Glazing Repairs

The correct repair of your glazing can increase the value of your home. It also ensures that your window or door is operating as well as possible, improving its overall performance.

However, it isn't easy to tell whether the problem you're experiencing is one that requires professional attention. Here are some of the most common problems that need to be addressed:

Seals that have been damaged

Window seals are an important part of your glazing system. They protect windows, insulate them and seal them against the elements of air and water. Although they are designed to last for a long time and may require repair or replacement, the reality is that they will need to be replaced at some moment. There are many options for repair, based on your budget.

Fogging in your double-paned IGU is one of the most common indicators that your window seals have failed. Foggy windows could be the result of a damaged seal between two glass panes in your IGU. This allows moisture to enter the IGU, causing condensation. Although you can try some quick solutions to remove the fog from your windows, like using a steamer or applying window putty, RepairMyWindowsAndDoors the most efficient solution is to get your window seals replaced by a professional.

A leaky seal could cause your windows' insulation 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 resist heat transfer and keep the heat in the house. Once the window seal fails the insulation benefit of your IGU will be removed and your energy costs will increase.

Rubber gaskets begin to degrade over time because of exposure and age. Degradation can be accelerated due to improper care, or environmental factors like UV radiation. If not addressed, this can cause water penetration into the building envelope, resulting in the growth of mold and mildew. This can eat through the frame and sash of your IGU and cause a shabby appearance and damaging your insulation.

Avoiding common blunders and performing regular maintenance are the best ways to stop window seals from breaking down. For instance, do not use a high-pressure washer to clean your windows, as it can get into the sash and cause damage to the seal. Also, avoid adding a reflective window film to your insulated glass, since it could invalidate 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 problem that needs immediate attention. A pane shattered in a window may fall and break windows or cause drafts and even insects or water to infiltrate your home. A broken pane of glass can be dangerous for anyone who comes into contact with it. This includes children and pets. Glass that is shattering is not just a safety risk, but it can be a challenge to remove and cause further damage to sash and frames and other surfaces.

When a windowpane cracks, the first step is to seal it up using the cross-patch of duct tape to prevent further shattering and keep bugs, rain and other debris out of your home until you can replace the glass. This is particularly important for upper-story window.

Take precautions by wearing protective eyewear and gloves that are cut-resistant. With a putty or pliers, pry old glazing points out of the recesses of the frame. After the glass is removed, wash the surrounding areas to prepare for the new replacement window replacement.

It's important to measure the window opening and make sure that the replacement is the proper size. Most glaziers will have standard-sized panes ready to insert, but if you want energy-efficient or safety glass it's likely to need to be custom cut for the frame. To avoid making mistakes make sure you measure the opening of your window doctor and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inches for the new pane.

Once you're ready to put in the glass, put it carefully into the frame and make sure it's a flush fit to the rabbets that support it. A glass pane that is too big could cause the wood to expand and a pane that's too small could fall out of the frame or allow drafts enter.

Once the new pane has been secured, you can roll another piece of glaziers' compound around the perimeter to seal the glass to the frame and the sash. Smooth the compound using your finger to ensure it's level with the new pane. When dry paint the newly glazed compound and frame to match the rest of your window.

Structural Issues

The structural integrity and performance of curtain wall and framing system are essential for the safety, compliance, and performance of glazing surfaces. In an inspection, a professional checks anchor points, fasteners, and supports for signs of corrosion, deterioration, or misalignment. He or she will also examine the gaskets and sealants, to ensure that they have been installed correctly and are not leaking.

Structural issues that must be addressed include rusted frames as well as sagging walls. These issues can be dangerous and could cause serious damage with time. It is essential to fix any structural issues promptly so that you avoid costly repairs down the line.

Curtain wall systems need extensive structural support in order to withstand wind loads and other stresses. When these components fail, the water intrusion that results could be destructive and costly. The main causes for these failures are due to poor construction, design errors and poor installation.

Another issue that is common is warping. This can cause deformed or distorted glass panels and affect the system's appearance, energy efficiency, and security. An inspector for glass looks for warping during an inspection and recommends repairs measures if needed.

The first step in an inspection of the glazing is to ensure that the work area has been cleared of all obstructions and that the workers are wearing the proper safety gear. Hard hats, gloves, and high-visibility vests are all a part of the safety gear. You can also use a ladder and harness to reach higher or harder-to-reach places.

For wood-framed windows, common repairs involve missing or loose hardware. Two-part epoxy is a good choice to repair minor cracks in wooden window panes, repairmywindowsanddoors but severely damaged or rotten wood should be replaced. Sashes that stick can be freed from their tracks by sanding and applying graphite lubricant. 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 an existing curtain wall system is usually higher than the cost of rehabilitation, however the savings in energy consumption as well as the increased comfort of residents could allow the initial investment to be paid back. A replacement system may assist in bringing an existing structure into compliance with the more stringent requirements of building codes, such as insulation of glass and wind resistance to load.

Sash Issues

Many sash window problems can be easily diagnosed and addressed by a visual inspection. A professional assessment of the window can identify issues like rotting wood and paintwork damage as well as broken glass, ensuring that the window is in good shape for future use. Most of the problems that arise can be fixed easily and don't require replacement.

Issues like a sash window that doesn't close or open can be a nuisance and could also impact the efficiency of your home's energy usage. Your windows can 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 ensure they look good and functioning well. Cleaning your sash windows and applying a lubricant spray can help them to open and close more easily. If the problem persists it could be because the balances aren't functioning properly or there is a problem with the sash.

Wooden window sashes absorb moisture over time, and are affected when humidity levels fluctuate. This causes them to expand and shrink, which can cause them to get stuck or trapped in the frame. This can be prevented by maintaining a tight seal on the wood and by regularly applying a sash sealer or paint to shield against moisture.

Other sash issues that may be caused by a defective lock for sash cord displacement, nail jamming that can make windows for sash difficult to open and close. These issues can usually be resolved by carpenters who can take off the sash, repair or replace any damaged parts and re-cord them.

It is possible to re-stain stained glass windows in order to restore their original appearance. It is essential to keep their condition to prevent water ingress, rot and other problems that can occur when the paint begins to peel and crack. Re-leading stained glass is an additional method to prevent it from leaking into surrounding wood and causing decay.