Glazing Repairs

Repairing your glazing correctly 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 performance.

It can be difficult to determine if the issue you are experiencing requires professional help. Here are some of the most frequent problems that must be fixed:

Seals that are damaged

Window Doctor seals are an important part of your glazing system. They secure windows, insulate them and seal them against moisture and air outside. Although they are designed to last a long time and could require repair or replacement, the fact is that they will have to be replaced at some moment. There are many options to repair them, based on your budget.

Fogging in your double glazing-paned insulated glass unit is one of the most frequent signs that your window seals have failed. Foggy windows may be caused by the seal being damaged between two glass panes of your IGU. This can allow moisture to enter the IGU and cause condensation. Although you can try some quick solutions to remove the fog from your windows, like using a steamer or applying window putty, the most effective solution is to have your window seals repaired by an expert.

A leaky seal can cause your windows' insulation to decrease. The space between your two panes is filled with an inert gas such as argon or xenon which helps the IGU resist thermal transfer and maintain heat in the home. The benefits of the IGU's insulation will be lost in the event that the window seal is damaged. Your costs for energy will also increase.

Gaskets made of rubber begin to degrade with time due to exposure and age. Degradation can be accelerated due to improper care, or environmental factors like UV radiation. If not addressed, this may cause water intrusion into the building envelope resulting in the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause damage to the frame and sash on your IGU and ruin the appearance and compromising insulation.

Avoiding common mistakes and performing regular maintenance is the best method to prevent window seals from falling apart. For instance, avoid using high-pressure washers to clean your windows, because it could get into the sash and cause damage to the seal. Don't apply a reflective film to your window that is insulated, because it could void the warranty and harm the sealant. Finally, be careful when using chemicals such as paint strippers because they can cause damage to the sealant and cause it to fail.

Broken Glass

Broken glass is an obvious issue that requires immediate attention. A pane shattered in a window can fall and break other windows or cause drafts and possibly water or insects to infiltrate your home. A glass pane that has been broken could also pose a risk to anyone who comes in contact with it, including children or pets. Glass that has been broken is not just an hazard to safety but can be a challenge to remove and can cause further damage to frames and sash as well as other surfaces.

If a window pane breaks the first step is to tape it up with the cross-patch of duct tape to stop the glass from shattering further and keep bugs, rain and other debris out of your home until you are able to replace the glass. This is particularly important for windows that are higher up.

Wear thick, durable gloves. Also, wear eye protection. With pliers or a putty remove the old glazing points out of the recesses of the frame. Once the glass is removed, you must clean the entire area to prepare it for a new window.

After measuring the window's opening, it's important to ensure that the replacement is precisely the right size. Most glaziers will have standard-sized panes on hand, but if energy-efficient glass or safety glass is required, it might need to be cut to fit your frame. To avoid mistakes, measure your window opening and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inches for the new pane.

When you're ready to install the glass you just bought, insert it in the frame with care and ensure it's a flush fit with the rabbets that support it. A glass pane that's too huge can cause a cloud to form and swell on the surrounding wood, while one that's too small may be thrown off the frame or let drafts in your home.

Once the new pane is secured, you can roll another cord of glaziers compound around the perimeter of the pane to seal the glass to the frame and the sash. Smooth the compound using your fingers to ensure that it is even around the new pane. After drying paint the newly glazed compound and frame to match the rest of your window.

Structural Problems

The structural strength of curtain wall systems and framing systems is vital to the security and performance of glazed surfaces. During an inspection, a professional will check fasteners, anchors and supports to determine whether they have corroded, deteriorated, or misaligned. They also check the sealants and rubber gaskets to make sure they have been installed correctly and aren't leaky.

Structural issues that need to be addressed include rusted frames as well as walls that are sagging. These issues can be dangerous and may lead to severe damage in the future. It is essential to take care of any structural issues promptly so that you avoid costly repairs down the line.

Curtain wall systems need extensive structural support to withstand wind loads, and other stresses. The intrusion of water by these components could be costly and destructive. These failures are often caused by poor construction, design mistakes or improper installation.

Another issue that is common is warping. This can result in deformed or distorted glass panels that can affect the appearance of the system, energy efficiency, and security. An inspector for glass looks for warping during an inspection and suggests repair actions if necessary.

The first step in a glazing inspection is to ensure 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 are all part of the safety equipment. It is also an excellent idea to wear the ladder and harness for accessing higher or harder-to-reach areas.

For wood-framed windows, common repairs involve missing or loose hardware. Two-part epoxy can be used to repair minor cracks on window panes made of wood, but severely damaged or rotten wood is best replaced. Sliding sashes stuck in their tracks can be cleared by sanding them before applying graphite grease. Aluminum window companies are typically the ones who handle more difficult problems 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 allow the initial investment to be paid back. Additionally, a replacement system can help bring the current structure into compliance with more strict building codes for insulated glazing and wind load resistance.

Sash Issues

Visual inspections can help to identify and fix a variety of sash window problems. A professional window inspection can detect things like wood that is rotting and paintwork damage as well as broken glass, assuring that the window is in good shape to be used in the future. The most frequent issues are easily rectified and don't require replacement.

Issues like a sash that won't close or open could be frustrating and can affect the efficiency of your home. Your windows can also be dangerous if they suddenly close closed. This can result in injuries, property damage and the loss of heat or air conditioning.

Regular maintenance is essential to keep sliding sash windows looking good and working well. Cleaning your windows for sash and applying a lubricant spray can help them to open and close more quickly. However, if the problem 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. They can expand and shrink, which may cause them become stuck or encased within the frame. This is prevented by maintaining a a tight seal around the wood and by regularly applying an sash sealer or paint to protect against moisture.

Other issues with sash windows include a damaged cord displacement, lock and nail jamming. These all make it difficult to open and shut windows for sash. A carpenter can resolve these issues by removing the sash, replacing or repairing any damaged parts, before re-cording them.

It is possible to re-stain stained windows to restore their original appearance. It is important to maintain their condition to avoid water ingress and rot as well as other problems that may arise when the paint begins to peel and crack. Re-leading stained glass is an additional method to prevent it from leaking into surrounding wood and causing decay.