Glazing Repairs
The correct repair of your glazing can boost the value of your home. This will also improve the effectiveness of your windows or doors.
It can be difficult to determine if the issue you are experiencing requires professional help. Here are some of the most frequently encountered problems that require repair:.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are a crucial component of your glazing system. They protect the windows, insulate them and seal against moisture and air outside. Although they are designed to last for a long time and could require repair or replacement, the truth is that they will need to be replaced at some moment. There are many options for repair, depending on your budget.
Fogging in your double-paned insulated glass unit is one of the most common indications that the window seals are failing. Foggy windows are caused by a broken seal between the two glass panes of your IGU that allows moisture to be absorbed, causing condensation. You can use a steamer to clear the windows or apply window putty. However, it is recommended to get your window seals repaired by an expert.
A failing seal can also cause your windows' insulation to decrease. The space between the two panes is filled with inert gas such as argon or xenon that assists the IGU in resisting thermal transfer and maintain warm within the house. The IGU's insulating benefits will be lost if the window seal fails. Your costs for energy will also increase.
Gaskets made of rubber begin to degrade over time because of exposure and age. Degradation can be accelerated through inadequate care, or environmental factors like UV radiation. If not addressed, this could cause water infiltration into the building envelope and result in mold and mildew. This could eat away at the frame and sash of your IGU and ruin the appearance and damaging your insulation.
Avoiding common mistakes and executing regular maintenance is the best way to prevent window seals from falling apart. Avoid using a high pressure washer to clean windows as it could damage the seal. Additionally, do not add a reflective window film to your insulated glass as it could void the warranty and damage the sealant material. Be careful when using chemicals such as paint strippers, as they can cause damage to 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 other windows or cause drafts and possibly even water or insects to infiltrate your home. window repair Dulwich broken pane of glass can pose danger to anyone who comes into contact with it. This includes pets and children. In addition to being a safety risk, shattered glass can be difficult to remove and may cause additional damage to frames, sash, and other surfaces.
The first thing to do when a window is cracked is to tape it up with a cross-pattern of duct tap to prevent further shattering. This will keep rain, bugs and other debris out of the house until you can replace your glass. This method is particularly important for upper-story window.
Wear thick, cut-resistant gloves. Also wear eye protection. With a putty or pliers, pry old glazing points from the recesses of the frame. After the glass is removed, clean the areas around it to prepare them for a new replacement window.
It's important to measure the opening of your window and ensure that the replacement is of the proper size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes ready to insert, but if you want energy-efficient or safety glass, it's likely to need to be cut specifically for your frame. To avoid a mistake, measure the window opening and subtract about 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the new pane.
Once you're ready to put in the glass you just bought, insert it in the frame with care and ensure it's an even fit with the rabbets holding it. A glass pane that's too big can cause a cloud to form and swell on the surrounding wood, while one that's too small can fall off the frame and allow drafts into your home.
After you've ensured that the new pane is secure to the frame, wrap another cord of compound for glaziers around the perimeter of the glass to seal it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound with your finger, ensuring that it's evenly distributed across the new pane. After drying paint the newly glazed frame and compound to match the rest of your window.
Structural Issues
The strength and structural integrity of curtain wall and framing systems is crucial for the safety, compliance, and performance of glazing surfaces. During an inspection, a professional checks fasteners, anchor points, and supports for corrosion, deterioration, or misalignment. They also examine the gaskets and sealants to ensure they are installed correctly and aren't leaking.
Rusted frames and sagging wall are structural issues that need to be addressed. These problems can be very hazardous and could result in severe damage in the future. It is crucial to take care of any structural issues as soon as you can in order to avoid expensive repairs in the future.
Curtain wall systems need extensive structural support to withstand winds, and other strains. The intrusion of water by these components could be costly and damaging. These failures are often caused by poor construction, design mistakes or inadequate installation.
Warping can also cause distortion or deformed panels which can impact the appearance as well as the energy efficiency and safety of the system. A glazing inspector looks for warping during an inspection and recommends repair measures if needed.
Glazing inspections should begin by making sure the area of work is free of any obstructions and that all workers are wearing the appropriate safety equipment. Wearing gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests are all part of the safety equipment. You can also utilize a harness and ladder to reach higher or more difficult-to-reach places.
Common repairs for wooden windows are missing or damaged hardware. Two-part epoxy can be used to repair minor cracks on window panes made of wood, but severely damaged or rotted wood should be replaced. Sliding sashes that are stuck in their tracks can be removed by sanding them before applying graphite grease. Window companies made of aluminum are typically the ones to handle more difficult problems like replacing sliding mechanisms or major frame or sash components.
Replacing an existing curtain wall usually comes with an upfront cost that is higher than rehabilitation options, however the energy savings and enhanced occupant comfort may eventually recoup the initial investment. In addition, a new system could help bring the structure in line to more strict building code requirements for insulated glass and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help to identify and resolve a number of sash window problems. Things like rotting wood and paintwork damage as well as broken glass can be picked up through a professional window inspection, ensuring the window is in good shape to be used in the future. Fortunately, the most frequent issues aren't as serious and don't require replacement.
Issues like a sash window that doesn't close or open can be a source of frustration and can also affect your home's energy efficiency. It's also a risk when windows suddenly snap shut, causing injuries, property damage, and loss of cool air or heat.
Sliding sash windows need regular maintenance to keep them looking good and operating properly. Cleaning your windows for sash and applying a lubricant spray can help them to open and close more quickly. However, if the issue persists, it could be a sign that the balances aren't functioning correctly or that something is wrong with the sash itself.
Over time wooden window sashes absorb moisture and be affected by the fluctuation in humidity levels. They can expand and shrink, which could cause them to become stuck or clogged within the frame. This can be prevented by ensuring a tight seal on the wood and regularly applying paint or a sash sealer to protect 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 for sash. They can be repaired by a carpenter who will remove the sash, replace or repair any damaged parts and replace them with a new cord.
Stained glass windows may be stained again to improve their appearance. It is important to maintain their condition to avoid water ingress and rot, as well as other issues that may arise when the paint begins to peel and crack. Re-leading stained glass is a different method to prevent it from leaking into the surrounding wood and causing decay.