Glazing Repairs
The correct repair of your glazing can increase the value of your home. It also ensures that your window or door is operating as well as it can, enhancing its overall efficiency.
It can be difficult to determine if the problem you encounter requires professional assistance for repair. Here are some of the most frequently encountered issues that need fixing:.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are a crucial component of your glazing system. They are used to secure the windows, insulate them and seal against the elements of air and water. Although they are designed to last a long time and may require repair or replacement, the truth is that they'll need to be replaced at some time. The good news is that there are several options for repair in accordance with your budget and timeline.
Fogging inside your double paned IGU is among the most commonly reported signs that your window seals have failed. Foggy windows can be caused by a damaged seal between two glass panes within your IGU. This allows moisture to enter the IGU and create condensation. Although you can try some quick solutions to remove the fog from your windows, such as using a steamer or applying window putty, the most effective solution is to repair your window seals by an expert.
A leaky seal could cause your windows' insulation value to decrease. The space between your two panes is filled with inert gas such as argon or 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.
Over time rubber gaskets start to lose their elasticity due to age and exposure. The process can be accelerated by improper care, or environmental factors such as UV radiation. If not addressed, this can cause water intrusion into the building envelope and result in the growth of mold and mildew. This can eat away at the frame and sash on your IGU, destroying the appearance and weakening insulation.
The best way to prevent the loss of window seals is to carry out regular maintenance and avoiding common mistakes. Avoid using a high-pressure washer to clean windows as it could damage the seal. Do not apply a reflective film to your window that is insulated, since this could invalidate the guarantee and damage the sealant. Be cautious when using chemicals such as paint strippers, as they can harm sealant and cause failure.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a clear issue that requires immediate attention. A broken pane in a window could fall and break windows, or create drafts and even insects or water to get into your home. A broken pane of glass can pose danger to anyone who comes in contact with it. This includes pets and children. Glass that is shattering is not just an hazard to safety but can also be difficult to get rid of, and cause additional damage to sash and frames as well as other surfaces.
The first thing to do when a window has damaged is to seal it up with a cross-pattern of duct tape to stop further shattering. This will keep rain, bugs and other debris out of the house until you can replace the glass. This method is particularly crucial for windows with higher levels.
Wear thick, cut-resistant gloves. Also, wear eye protection. With pliers or a putty, pry old glazing points out of the frame recesses. Once the glass has been removed, clean the areas around it to prepare for the new replacement window.
After measuring the window's opening, it's important to ensure the new replacement is the exact size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes that are ready to be inserted however if you're looking for energy-efficient or safety glass it's likely to have to be custom cut for your frame. To avoid a mistake make sure you measure the opening of your window and subtract approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch for the new pane.
When you're ready for installing the new glass, place it carefully into the frame and check for a flush fit with the rabbets that hold it. A glass pane that is too big can cause the wood to swell and a pane that's too small can be thrown out of the frame or allow drafts in.
After you've ensured that the new pane is securely secured to the frame, wrap another cord of compound for glaziers around the edges of the glass to secure it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound with your fingers to ensure it's level with the new pane. Once dry paint the newly glazed frame and compound to match the rest of your window.
Structural Problems
The structural integrity of curtain wall frameworks and systems for framing is crucial to the safety and performance of glazed surfaces. During an inspection, a professional inspects anchor points, fasteners and supports for signs of corrosion or deterioration or misalignment. He or she also checks the sealants and gaskets to ensure that they're installed correctly and that they aren't leaky.
The structural issues that must be addressed include rusted frames and sagging walls. These issues can be dangerous and can lead to serious destruction over time. It is important to take care of any structural issues as soon as you can to avoid costly repairs down the road.
Curtain wall systems require extensive structural support to be able to withstand winds and other strains. When these components fail, the water intrusion that results can be costly and damaging. The root causes of these failures are due to poor construction, design flaws and poor installation.
Another problem that is frequently encountered is warping. This can result in deformed or distorted glass panels and affect the appearance of the system, energy efficiency and safety. An inspector for glass looks for warping during an inspection and suggests repair measures if needed.
The first step of an inspection of the glazing is to make sure that the area of work is free of obstructions and that workers are wearing the proper safety gear. Wearing gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests form part of the safety gear. You can also utilize a harness and ladder to reach higher or more difficult to reach places.
Common repairs for windows made of wood are missing or damaged hardware. Two-part epoxy is a good choice to repair minor cracks in wooden window panes, but severely damaged or rotten wood is best replaced. Sliding sashes that are stuck in their tracks can be removed by sanding them, then applying graphite grease. Aluminum window companies are usually the ones who handle more complicated issues such as replacing sliding mechanisms, or the major frame or sash parts.
Replacing an existing curtain wall usually comes with a much higher upfront cost than rehabilitation options, however the energy savings and enhanced quality of life for the occupants may eventually cover the initial investment. A replacement system can also help bring an existing structure in compliance with the more stringent requirements of building codes, such as insulation of glass and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Many issues with sash windows can be easily diagnosed and addressed through an examination. Things like rotting wood and paintwork damage as well as broken glass can be detected by a professional window assessment, ensuring the window is in good shape for its future use. The most common problems can be fixed easily and do not require replacement.
Problems such as a sash that won't close or open can be annoying and affect the energy efficiency of your home. It's also dangerous when windows suddenly snap shut and cause injuries, property damage, and loss of cool or warm air.
Sliding sash windows require regular maintenance to keep them looking good and operating properly. Cleaning Slough double glazing for sash and spraying them with lubricant can aid in opening and close more quickly. If the issue persists, it could be a sign that the balances aren't operating properly or there is something wrong with the sash itself.
Over time, wooden window sashes can absorb moisture and are affected by the fluctuation in levels of humidity. They can expand and shrink, which may cause them become stuck or trapped within the frame. This can be avoided by ensuring a good seal on the wood, and regularly applying paint or a sash sealer to protect against moisture.
Other issues with sash windows include a broken lock, cord displacement and nail jamming. These all make it difficult to open and shut sash windows. These issues can usually be resolved by carpenters who can take off the sash, replace or repair any damaged components and re-cord them.
It is possible to re-stain stained glass windows to bring back their original appearance. It is important to maintain them in good shape to avoid water ingress, rot and other problems that may arise when the paint begins to peel and crack. Stained glass can also be re-leaded in order to prevent it from leaking water onto the surrounding timber, causing wood decay.