Glazing Repairs
The correct repair of your glazing will increase the value of your home. It is also a way to ensure that your window or door is operating as well as it can, enhancing its overall performance.
However, it isn't easy to tell whether the problem you're experiencing requires professional assistance. Here are some of the most frequently encountered problems that require repair:.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are an essential part of your glazing system. They secure the windows, insulate them and seal against moisture and air outside. Although they are designed to last for a long time and may require repair or replacement, the truth is that they will need to be replaced at some time. There are a variety of options to repair them, based on your budget.
Fogging inside your double paned insulated glass unit is among the most commonly reported signs that the window seals are failing. Foggy windows result from a damaged seal between the two glass panes of your IGU which allows moisture to get in, causing condensation. While you can try a few quick fixes to clear your windows, like using a steamer or applying window putty, the most effective solution is to get your window seals replaced by an expert.
A failing seal can also cause the insulation value of your windows to decrease. The space between the two panes is filled with inert gas such as argon or xenon, which assists the IGU in resisting thermal transfer and maintain warm within the house. When the window seal fails the insulation benefit of your IGU will be diminished and your energy costs will increase.
Rubber gaskets start to degrade with time due to exposure and aging. The process can be accelerated by improper treatment or environmental factors such as UV radiation. This can cause mildew and mold if not addressed. This can eat away at the frame and sash of your IGU and ruin the appearance and weakening insulation.
Avoiding common blunders and performing regular maintenance is the best way to prevent window seals from breaking down. Avoid using a high pressure washer to clean windows, as it can cause damage to the seal. Also, don't add a reflective window film to your insulated glass because it could void the warranty and harm the sealant material. Be careful when using chemicals like paint strippers because they can cause damage to sealant and cause failure.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a hazard that needs immediate attention. A broken pane in a window can fall and break further windows or cause drafts and possibly even water or insects to enter your home. double glazing repair Beaconsfield that is broken can also be dangerous for anyone who comes in contact with it, particularly pets or children. Glass that is shattering is not just a risk to safety but can also be difficult to remove and can cause further damage to frames and sash as well as adjacent surfaces.
The first step to take when a windowpane is damaged is to seal it up with a cross-pattern of duct tap to prevent further shattering. This will keep bugs, rain and other debris out of your home until you are able to replace your glass. This method is particularly crucial for upper-story windows.
Wear thick, durable gloves. Also, wear eye protection. With a putty or pliers take the old glazing points out of the recesses of the frame. After the glass is removed, clean all the areas around it to prepare for the installation of a new replacement window.
It is important to measure the window's opening and make sure that the replacement is the proper size. Most glaziers stock standard-sized panes that are ready to be inserted 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 mistakes take a measurement of your window's opening and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inches to fit the new pane.
When you're ready for installing the new glass, place it carefully into the frame and check for an even fit with the rabbets holding it. A glass pane too large could cause the wood to swell and a pane that is too small can be thrown out of the frame, or allow drafts get in.
After you've ensured that the new pane is securely secured, roll another cord of glaziers' compound around the glass's perimeter to secure it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound using your fingers to ensure that 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 and performance of curtain wall and framing systems are crucial for the safety, compliance and performance of glazed surfaces. During an inspection, the professional will check fasteners, anchors and supports to determine whether they have corroded, damaged, or misaligned. They also check the gaskets and sealants to make sure they have been installed correctly and aren't leaky.
Rusted frames and sagging walls are structural problems that need to be addressed. These issues can be dangerous and could lead to severe damage over time. It is important that you take care of any structural issues as soon as possible so that you avoid costly repairs in the future.
Curtain wall systems require a lot of structural support to be able to withstand wind loads and other stresses. The intrusion of water by these components can be costly and damaging. The underlying causes of these failures are due to inadequate construction, design mistakes and inadequate installation.
Warping can also cause distortion or deformed panels, which could affect the appearance, energy efficiency and safety of the system. A glazing inspector will look for signs of warping and suggest repairs if needed.
The first step of an inspection of the glazing is to ensure that the work area is free of obstructions and that workers are wearing appropriate safety gear. Wearing gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests form part of the safety gear. It's also a good idea to use the ladder and harness to gain access to higher or difficult-to-access areas.
For wood-framed windows, common repairs involve a lack of or damaged hardware. A few minor cracks in window frames made of wood can be fixed using a two-part epoxy, but damaged or rotten wood is usually better replaced. Sliding sashes that have become stuck in their tracks can be loosened by sanding them, then applying graphite grease. Aluminum window companies are usually the ones to handle more difficult problems, such as replacing sliding mechanisms or major frame or sash components.
Replacing an existing curtain wall system usually involves an upfront cost that is higher than rehabilitation measures, but the energy savings and increased quality of life for the occupants may eventually cover the initial investment. A new system could assist in bringing an existing structure in conformity with the stricter requirements of building codes for insulated glass and wind resistance to load.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help identify and resolve a number of sash window problems. A professional window inspection can identify things like rotting wood, paintwork damage and broken glass, ensuring that the window is in good order for its future use. Most of the problems that arise can be easily fixed and don't need replacement.
Issues like a sash window that isn't able to open or close can be a hassle and could also impact the efficiency of your home's energy usage. It's also a risk when windows suddenly snap shut and cause injuries, property damage and loss of cool air or heat.
Regular maintenance is necessary to keep sliding sash windows looking nice and operating properly. 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 properly or there's something wrong with the sash itself.
Wooden window sashes absorb moisture over time and can be affected when humidity levels change. They then expand and shrink, which may cause them become stuck or encased within the frame. This can be avoided by keeping an airtight seal around the wood and by applying the sash paint or sealer to guard against moisture.
Other sash issues that may arise include a faulty lock for sash cord displacement, nail jamming, which can make windows for sash difficult to open and close. These can often be fixed by a carpenter who will remove the sash, repair or replace any damaged parts and re-cord them.
Stained glass windows can sometimes be stained again to improve their appearance. It's important to maintain them in good order to safeguard the glass from water infiltration and rot that can occur when the paint begins to crack and peel. Stained glass can also be re-leaded to keep it from leaking water into surrounding timber, causing wood decay.