash sealer to protect against moisture.
Other issues with sash windows include a broken lock, cord displacement, and nail jamming. These issues make it difficult to open and shut sash windows. A carpenter can solve these problems by removing the sash and replacing or repairing any damaged parts, and then re-cording them.
It is possible to re-stain stained windows to restore their original appearance. It is essential to maintain them in good order to safeguard the glass from water infiltration and rot 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 surrounding wood and causing decay.
