Glazing Repairs
Correctly repairing your glass can boost the value of your home. This can also increase the efficiency of your windows and doors.
It isn't easy to tell whether the issue you're experiencing is one that requires professional attention. Here are a few of the most frequent problems that must be fixed:
Seals that have been damaged
Window seals are an essential component of your glazing system. They secure windows, insulate them and seal them against outside air and moisture. Although they are designed to last a long time, and may require repair or replacement, the reality is that they'll need to be replaced at some moment. There are several options available to repair them, based on your budget.
One of the most common signs that your window seals aren't working is the presence of fog in your double pane IGU. (IGU). Foggy windows can be caused by the seal being damaged between two glass panes of your IGU. This can allow moisture to enter the IGU and cause condensation. Steamers are a great option to remove the fog from your windows or apply window putty. However, it is recommended that you fix your window seals by an experienced professional.
A leaky seal can cause the insulation value of your windows to decrease. The space between the two glass panes is filled with an inert gas, such as xenon or argon which help the IGU resist heat transfer and keep the heat inside the home. When the window seal fails, the insulating benefit of your IGU will be lost and your energy bills will rise.
Rubber gaskets start to degrade with time because of exposure and age. Degradation can be accelerated through poor care or environmental factors like UV radiation. If not addressed, this could cause water penetration into the building envelope, resulting in mildew and mold. This could eat away at the frame and sash of your IGU and cause damage to the appearance of the building and compromising insulation.
The best way to avoid a breakdown of window seals is to perform regular maintenance and avoiding common mistakes. Avoid using a high-pressure washer to clean windows as it could damage the seal. Don't apply a reflective film to your window with insulation because it could void the warranty and damage the sealant. Be cautious when using chemicals like paint strippers because they can cause damage to sealant and cause failure.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a common issue that requires immediate attention. A shattered pane within a window could fall and cause other windows to break or create drafts, or let insects or water into your home. A broken pane of glass can be dangerous for anyone who comes into contact with it. This includes children and 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.
When a windowpane cracks, the first step is to seal it up with a cross-patch of ducttape to stop further shattering and keep bugs, rain and other debris out of your home until you are able to replace the glass. This is especially crucial for windows with higher levels.
Then, be sure to take precautions by wearing protective eyewear and gloves that are cut-resistant. Using a putty knife or pliers, remove old glazing points, the tiny fasteners that hold glass into the frame's recesses. Once the glass has been removed, clean the surrounding areas to prepare for the installation of a new replacement window.
It is essential to measure the opening of your window and ensure that the replacement is of the right size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes ready to insert however if you're looking for energy-efficient or safety glass it's likely to need to be custom cut for your frame. To avoid a mistake, measure the window opening and subtract about 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the new pane.
When you're ready for installing the glass, put it with care into the frame and ensure it's a flush fit to the rabbets that hold it. A glass pane that is too big can cause the wood to swell and a pane that is too small could fall out of the frame, or allow drafts enter.
Once the new pane is secured, you can roll another cord of glaziers compound around the perimeter of the pane to seal the glass to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound using your finger to ensure it's even around the new pane. When the compound is dry paint it on the frame to match the window.
Structural Problems
The structural strength of curtain wall frames and systems is essential to the safety, performance, and compliance of glazed surfaces. During an inspection, a professional checks anchor points, fasteners, and supports for signs of corrosion or deterioration or misalignment. They also check the sealants and gaskets to make sure that they are installed correctly and aren't leaky.
Rusted frames and sagging wall are structural problems that need to be addressed. These issues can be risky and could cause severe damage in the future. It is essential to address any structural issues as soon as you can to avoid costly repairs down the road.
Curtain wall systems need extensive structural support to withstand wind loads and other strains. Water intrusion caused by these components can be costly and damaging. The underlying causes of these failures include poor construction, design flaws and poor installation.
Another problem that is frequently encountered is warping, which can cause distorted or deformed glass panels and affect the appearance of the system, its energy efficiency and security. A glazing inspector will search for signs of warping and suggest repairs if required.
Glazing inspections should begin by ensuring that the area of work is free of any obstructions and that everyone is wearing the appropriate safety gear. Gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests are all a part of the safety equipment. It's also a good idea to use a harness and ladder for accessing higher or harder-to-reach areas.
For windows made of wood, the most common repairs involve a lack of or damaged hardware. A few minor cracks on window frames made of wood can be fixed with two-part epoxy, however damaged or rotted wood is usually better replaced. Sliding sashes that have become stuck in their tracks can be removed by sanding them before applying graphite grease. More difficult problems, such as replacing sliding mechanisms and major sash or frame parts are usually left to aluminum window manufacturers.
Replacing an existing curtain wall usually comes with a much higher upfront cost than rehabilitation, however the energy savings and increased quality of life for the occupants may eventually cover the initial investment. Additionally, a replacement system could help bring the current structure into compliance with more strict building code requirements for insulated glazing and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Many issues with sash windows can be identified and resolved by an examination. A professional window inspection can detect things like rotting wood, paintwork damage and broken glass, assuring that the window is in good order to be used in the future. Luckily, double glazing are less severe and don't require replacement.
Issues like a sash window that doesn't close or open can be a nuisance and could also impact your home's energy efficiency. Your windows could also be dangerous if they suddenly close shut. This can cause injuries, property damage and the loss of air conditioning or heat.
Sliding sash windows need regular maintenance to keep them looking good and operating properly. Cleaning your window sash and spraying lubricant on it can make them easier to open and shut. However, if the problem persists it could be an indication that the balances aren't operating properly or there is something wrong with the sash itself.
Wooden window sashes take in moisture over time and are affected by changes in humidity. This causes them to swell and shrink, which can cause them to get stuck or trapped in the frame. This can be avoided by maintaining a tight seal on the wood and regularly applying a sash sealer or paint to guard against moisture.
Other sash issues that may occur are a damaged sash lock, cord displacement and nail jamming which all make windows for sash difficult to open and close. A carpenter can solve these issues by removing the sash and replacing or repairing any damaged components, then re-cording them.
It is possible to re-stain stained glass windows to restore their original appearance. It is essential to keep them in good shape to prevent water ingress and rot as well as other problems that can occur when the paint begins to peel and crack. Stained glass can also be re-leaded in order to prevent it from leaking water into the surrounding timber and causing decay of the wood.