Glazing Repairs
The correct repair of your glazing will increase the value of your home. It will also improve the effectiveness of your windows or doors.
However, it can be tricky to know whether the problem you're experiencing needs professional repair. Here are some of the most frequently encountered problems that require fixing:.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are a crucial part of your glazing system. They secure the windows, insulate them and seal against outside air and moisture. They are designed to last for a long period of time, but the reality is they could require repair or replacement at some point. There are many options for repair, depending on your budget.
Fogging in your double-paned insulated glass unit is among the most frequent signs that the window seals are failing. Foggy windows can be caused by the seal being damaged between two glass panes of your IGU. This can allow water to get in and create condensation. double glazing Bishops Stortford can use a steamer to remove the fog from your windows or apply window putty. However, it is recommended that you get your window seals repaired by an expert.
In addition to allowing condensation and fogging between the window panes, a failing seal will also cause your windows to lose their insulation value. The space between the two glass panes is filled with an inert gas, like xenon and argon which helps the IGU resist heat transfer and keep heat in the home. The IGU's insulation benefits will be lost if the window seal fails. Your energy bills will also rise.
Rubber gaskets begin to degrade over time due to exposure and aging. The process can be accelerated by improper care, or environmental factors like UV radiation. If not addressed, this could cause water intrusion into the building envelope resulting in mildew and mold. This could eat away at the frame and sash of your IGU, destroying the appearance of the building and compromising insulation.
Avoiding common mistakes and executing regular maintenance are the best ways to avoid window seals breaking down. For instance, do not use a high-pressure washer to clean your windows, as it can work its way into the sash and cause damage to the seal. Also, avoid adding a reflective window film to your insulated glass, because it could void the warranty and harm the sealant material. Be cautious when using chemicals such as paint strippers, since they can damage the sealant and cause it to fail.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is an obvious issue that requires immediate attention. A glass pane that has broken in a window may fall and break windows, or create drafts and possibly water or insects to infiltrate your home. A glass pane that has been broken can also be dangerous to anyone who comes into contact with it, especially children or pets. Glass that has been broken is not just a risk to safety, but it can be a challenge to remove and cause further damage to sash and frames as well as 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 rain, bugs, and debris out of your home until you are able to replace the glass. This is particularly important for windows that are higher up.
Next, take precautions by putting on thick cut-resistant gloves and eye protection. With a putty knife or pliers, pry out old glazing points, the tiny fasteners that fix glass into the frame's recesses. Once the glass is removed, you must clean the entire area to prepare it for new window.
After determining the window's opening, it's important to make sure that the replacement is precisely the right size. Most glaziers will 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 made specifically for the frame. To avoid making mistakes take a measurement of your window's opening and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inches from the new pane.
Once you're ready to install your new glass, be sure to place it into the frame. Make sure it is in a straight line with the rabbets. A glass pane that's too large could cause the wood to expand, and a pane too small could fall out of the frame or allow drafts get in.
Once you've made sure the new pane is securely secured by a second cord of compound for glaziers' around the perimeter of the glass to secure it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound with your fingers to ensure it's level with the new pane. After drying, paint the newly glazed compound and frame to match the rest of your window.
Structural Problems
The structural integrity of curtain wall systems and framing systems is crucial to the safety and performance of glazed surfaces. In an inspection, a professional examines fasteners, anchor points, and supports for signs of corrosion, deterioration, or misalignment. They also examine the sealants and rubber gaskets to ensure they have been installed correctly and aren't leaky.
Rusted frames and sagging walls are structural issues that need to be addressed. These issues can be risky and could cause serious damage over time. It is crucial to take care of any structural issues as soon as you can to avoid costly repairs down the road.
Curtain wall systems require a lot of structural support to withstand wind loads and other stresses. The intrusion of water by these components can be costly and destructive. These failures are usually caused by poor construction, design mistakes and improper installation.
Another common problem is warping, which can result in deformed or distorted glass panels and affect the appearance of the system, its energy efficiency and safety. An inspector for glass looks for warping during an inspection and suggests repair actions if necessary.
The first step in an inspection of the glazing is to ensure that the work area is free of obstructions and that the workers are wearing the appropriate safety equipment. This includes gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests. You can also utilize a harness and ladder to reach higher or more difficult-to-reach places.
For windows made of wood, the most common repairs involve loose or missing hardware. Two-part epoxy is a good choice to repair minor cracks in window panes made of wood, but damaged or rotted wood is best replaced. Sliding sashes that have become stuck in their tracks can be cleared by sanding them and applying graphite grease. Aluminum window companies are usually the ones who handle more complex issues, such as replacing sliding mechanisms, or major frame or sash components.
Replacing a curtain wall usually comes with an upfront cost that is higher than rehabilitation, however the energy savings and increased occupant comfort may eventually recoup the initial investment. A replacement system may help bring an existing structure into compliance with the more stringent standards of building codes for insulation of glass and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help identify and address many problems with sash windows. Things like rotting wood or paintwork damage, as well as broken glass are all identified through a professional window inspection, ensuring the window is in good order to be used in the future. Fortunately, the most common issues are less severe and don't necessarily necessitate replacement.
Problems such as a sash window that doesn't close or open can be a source of frustration and also affect the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Windows can also be risky if they suddenly snap shut. This can result in injuries, property damage and even a loss of heat or air conditioning.
Regular maintenance is essential to keep sliding sash windows looking nice and functioning properly. Cleaning the window of your sash and spraying a lubricant can make them easier to open and close. If the problem continues it could mean that the balances aren't functioning correctly or that something is wrong with the sash.
Wooden window sashes absorb moisture over time and can be affected when humidity levels change. They can expand and shrink, which can cause them to become stuck or clogged in the frame. This is prevented by maintaining a an encapsulated seal around the wood, and by regularly applying an sash sealer or paint to protect against moisture.
Other sash problems that could be caused by a defective lock for sash, cord displacement and nail jamming that can make sash windows harder to open and close. These can often be fixed by carpenters who can take off the sash, replace or repair any damaged parts and reconnect them.
It is possible to re-stain stained glass windows in order to restore their original appearance. It is important to keep them in good shape to safeguard the glass from the ingress of water and rot, which could occur when the paint begins to peel and crack. Re-leading stained glass is another method to prevent it from leaking into surrounding wood and causing decay.