Activity

Glazing Repairs

Getting glazing repairs right can boost your home’s value. It will also improve the effectiveness of your windows or doors.

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

Damaged Seals

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

Fogging in your double-paned insulated glass unit is among the most commonly reported signs that your window seals have failed. Foggy windows may be caused by an unsound seal between two glass panes of your IGU. This allows moisture to enter the IGU and create condensation. Steamers can be used to defog the windows or apply window putty. However, it’s recommended to fix your window seals by a professional.

A leaky seal can cause your windows’ insulation value to decrease. The space between the two glass panes is filled with an inert gas, such as argon and xenon, which helps the IGU to resist heat transfer and keeps the heat inside the home. When the window seal fails, the insulating benefit of your IGU will be diminished and your energy costs will rise.

Gaskets made of rubber begin to degrade over time because of exposure and age. The process can be accelerated by insufficient care or by environmental factors such as UV radiation. If not addressed, this could cause water penetration into the building envelope, resulting in mold and mildew. This could eat away at the frame and sash of your IGU and ruin the appearance and compromising your insulation.

The best way to avoid a breakdown of window seals is to perform regular maintenance and avoiding common errors. For instance, do not use a high-pressure washer to clean your windows, as it can work its way into the sash and damage the seal. Do not apply reflective films to your window that is insulated, as this could void the warranty and harm the sealant. Be cautious when using chemical like paint strippers because they can damage sealant and cause failure.

Broken Glass

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

If a window pane breaks the first step is to tape it up using a cross-patch of ducttape to stop further shattering and keep rain, bugs, and debris out of your home until you can replace the glass. This is particularly important for upper-story windows.

Then, be sure to take precautions by putting on thick protective eyewear and gloves that are cut-resistant. Utilizing a putty knife, or pliers, pry out old glazing points, which are the tiny fasteners that pin glass into the frame’s recesses. After the glass has been removed, you must clean the entire area to prepare it for a new window.

It is important to measure the opening of your window and ensure that the replacement is the right size. Most glaziers will have standard-sized panes, but if energy-efficient glass or safety glass is required, it might need to be cut to fit the frame. To avoid any mistakes take a measurement of the window opening and subtract about 1/8 to 1/4 inch to fit the new pane.

Once you’re ready to put in the glass, put 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 big could cause clouding and swelling of the wood around it, while one that’s too small may fall from the frame or let drafts in your home.

After you’ve ensured that the new pane is secured, roll another cord of glaziers’ compound around the edges of the glass to seal it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound with your fingers, making sure it’s even all around the new pane. When dry, paint the newly glazed compound and frame to match the rest of your window.

Structural Issues

The strength and structural integrity of curtain wall and framing system are crucial for the safety, compliance and performance of glass surfaces. During an inspection, a professional examines anchor points, fasteners, and supports for signs of corrosion or deterioration. They also look for misalignment. double glazing repairs examines the gaskets and sealants to ensure that they are properly installed and aren’t leaking.

Rusted frames and sagging walls are structural problems that need to be addressed. These problems are dangerous and could cause serious damage over time. It is essential to take care of any structural issues as soon as you can in order to avoid expensive repairs in the future.

Curtain wall systems require a lot of structural support to withstand wind loads and other strains. 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.

Warping can also result in distortion or deformed panels which may impact the appearance, energy efficiency and safety of the system. A glass inspector will check for warping and recommend repairs if required.

Glazing inspections should begin by making sure that the area of work is free of obstructions, and that everyone is wearing the appropriate safety equipment. Hard hats, gloves, and high-visibility vests are all part of the safety equipment. You can also use a ladder and harness to reach higher or more difficult to reach places.

For windows with wood frames, typical repairs involve a lack of or damaged hardware. A small crack in wooden window panes can often be repaired with two-part epoxy, however damaged or rotted wood is typically best replaced. Sliding sashes stuck in their tracks can be loosened by sanding them before applying graphite grease. More complex issues like replacing sliding mechanisms and the major frame or sash components are usually left to aluminum window companies.

The cost of replacing the existing curtain wall is typically higher than the cost of rehabilitation, however the energy savings as well as the improved comfort for the residents could make it possible for the initial investment to be paid back. A replacement system may assist in bringing an existing structure in compliance with the more stringent requirements of building codes, such as insulation of glass and wind resistance to load.

Sash Issues

Visual inspections can help identify and resolve a number of problems with sash windows. A professional assessment of the window will reveal things like rotting wood or paintwork damage, as well as broken glass, ensuring that the window is in good shape to be used in the future. The most common problems can be easily fixed and do not require replacement.

Issues like a sash window that doesn’t close or open can be a hassle and could also impact your home’s energy efficiency. It’s also a risk if your windows unexpectedly slam 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 working properly. Cleaning the window of your sash and spraying a lubricant can make them easier to open and shut. 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 absorb moisture over time and can be affected when humidity levels fluctuate. This causes them to 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 an sash sealer or paint to protect against moisture.

Other sash problems include a faulty cord displacement, lock and nail jamming. All of these make it difficult to open and shut windows in sash. A carpenter can fix these issues by removing the sash and replacing or repairing any damaged parts, and then reconnecting them.

It is possible to re-stain stained glass windows in order to restore their original appearance. It is crucial to keep them in good shape to prevent water intrusion and rot, as well as other issues that may arise when paint starts to peel and crack. Re-leading stained glass is an additional way to stop it from leaking into the surrounding wood and causing decay.