Correctly repairing your glass can boost the value of your home. It is also a way to ensure that your window or door is working as well as possible, improving its overall efficiency.
However, it can be tricky to know whether the problem you're experiencing is one that needs professional repair. Here are some of the most frequent problems that require fixing:.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are a crucial part of your glazing system. They secure, insulate and seal windows against the elements of air and water. They are designed to last for a long time, but the reality is they might require repair or replacement at some time. The good news is that there are a variety of options for repair in accordance with your budget and timeline.
One of the most common signs that your window seals are failing is fogging in your double pane IGU. (IGU). Foggy windows result from a damaged seal between the two glass panes of your IGU that allows moisture seep in, creating condensation. Although you can try some quick-fixes to defog your windows, for instance using a steamer or applying window putty, the best solution is to repair your window seals by a professional.
In addition to allowing fogging and condensation between the windows, a weak seal can cause your windows to lose their insulating value. The space between the two glass panes is filled with an inert gas, like xenon and argon, which helps the IGU to resist heat transfer and keeps the heat inside the home. If the window seal is damaged, the insulating benefit of your IGU will be removed and your energy costs will rise.
Over time rubber gaskets start to deteriorate due to aging and exposure. Degradation can be accelerated due to improper care, or environmental factors like UV radiation. This can lead to mildew and mold if not addressed. This could eat away at the frame and sash of your IGU, ruining the appearance and compromising your insulation.
Avoiding common mistakes and performing regular maintenance is the best way to avoid window seals falling apart. Avoid using a high-pressure washer to clean windows, as it can cause damage to the seal. Additionally, do not add a reflective window film to your insulated glass, as it could void the warranty and damage the sealant material. Be careful when using chemicals such as paint strippers, as they can cause damage to sealant and cause failure.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is an obvious issue that requires immediate attention. A broken pane in a window can fall and break further windows or cause drafts and possibly even water or insects to enter your home. A glass pane that is broken can pose danger to anyone who comes into contact with it. This is especially true for pets and children. In addition to being a safety hazard, shattered glass can be difficult to remove and may cause additional damage to frames, sash and adjacent surfaces.
double glazing window repairs to do when a window has damaged is to seal it up with a cross-pattern of duct tap to prevent further shattering. This will keep rain, bugs and other debris out of your home until you are able to replace your glass. This is especially important for upper-story window.
Wear thick, durable gloves. Also, wear eye protection. Using a putty knife or pliers, pry out old glazing points, or the tiny fasteners that pin glass into the frame's recesses. Once the glass has been removed, clean the areas around it to prepare for the new replacement window.
It is important to measure the window opening and make sure that the replacement is the right size. Most glaziers stock standard-sized panes that are ready to be inserted, but if you want security glass or energy-efficient, it's likely to need to be cut specifically for your frame. To avoid any mistakes make sure you measure the opening of your window and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the new pane.
When you're ready to put in your new glass, be sure to put it in the frame. Make sure it is flush with the rabbets. A new glass pane that's too huge can swell and cloud the wood around it, while one that's too small could fall off the frame and allow drafts into your home.
After the new pane is secured, you can wrap another cord of glaziers compound around the perimeter to secure the glass to the frame and the sash. Smooth the compound using your fingers to ensure it's level with the new pane. When dry, paint the newly glazed frame and compound to match the rest of your window.
Structural Issues
The structural integrity of curtain wall systems and framing systems is crucial to the safety, performance, and compliance of the glazed surfaces. In an inspection, a professional inspects anchor points, fasteners, and supports for corrosion or deterioration or misalignment. They also check the sealants and gaskets to ensure that they are installed correctly and aren't leaky.
Structural issues that must be addressed include rusted frames as well as sagging walls. These problems are dangerous and could lead to severe destruction over time. It is crucial to address any structural issues as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs down the line.
Curtain wall systems require a lot of structural support to withstand winds, and other strains. If these components fail, the water intrusion that results can be damaging and costly. The root causes of the failures are inadequate construction, design mistakes, and inadequate installation.
Warping can also result in distortion or deformed panels, which can impact the appearance as well as the energy efficiency and safety of the system. A glazing inspector looks for warping during an inspection and recommends repairs measures if needed.
The first step of an inspection of the glazing is to make sure that the area of work is free of obstructions and that employees are wearing appropriate safety gear. This includes gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests. It's also recommended to use the ladder and harness to access higher or more difficult-to-access areas.
For wood-framed windows, common repairs involve missing or loose hardware. A few minor cracks in wooden window panes can often be fixed using two-part epoxy, however damaged or rotten wood is usually best replaced. Sashes that stick can be removed from their tracks by sanding them and applying graphite lubricant. 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 typically higher than the cost of rehabilitation, however the energy savings and the increased comfort of residents could let the initial investment be returned. In addition, a replacement system can assist in bringing the current structure into compliance to more strict building codes for insulated glazing and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Many sash window problems can be easily identified and dealt with by an inspection. A professional window assessment can identify things like wood that is rotting or paintwork damage, as well as broken glass, which will ensure that the window is in good condition for future use. Luckily, the most common issues are less severe and do not necessarily require replacement.
Issues like a sash window that doesn't close or open can be a source of frustration and could also impact your home's energy efficiency. It's also a risk if your windows unexpectedly slam shut and can lead to injuries, property damage or loss of cool or warm air.
Sliding sash windows require regular maintenance to keep them looking good and operating properly. Cleaning the window of your sash and spraying it with lubricant could make them easier to open and close. If the problem continues, it could indicate that the balances aren't functioning properly or something is wrong with the sash.
Over time wooden window sashes absorb moisture and can be affected by changes in humidity levels. This causes them swell and shrink, which can cause them become stuck or trapped within the frame. This can be prevented by ensuring a tight seal on the wood, and regularly applying a sash sealer or paint to shield against moisture.
Other sash problems include a broken cord displacement, lock and nail jamming. These issues make it difficult to open and close sash windows. These can often be fixed by a carpenter who will remove the sash, replace or repair any damaged components and replace them with a new cord.
It is possible to re-stain stained windows to bring back their original appearance. It's important to maintain them in good order to guard against water infiltration and rot that could occur when the paint begins to peel and crack. Re-leading stained glass is another way to stop it from leaking into the surrounding wood and causing decay.
