Glazing Repairs Making repairs to your glazing correctly can boost your home's value. It also ensures that your window or door is operating as well as it can, increasing its overall efficiency. It isn't always easy to determine whether the problem you're experiencing is one that requires professional attention. Here are a few of the most common problems that require fixing:. Seals that are damaged 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. They are designed to last for a long period of time, however, they may need repair or replacement at some point. The good news is there are several options for repair depending on your budget and timeframe. One of the most obvious signs that your window seals are failing is the presence of fog in your double pane IGU. (IGU). Foggy windows may be caused by the seal being damaged between two glass panes in your IGU. This allows moisture to enter the IGU, causing condensation. While you can try a few quick fixes to clear your windows, such as using a steamer, or applying window putty, the most effective solution is to repair your window seals by a professional. A leaky seal can cause the insulation value of your windows to decrease. The space between the two panes of glass is filled with an inert gas such as argon and xenon which help the IGU to resist heat transfer and keep the heat in the home. When the window seal fails the insulation benefit of your IGU will be diminished and your energy costs will rise. Rubber gaskets start to degrade with time due to exposure and age. The degradation can be accelerated by insufficient care or by environmental factors, such as UV radiation. This can cause mold and mildew if not addressed. double glazing window repairs could eat away at the frame and sash on your IGU, destroying the appearance and compromising insulation. Avoiding common blunders and performing regular maintenance are the best ways to prevent window seals from falling apart. Avoid using a high-pressure washer to clean windows since it could damage the seal. Also, don't add a reflective window film to your insulated glass, since it could invalidate the warranty and harm the sealant material. Finally, be careful when using chemicals such as paint strippers because they can cause damage to the sealant and cause it to fail. Broken Glass Broken glass is a hazard that needs immediate attention. A shattered pane in a window can fall and cause further windows to break or cause drafts, or allow insects or water to enter your home. A broken glass pane can be a danger to anyone who comes in contact with it, especially children or pets. In addition to being a safety risk broken glass is difficult to remove and could cause further damage to frames, sash and adjacent surfaces. If a window pane breaks, the first step is to board it up using the cross-patch of duct tape to stop the glass from shattering further and keep bugs, rain, and debris out of your home until you are able to replace the glass. This method is especially important for windows with higher levels. Next, take precautions by putting on thick cut-resistant gloves and eye protection. With a putty or pliers, pry old glazing points out of the recesses of the frame. After the glass has been removed, clean the entire area to prepare it for a new window. After determining the window's opening, it's essential to ensure that the replacement is precisely the right size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes however if energy-efficient or safety glass is required, it could require cutting to fit the frame. To avoid a mistake take a measurement of the window opening and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the new pane. When you are ready to install your glass, take care to place it in the frame. Make sure it is perfectly with the rabbets. A glass pane that is too big could cause the wood to swell and a pane that's too small could be thrown out of the frame, or allow drafts get in. Once the new pane is secured, you can wrap another glaziers compound around the perimeter of the pane to seal the glass to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound using your fingers to ensure that it's even around the new pane. After drying paint the newly glazed compound and frame to match the rest of your window. Structural Problems The structural integrity and performance of curtain wall and framing systems is crucial for the safety, compliance, and performance of glazing surfaces. During an inspection, a professional checks anchor points, fasteners and supports for corrosion, deterioration, or misalignment. They also check the sealants and gaskets to make sure that they are properly installed and aren't leaking. The structural issues that must be addressed include rusted frames as well as walls that are sagging. These issues are risky and can lead to serious damage over time. It is important that you take care of any structural issues as soon as possible so that you avoid costly repairs down the line. Curtain wall systems require a lot of structural support in order to withstand winds, and other stresses. Water intrusion caused by these components can be costly and destructive. These failures are usually caused by inadequate construction, design errors or improper installation. Warping can also lead to distortion or deformed panels which may affect the appearance, energy efficiency and security of the system. A glass inspector will check for signs of warping and suggest repair measures if necessary. Glazing inspections should begin by making sure the area of work is free of obstructions and all workers are wearing appropriate safety equipment. Gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests are all part of the safety gear. It is also an excellent idea to wear the ladder and harness for accessing higher or harder-to-reach areas. For windows with wood frames, typical repairs involve loose or missing hardware. A few minor cracks in window frames made of wood can be repaired with a two-part epoxy, but damaged or rotten wood is typically better replaced. Sliding sashes stuck in their tracks can be cleared by sanding them and applying graphite grease. Aluminum window companies are typically the ones who handle more complex issues, such as replacing sliding mechanisms or the major frame or sash parts. The cost of replacing the curtain wall system is usually greater than the cost of rehabilitation, but the energy savings and the increased comfort for occupants may allow the initial investment to be paid back. A replacement system can assist in bringing an existing structure into compliance with the more stringent standards of building codes for insulation of glass and wind resistance to load. Sash Issues Visual inspections can help identify and fix a variety of sash window problems. A professional assessment of the window will reveal things like rotting wood or paintwork damage, as well as broken glass, which will ensure that the window is in good condition for future use. The most frequent issues 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 nuisance and also affect the efficiency of your home's energy usage. It's also risky if your windows unexpectedly slam shut and cause injuries, property damage or loss of cool or warm air. Sliding sash windows need regular maintenance to keep them looking good and functioning well. Cleaning your sash windows and spraying them with lubricant can help them to open and close more easily. However, if the issue persists it could be a sign that the balances aren't working correctly or that something is wrong with the sash itself. Over time the wooden windowsashes absorb moisture and be affected by changing humidity levels. They can expand and shrink which can cause them to get stuck or trapped in the frame. This is prevented by maintaining a an encapsulated seal around the wood, and by applying a sash paint or sealer to guard against moisture. Other sash problems include a broken lock, cord displacement, and nail jamming. These issues make it difficult to open and shut windows in sash. They can be repaired by carpenters who will take out the sash, repair or replace any damaged components, and then re-cord them. It is possible to re-stain stained windows to restore their original appearance. It is essential to keep their condition to avoid water ingress, rot and other problems that may arise when paint starts 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 decay of the wood.
double glazing window repairs
