Glazing Repairs

Getting glazing repairs right can boost your home's value. It is also a way to ensure that your window or door is operating as well as it can, enhancing its overall efficiency.

It can be a challenge to know if the issue you are experiencing requires professional repair. Here are some of most frequent problems that require to be addressed:

Damaged Seals

window doctor near me seals are a crucial component of your window system. They protect, insulate, and seal windows from outside air and moisture. They are designed to last for a long period of time, but the reality is they may need repair or replacement at some point. The good news is that there are several options for repair depending on your budget and timeframe.

One of the most common indicators that the window seals in your home are failing is a fogging issue in your double pane insulated glass unit (IGU). Foggy windows are caused by a broken seal between the two glass panes of your IGU that allows moisture to seep in, creating condensation. You can use a steamer to defog the windows or apply window putty. However, it is recommended that you fix your window seals by an experienced professional.

A leaky seal can cause your windows' insulation value to decrease. The space between the two panes of glass is filled with an inert gas, such as argon and xenon, which helps the IGU resist heat transfer and keep heat in the home. If the window seal is damaged the insulation benefits of your IGU will be diminished and your energy costs will rise.

Rubber gaskets start to degrade over time because of exposure and age. The process can be accelerated by insufficient treatment or environmental factors, such as UV radiation. This can lead to mildew and mold if it is not taken care of. This can cause damage to the frame and sash of your IGU and ruin the appearance and damaging your insulation.

The best way to prevent a breakdown of window seals is to carry out regular maintenance and avoiding common errors. For instance, do not use high-pressure washers to clean your windows, as it can be able to penetrate the sash, and damage the seal. Additionally, do not add a reflective window film to your insulated glass, since it could invalidate the warranty and damage 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 concern that needs immediate attention. A cracked pane of glass in a window could be thrown down and cause additional windows to break, or create a draft, or even allow water or insects into your home. A broken pane of glass can be dangerous for anyone who comes into contact with it. This includes children and pets. In addition to being a safety hazard, shattered glass can be difficult to remove and could result in additional damage to frames, sash, and adjacent surfaces.

The first thing to do when a window is cracked is to tape it up with a cross patch of duct tape to stop further shattering. This will keep insects, rain and other debris out of your home until you are able to replace the glass. This is particularly crucial for windows with higher levels.

Next, take precautions by putting on thick protective eyewear and gloves that are cut-resistant. With a putty or pliers, pry old glazing points out of the recesses of the frame. Once the glass is removed, clean the entire area to prepare it for a new window.

It is important to measure the window opening and ensure that the replacement is of the right size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes available however, if energy-efficient glass or safety glass is required, it may require cutting to fit the frame. To avoid committing mistakes take a measurement of your window doctor's opening and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inches to fit the new pane.

When you are ready to install your glass, take care to place it in the frame. Check that it fits in a straight line with the rabbets. A glass pane that's too large could cause the wood to expand, and a pane too small may be thrown out of the frame or allow drafts in.

Once the new pane is secured, you can roll another glaziers compound around the perimeter to seal the glass to the frame and the sash. Smooth the compound using your finger, ensuring it's evenly distributed around the new pane. Once the compound is dry paint it and the frame to match the window.

Structural Problems

The structural integrity of curtain wall systems and framing systems is essential to the safety, performance, and compliance of glazed surfaces. During an inspection, a professional will inspect anchors, fasteners, and supports to see whether they have corroded, deteriorated or misaligned. The inspector also examines the sealants and gaskets to make sure that they are properly installed and that they are not leaky.

Rusted frames and sagging wall are structural problems that need to be addressed. These issues can be dangerous and can lead to serious damage over time. It is crucial to fix any structural issues as soon as you can to avoid costly repairs down the line.

Curtain wall systems need extensive structural support in order to withstand wind loads, and other strains. If these components fail, the resulting water intrusion can be costly and damaging. These failures are often caused by inadequate construction, design errors, and poor installation.

Another problem that is frequently encountered is warping, which can cause deformed or distorted glass panels that can affect the appearance of the system, energy efficiency, and security. A glass inspector will look for warping during an inspection and suggests repair actions if necessary.

Glazing inspections should start by making sure that the work area is clear of obstructions and everyone is wearing the appropriate safety equipment. This includes hard hats, gloves and high-visibility vests. It is also an excellent idea to wear a harness and ladder to access higher or more difficult-to-access areas.

For wood-framed windows, common repairs involve a lack of or damaged hardware. Two-part epoxy is a good choice to repair minor cracks on window panes made of wood, but damaged or rotted wood is best replaced. Sashes that are stuck can usually be freed from their tracks by sanding and applying graphite lubricant. More difficult problems, such as replacing sliding mechanisms or major sash or frame parts are usually left to aluminum window manufacturers.

The cost of replacing an existing curtain wall system is usually greater than the cost of rehabilitation, but the energy savings as well as the improved comfort for the occupants may allow the initial investment to be paid back. A new system could help bring an existing structure in line with the more stringent requirements of building codes for insulated glass and wind load resistance.

Sash Issues

Many sash window problems can be identified and resolved by an examination. Things like rotting wood, damage to paintwork and broken glass are all identified by a professional window assessment and ensure that the window is in good condition for its future use. Fortunately, the most frequent problems are less serious and do not necessarily require replacement.

Problems such as a sash that doesn't close or open could be frustrating and affect the efficiency of your home. It's also a risk if your windows unexpectedly slam shut and cause injuries, property damage or loss of cool or warm air.

Sliding sash windows need regular maintenance to keep them looking good and operating properly. Cleaning your sash windows and spraying them with lubricant can help them to open and close more easily. However, if the issue persists it could be an indication that the balances aren't operating properly or there is something wrong with the sash itself.

Over time the wooden windowsashes absorb moisture and be affected by changing humidity levels. They can expand and shrink which can cause them to get stuck or trapped within the frame. This can be avoided by keeping a tight seal around the wood and by regularly applying a sash paint or sealer to protect against moisture.

Other sash issues that can occur are a damaged the sash lock cord displacement, nail jamming that can make windows for sash difficult to open and close. A carpenter can solve these issues by removing the sash, replacing or repairing any damaged parts, and then re-cording them.

Stained glass windows can sometimes be re-stained to restore their appearance. It's important to keep them in good shape to protect the glass from water infiltration and rot that could occur when the paint begins to peel and crack. Stained glass can also be re-leaded to stop it from leaking water into surrounding timber and causing decay of the wood.