Glazing Repairs

Correctly repairing your glass can boost the value of your home. It will also improve the efficiency of your window or doors.

It can be difficult to know if the issue you are experiencing requires professional repair. Here are some of the most common issues that need fixing:.

Damaged Seals

Window seals are a crucial element of your glazing system. They protect, insulate and seal windows against outside air and moisture. They are designed to last for a long time, however, the reality is that they may need repair or replacement at some time. The good news is that there are many options for repairs depending on your budget and timeline.

Fogging inside your double paned insulated glass unit is one of the most commonly reported indicators that the window seals are failing. Foggy windows are caused by a broken seal between the two glass panes of your IGU that allows moisture to be absorbed, causing condensation. While you can try a few quick-fixes to defog your windows, like using a steamer or applying window putty, the most effective solution is to have your window doctor seals repaired by a professional.

A leaky seal can cause your windows' insulation value to decrease. The space between your two panes is filled with an inert gas like argon or xenon, which assists the IGU in resisting thermal transfer and retain heat in the home. If the window seal is damaged, the insulating benefit of your IGU will be lost and your energy bills will rise.

As time passes, rubber gaskets will begin to deteriorate due to aging and exposure. The process can be accelerated by insufficient maintenance or environmental factors, such as UV radiation. If not addressed, this could cause water penetration into the building envelope resulting in mold and mildew. This can cause damage to the frame and sash of your IGU, ruining the appearance and weakening the insulation.

Avoiding common mistakes and executing 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. Also, don't add a reflective window film to your insulated glass, because 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 hazard that needs immediate attention. A cracked pane of glass within a window doctor near me could fall and cause further windows to break or cause drafts, or allow insects or water to enter your home. A glass pane that has been broken could also pose a risk to anyone who comes in contact with it, including pets or children. Shattered glass is not only a safety risk however, it can also be difficult to remove, and cause additional damage to frames and sash and other surfaces.

The first thing to do 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 bugs, rain and other debris out of your home until you are able to replace your glass. This method is particularly important for upper-story window.

Take precautions by wearing thick cut-resistant gloves and eye protection. With a putty knife or pliers, cut out old glazing points, 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.

It is important to measure the window opening and ensure that the replacement is the proper size. Most glaziers will have standard-sized panes available to insert but if you're looking to get energy-efficient or safety glass it's likely to need to be custom cut for your frame. To avoid mistakes make sure you measure the opening of your window and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inch to fit the new pane.

When you're ready to install the glass, put it carefully into the frame and make sure it's a flush fit with the rabbets holding it. A glass pane too large can cause the wood to expand and a pane that is too small may be thrown out of the frame or allow drafts get in.

After the new pane is secured, you can roll another piece of glaziers' compound around the perimeter to secure the glass to the frame and the sash. Smooth the compound using your fingers, making sure that it's evenly distributed across the new pane. When the compound is dry, paint it and the frame to match the window.

Structural Issues

The structural integrity of curtain wall systems and framing systems is essential to the safety performance, performance, and conformity of glazed surfaces. During an inspection, the professional will examine anchors, fasteners and supports to determine whether they are corroded damaged or misaligned. The inspector will also check the gaskets and sealants, to ensure that they have been properly installed and aren't leaking.

Rusted frames and sagging walls are structural issues that must be addressed. These issues can be extremely dangerous and may lead to severe damage over the course of time. It is important to fix any structural issues as fast as you can, to avoid costly repairs down the line.

Curtain wall systems require a lot of structural support to be able to withstand winds and other strains. When these components fail, the resulting water intrusion could be destructive and costly. The root causes of these failures include inadequate construction, design mistakes, and inadequate installation.

Another problem that is frequently encountered is warping. This can cause deformed or distorted glass panels that can affect the system's appearance, energy efficiency and safety. A glazing inspector looks for warping during an inspection and recommends repair steps if required.

The first step in an inspection of glazing is to make sure that the area of work has been cleared of all obstructions and that workers are wearing the proper safety gear. Wearing gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests form part of the safety equipment. It's also recommended to use the ladder and harness to access higher or more difficult-to-access areas.

Common repairs for windows made of wood include missing or loose hardware. A few minor cracks in wooden window panes can often be fixed with a two-part epoxy, but damaged or rotten wood is typically recommended replacement. Sticking sashes can often be removed from their tracks by sanding them and applying graphite oil. More stubborn problems like replacing sliding mechanisms or the major frame or sash components are usually left to aluminum window manufacturers.

The cost of replacing the existing curtain wall is usually greater than the cost of rehabilitation, however the energy savings as well as the improved comfort for the people living in the structure could make it possible for the initial investment to be returned. Additionally, a replacement system could help bring the structure in line with more stringent building code requirements for insulated glazing and wind load resistance.

Sash Issues

Visual inspections can help diagnose and resolve a number of sash window problems. A professional assessment of the window can identify things like rotting wood and paintwork damage as well as broken glass, which will ensure that the window is in good order for its future use. The most common problems can be fixed easily and do not need replacement.

Problems like a sash windows that won't open or close can be a nuisance and could also impact your home's energy efficiency. Your windows could also be dangerous if they suddenly close closed. This can cause injuries, property damage, and a loss of air conditioning or heat.

Regular maintenance is required to keep sliding sash windows looking nice and working well. Cleaning your sash window and spraying a lubricant can make it easier to open and shut. If the issue persists, it could be a sign that the balances aren't working properly or there is something wrong with the sash itself.

Wooden window sashes take in moisture over time and are affected when humidity levels change. This causes them swell and shrink, which could cause them become stuck or trapped within the frame. This can be avoided by ensuring a tight seal on the wood, and applying regularly a sash sealer or paint to shield against moisture.

Other sash issues that can be caused by a defective the sash lock cord displacement, cord displacement or nail jamming which all make windows more difficult to open and close. These issues can usually be resolved by carpenters who will take out the sash, repair or replace any damaged components, and then reconnect them.

Stained glass windows may be stained again to improve their appearance. It is essential to maintain them in good order to protect the glass from water infiltration and rot that could occur when the paint starts to peel and crack. Re-leading stained glass is an additional option to prevent it from leaking into the surrounding wood and causing decay.