Glazing Repairs

Repairing your glazing correctly will increase the value of your home. It will also ensure that your window or door is operating as well as it can, increasing its overall efficiency.

It can be tricky to know whether the problem you're experiencing requires professional attention. Here are some of the most common problems that need to be fixed:

Damaged Seals

Window seals are an essential component of your glazing system. They protect, insulate, and protect windows from external air and moisture. They are designed to last for a long time however, they may need repair or replacement at some time. The good news is there are several options for repair depending on your budget and timeframe.

Fogging inside your double paned IGU is one of the most common indicators that the window seals are failing. Foggy windows could be the result of an unsound seal between two glass panes of your IGU. This can allow water to get in, causing condensation. Steamers can be used to clear the windows or apply window putty. However, it's recommended that you get your window seals repaired by an expert.

In addition to allowing condensation and fogging between the window panes, a faulty seal will also cause your windows to lose their insulation value. The space between the two glass panes is filled with an inert gas like xenon and argon which help the IGU ward off heat transfer and keep heat inside the home. When the window seal fails the insulation benefits of your IGU will be removed and your energy costs will increase.

Rubber gaskets start to degrade over time because of exposure and age. Degradation can be accelerated due to inadequate care, or environmental factors like UV radiation. If not addressed, this can cause water infiltration into the building envelope resulting in mold and mildew. This could eat away at the frame and window replacement near me sash on your IGU, destroying the appearance of the building and compromising insulation.

Avoiding common blunders and performing regular maintenance is the best way to avoid window seals breaking down. For instance, do not use high-pressure washers to clean your windows because it could get into the sash and cause damage to the seal. Do not add a reflective film to your window with insulation since this could invalidate the warranty and harm the sealant. Also, be cautious when using chemicals, such as paint strippers, since they can damage the sealant and cause it to fail.

Broken Glass

Broken glass is a common problem that requires immediate attention. A glass pane that has broken in a window may fall and break further windows, or create drafts and possibly water or insects to infiltrate your home. A glass pane that has been broken can also be dangerous to anyone who comes in contact with it, including pets or children. In addition to being a safety risk, shattered glass can be difficult to remove and could cause additional damage to frames, sash, and other surfaces.

The first step to take when a window doctor is cracked is to tape it up with a cross-pattern of duct tap to prevent further shattering. This will keep rain, bugs and other debris out of your house until you can replace your glass. This is particularly important for windows with higher levels.

Wear thick, cut-resistant gloves. Also, wear eye protection. With a putty knife or pliers, pry out old glazing points, the tiny fasteners that hold glass into the frame's recesses. After the glass has been removed, wash the entire area to prepare it for a new window.

After measuring the window opening, it's essential to ensure the new replacement is exactly the right size. Most glaziers will have standard-sized panes available to insert however if you're looking for security glass or energy-efficient, it's likely to need to be custom cut for 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 put in your new glass, carefully place it in the frame. Make sure that it's in a straight line with the rabbets. A glass pane too large could cause the wood to swell, and a pane too small could be thrown out of the frame or let drafts enter.

Once you've made sure the new pane is securely secured, roll another cord of compound for glaziers' around the glass's perimeter to secure it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound using your fingers to ensure it is even around the new pane. After the compound has dried paint it on the frame to match your window.

Structural Problems

The strength and structural integrity of curtain wall and framing systems is essential for the safety, compliance and performance of glazing surfaces. During an inspection, a professional checks anchor points, fasteners and supports for corrosion or deterioration or misalignment. He or she also checks the sealants and gaskets to ensure that they are properly installed and that they are not leaky.

The structural issues that must be addressed include rusted frames as well as walls that are sagging. These issues can be risky and window replacement near me could cause severe damage in the future. It is essential to fix any structural issues promptly in order to avoid expensive repairs in the future.

Curtain wall systems require substantial structural support to resist the forces of wind and other stress. The water intrusion caused by these components could be costly and damaging. The main causes for these failures include poor construction, design errors, and inadequate installation.

Another issue that is common is warping, which can cause distorted or deformed glass panels that can affect the system's appearance, energy efficiency, and security. A glazing inspector looks for warping during an inspection and suggests repair steps if required.

Glazing inspections should start by ensuring that the area of work is free of any obstructions and that all workers are wearing appropriate safety gear. This includes hard hats, gloves and high-visibility vests. It's also a good idea to use the ladder and harness for accessing higher or harder-to-reach areas.

Common repairs for windows made of wood are missing or damaged hardware. Two-part epoxy can be used to repair minor cracks on windows made of wood, however severely damaged or rotted wood should be replaced. Sticking sashes can often be removed from their tracks by sanding them and applying graphite grease. More stubborn problems like replacing sliding mechanisms and the major frame or sash components are usually left to aluminum window companies.

Replacing an existing curtain wall system typically involves an upfront cost that is higher than rehabilitation, however the energy savings and improved comfort of the occupants could eventually pay for the initial investment. A replacement system can assist in bringing an existing structure into conformity with the stricter requirements of building codes for insulation of glass and wind load resistance.

Sash Issues

Visual inspections can help identify and resolve a number of issues with sash windows. A professional window inspection can detect issues like rotting wood and paintwork damage as well as broken glass, ensuring that the window is in good condition for its future use. Most of the problems that arise can be fixed easily and don't require replacement.

Issues like a sash window that isn't able to open or close can be a source of frustration and also affect your home's energy efficiency. It's also a risk when windows suddenly snap shut and cause injuries, property damage or loss of cool air or heat.

Regular maintenance is required to keep sliding sash windows in good condition and operating properly. Cleaning your window replacement Near me sash and spraying it with lubricant could make them easier to open and close. However, if the issue persists it could be a sign that the balances aren't operating properly or there's something wrong with the sash itself.

Wooden window sashes absorb moisture over time and can be affected by changes in humidity. They then expand and shrink, which may cause them become stuck or encased within the frame. This can be avoided by keeping an airtight seal around the wood, and by applying an sash sealer or paint to protect against moisture.

Other issues with sash windows include a faulty lock, cord displacement, and nail jamming. These issues make it difficult to open and close windows in sash. These issues can usually be resolved by carpenters who can take off the sash, replace or repair any damaged components and reconnect them.

Stained glass windows may be stained to restore their appearance. It's important to keep them in good shape to guard against the ingress of water and rot, which may occur when the paint begins to peel and crack. Stained glass can also be re-leaded in order to stop it from leaking water into the surrounding timber and causing wood decay.