Glazing Repairs
The right repair of your window will increase the value of your home. It is also a way to ensure that your window or door is operating as well as it can, enhancing its overall performance.
It can be a challenge to determine if the issue you are experiencing requires professional help. Here are some of the most frequent problems that require fixing:.
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals are an important component of your glazing system. double glazing repair near me are used to secure the windows, insulate them and seal against outside air and moisture. 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 moment. There are several options for repair depending on your budget and timeframe.
Fogging in your double paned IGU is one of the most commonly reported signs that your window seals have failed. Foggy windows may be caused by an unsound seal between two glass panes of your IGU. This can allow moisture to enter the IGU and create condensation. Although you can try some quick-fixes to defog your windows, such as using a steamer, or applying window putty, the most effective solution is to get your window seals replaced by a professional.
A leaky seal can cause your windows' insulation value to decrease. The space between the two glass panes is filled with an inert gas, such as xenon or argon, which helps the IGU ward off heat transfer and keeps the heat in the home. If the window seal is damaged the insulation benefits of your IGU will be lost and your energy bills will increase.
Rubber gaskets begin to degrade with time because of exposure and age. Degradation can be accelerated due to poor care or environmental factors like UV radiation. This can lead to mold and mildew if not addressed. This can eat away at the frame and sash on your IGU and cause damage to the appearance and compromising insulation.
The best way to avoid the loss of window seals is to perform regular maintenance and avoiding common errors. For instance, you should avoid using a high-pressure washer to clean your windows as it can be able to penetrate the sash, and damage the seal. Also, don't add a reflective window film to your insulated glass, as it could void the warranty and harm the sealant material. Finally, be careful when using chemicals, such as paint strippers, as they can damage the sealant and cause it to fail.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a concern that needs immediate attention. A broken pane within a window could fall and cause other windows to break, or create drafts, or let insects or water into your home. A glass pane that has been broken can be a danger to anyone who comes in contact with it, especially pets or children. Glass that is shattering is not just a safety risk however, it can also be difficult to get rid of and can cause further damage to frames and sash as well as adjacent surfaces.
The first thing to do when a windowpane is damaged is to seal it up with a cross patch of duct tape to stop further shattering. This will keep bugs, rain and other debris out of your house until you can replace the glass. This is particularly important for windows that are higher up.
Wear thick, durable gloves. Also, wear eye protection. Using 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, clean the entire area to prepare it for new window.
After determining the window's opening, it is important to ensure the new replacement is exactly the right size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes available 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 from the new pane.
When you're ready to install the glass, put it in the frame with care and check for an even fit with the rabbets holding it. A glass pane too large could cause the wood to swell, and a pane too small can be thrown out of the frame or let drafts in.
Once you've confirmed that the new pane is securely secured by a second cord of compound for glaziers' around the perimeter 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 Issues
The structural strength of curtain wall frames and systems is vital to the security, performance, and compliance of the glazed surfaces. During an inspection, a professional checks anchor points, fasteners, and supports for corrosion, deterioration, or misalignment. They also check the gaskets and sealants to ensure that they are properly installed and aren't leaking.
Rusted frames and sagging walls are structural problems that need to be addressed. These problems can be very dangerous and may lead to severe damage over the course of time. It is essential to fix any structural issues as soon as you can, to avoid costly repairs down the line.
Curtain wall systems require a lot of structural support in order to withstand wind loads, and other stresses. When these components fail the resulting water intrusion can be damaging and costly. These failures are often caused by poor construction, design mistakes and poor installation.
Warping can also lead to distortion or deformed panels which may affect the appearance as well as the energy efficiency and safety of the system. A glazing inspector looks for warping during an inspection and recommends repair actions if necessary.
Glazing inspections should start by ensuring that the work area is clear of obstructions, and that all workers are wearing appropriate safety gear. This includes gloves, hard hats, and high-visibility vests. You can also use a ladder and harness to reach higher or more difficult to reach places.
Common repairs for wooden windows are missing or damaged hardware. Two-part epoxy can be used to repair minor cracks in window panes made of wood, but severely damaged or rotted wood is best replaced. Sashes that are stuck can usually be freed from their tracks by sanding them and applying graphite grease. More difficult problems, such as the replacement of sliding mechanisms as well as major frame or sash parts are typically left to aluminum window manufacturers.
The cost of replacing the curtain wall system is usually greater than the cost of rehabilitation, but the energy savings as well as the increased comfort of people living in the structure could let the initial investment be paid back. A replacement system may assist in bringing an existing structure into line with the more stringent standards of building codes for insulated glass and wind resistance to load.
Sash Issues
Many issues with sash windows can be easily identified and dealt with through an inspection. A professional window assessment can detect issues like rotting wood, paintwork damage and broken glass, which will ensure that the window is in good shape for future use. The most common problems are easily rectified and don't require replacement.
Problems like a sash windows that won't open or close can be a source of frustration and could also impact your home's energy efficiency. It's also a risk when windows suddenly snap shut and can lead to injuries, property damage or loss of cool air or heat.
Regular maintenance is required to keep sliding sash windows in good condition and operating properly. Cleaning your sash window and spraying it with lubricant could make it easier to open and close. However, if the problem persists, it could be an indication that the balances aren't operating properly or there's something wrong with the sash itself.
Wooden window sashes take in moisture over time, and are affected by changes in humidity. This causes them swell and shrink, which can cause them to become stuck or trapped within the frame. This can be prevented by ensuring a tight seal on the wood and applying regularly paint or a sash sealer to protect against moisture.
Other issues with sash windows include a damaged lock, cord displacement, and nail jamming. These all make it difficult to open and close sash windows. A carpenter can resolve these issues by taking off the sash and fixing or replacing damaged parts, before re-cording them.
It is possible to re-stain stained glass windows to restore their original appearance. It is important to maintain them in good order to safeguard the glass from water infiltration and rot that can occur when the paint begins to crack and peel. Re-leading stained glass is another method to prevent it from leaking into the surrounding wood and causing decay.