Glazing Repairs

Making repairs to 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, increasing its overall performance.

It isn't easy to tell whether the problem you're experiencing requires professional attention. Here are some of the most frequent problems that require fixing:.

Damaged Seals

Window seals are an essential element of your glazing system. They secure, insulate and seal windows against moisture and air outside. They are designed to last for a long time but the reality is they may need repair or replacement at some point. The good news is that there are a variety of options for repair depending on your budget and timeframe.

Fogging inside your double paned insulated glass unit is among the most commonly reported indications that your window seals have failed. Foggy windows result from a damaged seal between the two glass panes of your IGU which allows moisture to get in, causing condensation. Although you can try some quick-fixes to defog your windows, for instance using a steamer, or applying window putty, the best solution is to repair your window seals by a professional.

In addition to allowing condensation and fogging between the window repairs panes, a faulty seal could cause your windows to lose their insulation value. The space between your two panes is filled with inert gas such as argon and xenon, which aids the IGU in preventing thermal transfer and keep heat in the home. The IGU's insulating benefits will be lost if the window seal fails. Your energy bills will also increase.

As time passes rubber gaskets begin to lose their elasticity due to aging and exposure. The process can be accelerated by improper care, or environmental factors like UV radiation. This can result in mildew and mold if it is not taken care of. This can cause damage to the frame and sash of your IGU, destroying the appearance and weakening insulation.

Avoiding common blunders and performing regular maintenance is the best method to avoid window seals falling apart. Avoid using a high pressure washer to clean windows as it can cause damage to the seal. Do not add a reflective film to your insulated window, because it could void the warranty and harm the sealant. Be cautious when using chemicals such as paint strippers because they could damage the sealant and cause it to fail.

Broken Glass

Broken glass is a problem that needs immediate attention. A broken pane in a window can be thrown down and cause additional windows to break or cause a draft, or even let insects or water into your home. A glass pane that has been broken could pose a risk to anyone who comes into contact with it. This is especially true for pets and children. In addition to being a safety hazard broken glass can be difficult to remove and may cause further damage to frames, sash and other surfaces.

If a window pane breaks, the first step is to tape it up using a cross-patch of ducttape to prevent further shattering and keep bugs, rain, and debris out of your home until you are able to replace the glass. This is especially crucial for windows with higher levels.

Wear thick, durable gloves. Also wear eye protection. Utilizing a putty knife, or pliers, pry out old glazing points, which are the tiny fasteners that hold glass into the frame's recesses. After the glass is removed, clean all the areas around it to prepare them for a new replacement window.

It is essential to measure the window opening and make sure that the replacement is of the proper size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes however if energy-efficient or safety glass is required, it could require cutting to fit your frame. To avoid making mistakes make sure you measure the opening of your window and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inches to fit the new pane.

When you're ready to install the new glass, place it with care into the frame and make sure it's an even fit with the rabbets holding it. A new glass pane that's too big can swell and cloud the wood around it, while one that's too small may fall off the frame and let drafts enter your home.

After the new pane has been secured, you can wrap another glaziers compound around the perimeter to seal the glass to the frame and the sash. Smooth the compound using your fingers to ensure it is even around the new pane. After the compound has dried, paint it and the frame to match the window.

Structural Issues

The strength and structural integrity of curtain wall and framing systems are essential for the safety, compliance, and performance of glass surfaces. During an inspection, the professional will inspect anchors, fasteners and supports to determine whether they are corroded deteriorated or misaligned. He or she also checks the gaskets and sealants to make sure that they are properly installed and that they aren't leaky.

Structural issues that must be addressed include rusted frames as well as sagging walls. These issues can be hazardous and could result in serious damage over time. It is important to fix any structural issues as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs down the line.

Curtain wall systems require extensive structural support to resist winds and timber other strains. The water intrusion caused by these components can be costly and damaging. These failures are often caused by poor construction, design mistakes or poor installation.

Warping can also cause distortion or deformed panels which may impact the appearance, energy efficiency and safety of the system. A glazing inspector looks for warping during an inspection and recommends repair steps if required.

The first step in a glazing inspection is to make sure that the work area is free of obstructions and that workers are wearing the proper safety gear. Hard hats, gloves, and high-visibility vests are all part of the safety equipment. It is also a good idea to use a ladder and harness to access higher or more difficult-to-access areas.

For windows with wood frames, typical repairs involve missing or loose hardware. A small crack in wooden window panes can often be fixed with two-part epoxy, however damaged or rotted wood is typically recommended replacement. Sliding sashes that are stuck in their tracks can be removed by sanding them, then applying graphite grease. More stubborn problems like replacing sliding mechanisms or the major frame or sash components are typically left to aluminum window manufacturers.

The cost of replacing an existing curtain wall system is usually higher than the cost of rehabilitation, however the energy savings as well as the increased comfort for people living in the structure could make it possible for the initial investment to be returned. A new system could help bring an existing structure in line with the more stringent requirements of building codes, such as insulation of glass and wind load resistance.

Sash Issues

Visual inspections can help diagnose and address many sash window problems. A professional window assessment can identify things like rotting wood, paintwork damage and broken glass, assuring that the window is in good condition for future use. Most of the problems that arise are easily rectified and do not require replacement.

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

Regular maintenance is essential to keep sliding sash windows looking nice and operating properly. Cleaning your sash window and spraying lubricant on it can make them easier to open and close. If the problem persists it could be because the balances don't work properly or there is a problem with the sash.

Over time wooden window sashes absorb moisture and can be affected by the fluctuation in humidity levels. They can expand and shrink, which can 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 paint or a sash sealer to shield against moisture.

Other sash problems that could be caused by a defective the sash lock, cord displacement and nail jamming, which can 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 replace them with a new cord.

It is possible to re-stain stained windows in order to restore their original appearance. It is important to maintain them in good order to protect the glass from water infiltration and rot that may occur when the paint begins to peel and crack. Stained glass can also be re-leaded in order to keep it from leaking water into surrounding timber, causing wood decay.