Glazing Repairs

The correct repair of your glazing will increase the value of your home. It also ensures that your door or window is operating as well as it can, enhancing its overall efficiency.

It can be difficult to determine if the issue you encounter requires professional assistance for repair. Here are some of most common problems that need to be fixed:

Damaged Seals

Window seals are an important component of your glazing system. They are used to secure windows, insulate them and seal them against moisture and air outside. Although they are designed to last for a long time and could require repair or replacement, the truth is that they'll need to be replaced at some point. There are a variety of options for repair, depending on your budget.

One of the most common indicators that your window seals are failing is fogging in your double glazing repairs pane IGU. (IGU). Foggy windows may be caused by an unsound seal between two glass panes in your IGU. This can allow water to get in and cause condensation. Steamers are a great option to clear the windows or apply window putty. However, it is best to fix your window seals by an expert.

In addition to allowing fogging and condensation between the window panes, a failing seal could cause your windows to lose their insulation value. The space between the two glass panes is filled with an inert gas, such as xenon or argon which helps the IGU resist heat transfer and keep the heat in the house. The IGU's insulation benefits will be lost when the window seal fails. Your costs for energy will also increase.

As time passes rubber gaskets start to degrade due to aging and exposure. The degradation can be accelerated by improper care or by environmental factors like UV radiation. If not addressed, this could cause water infiltration into the building envelope resulting in mildew and mold. This can eat away at the frame and sash on your IGU, destroying the appearance of the building and compromising insulation.

Avoiding common mistakes and executing regular maintenance is the best method to prevent window seals from 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 as it could void the warranty and harm the sealant material. Be cautious when using chemicals such as paint strippers, as they can cause damage to sealant and cause failure.

Broken Glass

Broken glass is a hazard that requires immediate attention. A glass pane that has broken in a window can fall and break other windows, or handle create drafts and possibly water or insects to infiltrate your home. A broken glass pane could also pose a risk for anyone who comes in contact with it, particularly children or pets. In addition to being a safety risk broken glass is difficult to remove and could cause further damage to frames, sash and adjacent surfaces.

If a window is cracked, the first step is to board it up using a cross-patch of ducttape to stop the glass from shattering further and keep bugs, rain, and debris out of your home until you are able to replace the glass. This method is especially important for windows that are higher up.

Next, take precautions by wearing cut-resistant gloves and eye protection. With a putty knife or pliers, cut out old glazing points, the tiny fasteners that hold glass into the frame's recesses. After the glass has been removed, wash the areas around it to prepare for the new replacement window.

It is important to measure the window's opening and ensure that the replacement is of the right size. Most glaziers will have standard-sized panes available however if energy-efficient or safety glass is required, it may require cutting 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.

Once you're ready to install your new glass, be sure to place it into the frame. Make sure that it's flush with the rabbets. A glass pane that is too big can cause the wood to expand, and a pane too small could be thrown out of the frame or allow drafts in.

Once you've made sure the new pane is secured to the frame, wrap another cord of compound for handle glaziers around the glass's perimeter to seal it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound with your finger to ensure it's level with the new pane. After drying paint the newly glazed frame and compound to match the rest of your window.

Structural Problems

The structural strength of curtain wall frames and systems is vital to the security performance, performance, and conformity of the glazed surfaces. In an inspection, a professional examines anchor points, fasteners, and supports for corrosion or deterioration or misalignment. They also examine the gaskets and sealants, to ensure that they have been properly installed and are not leaking.

Rusted frames and sagging wall are structural issues that need to be addressed. These problems are dangerous and could cause serious damage with 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 require substantial structural support to resist the forces of wind and other stress. If these components fail, the resulting water intrusion could be destructive and costly. These failures are usually caused by poor construction, design mistakes, and improper installation.

Warping can also lead to distortion or deformed panels, which may impact the appearance, energy efficiency and security of the system. An inspector for glass looks for warping during an inspection and recommends repair actions if necessary.

Glazing inspections should begin by making sure 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 harness and ladder to reach higher or more difficult-to-reach places.

Common repairs for wood-framed windows include loose or missing hardware. Two-part epoxy is a good choice to repair minor cracks in wooden window panes, but damaged or rotted wood should be replaced. Sticking sashes can often be freed from their tracks by sanding and applying graphite lubricant. Aluminum window companies are typically the ones who handle more complicated issues such as replacing sliding mechanisms or the major frame or sash parts.

The cost of replacing the curtain wall system is usually higher than the cost of rehabilitation, however the savings in energy consumption as well as the improved comfort for the people living in the structure could make it possible for the initial investment to be paid back. A replacement system may assist in bringing an existing structure into line with the more stringent standards of building codes for insulation of glass and wind load resistance.

Sash Issues

Visual inspections can help to identify and fix a variety of sash window problems. A professional window assessment will reveal issues like rotting wood, paintwork damage and broken glass, assuring that the window is in good shape for future use. The most frequent issues are easily rectified and don't need replacement.

Problems such as a sash window that doesn't close or open can be a hassle and also affect the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Your windows can also be dangerous if they suddenly close closed. This can cause injuries, property damage, and the loss of heat or air conditioning.

Regular maintenance is essential to keep sliding sash windows in good condition and functioning properly. Cleaning the window of your sash and spraying a lubricant can make them easier to open and shut. However, if the problem persists, it could be a sign that the balances aren't operating properly or there is something wrong with the sash itself.

Wooden window sashes absorb moisture over time, and are affected by changes in humidity. This causes them to swell and shrink, which could cause them to become stuck or jammed within the frame. This can be prevented by ensuring a tight seal on the wood and applying regularly a sash sealer or paint to protect against moisture.

Other sash issues that can arise include a faulty sash lock, cord displacement and nail jamming that can make windows for sash difficult to open and close. They can be repaired by carpenters who can take off the sash, repair or replace any damaged parts and replace them with a new cord.

Stained glass windows can be stained again to improve their appearance. It is important to keep them in good condition to protect the glass from the ingress of water and rot, which could occur when the paint begins to peel and crack. Re-leading stained glass is another way to stop it from leaking into surrounding wood and causing decay.