Five Glazing Repairs Lessons From The Professionals
Glazing Repairs
Getting glazing repairs right can boost your home's value. This can also increase the efficiency of your windows and doors.
It can be a challenge to determine if the problem you encounter requires professional assistance for repair. Here are a few of the most common problems that need to be fixed:
Damaged Seals
Window seals are an important element of your glazing system. They protect 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 fact is that they will have to be replaced at some point. There are many options for repair, depending on your budget.
Fogging in your double paned IGU is one of the most frequent indications that the window seals are failing. Foggy windows could be the result of the seal being damaged between two glass panes within your IGU. This allows water to get in, causing condensation. While you can try some quick-fixes to defog your windows, for instance using a steamer, or applying window putty, the most effective solution is to get your window seals replaced by a professional.
A failing seal can also cause your windows' insulation value to decrease. The space between the two panes is filled with inert gas such as argon and xenon which aids the IGU in preventing thermal transfer and keep heat within the home. When the window seal fails the insulation benefits of your IGU will be removed and your energy costs will increase.
Over time rubber gaskets begin to deteriorate due to aging and exposure. The process can be accelerated by improper maintenance or environmental factors, such as UV radiation. This can lead to mildew and mold if not addressed. This can cause damage to the frame and sash of your IGU, destroying the appearance of the building and compromising insulation.
The best way to avoid a breakdown of window seals is by performing regular maintenance and avoiding common errors. For instance, avoid using a high-pressure washer to clean your windows, because it could be able to penetrate the sash and cause damage to the seal. Also, avoid adding a reflective window film to your insulated glass as it could void the warranty and damage the sealant material. Be cautious when using chemical products, such as paint strippers, since they could damage the sealant and cause it to fail.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a clear issue that requires immediate attention. A shattered pane in a window can fall and cause other windows to break or create drafts, or allow water or insects into your home. A glass pane that is broken could also pose a risk to anyone who comes into contact with it, especially children or pets. In addition to being a safety risk broken glass is difficult to remove and could cause additional damage to frames, sash, and other surfaces.
The first thing to do when a windowpane is damaged is to seal it up with a cross-pattern of duct tape to stop further shattering. This will keep insects, rain and other debris out of your home until you are able to replace the glass. This method is particularly crucial for windows with higher levels.
Wear thick, durable gloves. Also, wear eye protection. With a putty knife or pliers, remove old glazing points, or the tiny fasteners that pin glass into the frame's recesses. After the glass has been removed, clean all the surrounding areas to prepare them for a new replacement window.
It is important to measure the window opening and make sure that the replacement is the proper size. Most glaziers will have standard-sized panes however, if energy-efficient glass or safety glass is required, it may require cutting to fit your frame. To avoid any mistakes, measure the window opening and subtract approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch for the new pane.
Once you're ready to put in the glass, put it in the frame with care and make sure it's an even fit with the rabbets holding it. A new glass pane that's too huge can swell and cloud the wood surrounding it, whereas one that's too small may be thrown off the frame or allow drafts into your home.
After the new pane is secured, you can wrap another glaziers compound around the perimeter to secure the glass to the frame and the sash. double glazing repairs Bishops Stortford using your fingers, making sure it's even all around the new pane. When dry paint the newly glazed frame and compound to match the rest of your window.
Structural Issues
The structural strength of curtain wall systems and framing systems is crucial to the safety performance, performance, and conformity of glass surfaces. During an inspection, the professional will examine anchors, fasteners and supports to determine if they are corroded, deteriorated, or misaligned. He or she also checks the gaskets and sealants to ensure that they're installed correctly and aren't leaking.
The structural issues that must be addressed include rusted frames as well as sagging walls. These issues can be extremely risky and could cause severe damage over the course of time. It is crucial to take care of any structural issues as quickly as possible to avoid costly repairs later on.
Curtain wall systems require substantial structural support to be able to withstand the forces of wind and other stress. The water intrusion caused by these components can be costly and destructive. These failures are usually caused by poor construction, design mistakes and improper installation.
Warping can also lead to distortion or deformed panels which can affect the appearance, energy efficiency and security of the system. A glazing inspector will look for signs of warping and suggest repairs if needed.
The first step in an inspection of glazing is to make sure that the area of work has been cleared of all obstructions and that the workers are wearing the appropriate safety equipment. This includes gloves, hard hats, and high-visibility vests. It is also recommended to use the ladder and harness to access higher or more difficult-to-access areas.
For wood-framed windows, common repairs involve a lack of or damaged hardware. A small crack in window frames made of wood can be fixed using a two-part epoxy, but damaged or rotted wood is generally best replaced. Sliding sashes that are stuck in their tracks can be cleared by sanding them before applying graphite grease. More stubborn problems like replacing sliding mechanisms and the major frame or sash components are typically left to aluminum window manufacturers.
The cost of replacing the existing curtain wall is typically higher than the cost of rehabilitation, but the savings in energy consumption as well as the increased comfort of people living in the structure could make it possible for the initial investment to be paid back. In addition, a replacement system can assist in bringing the structure in line to more strict building codes for insulated glazing and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Many sash window problems can be identified and resolved by an examination. Things like rotting timber, damage to paintwork and broken glass are all picked up by a professional window assessment, ensuring the window is in good shape for future use. Fortunately, the most frequent issues are less severe and do not necessarily require replacement.
Issues like a sash window that isn't able to open or close can be a source of frustration and can also affect your home's energy efficiency. It's also dangerous when windows suddenly snap shut, causing injuries, property damage or loss of heat or cool air.
Regular maintenance is required to keep sliding sash windows in good condition and functioning properly. Cleaning your windows for sash and spraying them with lubricant can aid in opening and close more easily. If the problem persists it could mean that the balances don't work correctly or that something is wrong with the sash.
Over time wooden window sashes absorb moisture and are affected by changes in humidity levels. This causes them swell and shrink, which can cause them become stuck or encased within the frame. This can be avoided by keeping an encapsulated seal around the wood, and by applying an sash sealer or paint to shield against moisture.
Other sash problems include a damaged lock, cord displacement and nail jamming. All of these make it difficult to open and close windows in sash. These can often be fixed by carpenters who will take out the sash, repair or replace any damaged components and reconnect them.
It is possible to re-stain stained glass windows to bring back their original appearance. It is important to keep them in good shape to safeguard the glass from water ingress and rot which could occur when the paint starts to peel and crack. Stained glass can also be re-leaded to prevent it from leaking water into surrounding timber and causing decay of the wood.