5 Glazing Repairs-Related Lessons From The Pros

Glazing Repairs

Getting glazing repairs right can increase the value of your home. It will also ensure that your window or door is working as well as it can, enhancing its overall efficiency.

It can be difficult to determine if the problem you encounter requires professional assistance for repair. Here are a few of the most frequent problems that require to be addressed:

Damaged Seals

Window seals are an important part of your glazing system. They are used to secure the windows, insulate them and seal against outside air and moisture. They are designed to last for a long time however, they could require repair or replacement at some moment. There are a variety of options for repair, based on your budget.

Fogging inside your double glazing repair paned IGU is one of the most common indicators that your window doctor seals have failed. Foggy windows result from a damaged seal between the two glass panes of your IGU that allows moisture to get in, causing condensation. Steamers are a great option to clear the windows or apply window putty. However, it's recommended to get your window seals repaired 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 an inert gas like argon or xenon that assists the IGU in resisting thermal transfer and retain warm within the house. Once the window seal fails, the insulating benefit of your IGU will be removed and your energy costs will rise.

Rubber gaskets begin to degrade over time due to exposure and aging. Degradation can be accelerated due to poor care or environmental factors like UV radiation. This can result in mildew and mold if not dealt with. This can eat away at the frame and sash of your IGU and cause damage to the appearance and weakening insulation.

The best way to prevent 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 can cause damage to the seal. Do not apply reflective film to your window with insulation because it could void the guarantee and damage the sealant. 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 common issue that requires immediate attention. A broken pane in a window could fall and break windows or cause drafts and possibly water or insects to infiltrate your home. A glass pane that has been broken can be a danger to anyone who comes in contact with it, especially pets or children. In addition to being a risk for safety, shattered glass can be difficult to remove and could cause additional damage to frames, sash and adjacent surfaces.

If a window pane breaks the first step is to seal it up using a cross-patch of ducttape to prevent further shattering and keep bugs, rain, and debris out of your home until you can replace the glass. This is especially important for windows that are higher up.

Take precautions by wearing protective eyewear and gloves that are cut-resistant. With a putty knife or pliers, pry out old glazing points, which are the tiny fasteners that pin glass into the frame's recesses. After the glass has been removed, wash the surrounding areas to prepare them for a new replacement window.

It is essential to measure the opening of your window and ensure that the replacement is the exact right size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes that are ready to be inserted, but if you want energy-efficient or safety glass, it will likely need to be custom cut to fit your frame. To avoid making mistakes, measure your window opening and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inches for the new pane.

When you're ready to install your new glass, be sure to place it in the frame. Make sure that it's perfectly with the rabbets. A new glass pane that's too huge could cause clouding and swelling of the surrounding wood, while one that's too small may fall off the frame and allow drafts into your home.

After the new pane is secured, you can roll another cord of glaziers compound around the perimeter to secure the glass to the frame and the sash. Smooth the compound with your finger to ensure it's level with the new pane. When the compound is dry, paint it and the frame to match the window.

Structural Problems

The structural integrity of curtain wall frames and systems is essential to the safety and performance of glass surfaces. During an inspection, a professional inspects anchor points, fasteners and supports for corrosion or deterioration. They also look for misalignment. The inspector also examines the sealants and gaskets to make sure that they are properly installed and that they are not leaking.

The structural issues that must be addressed include rusted frames as well as sagging walls. These problems are dangerous and could cause serious destruction over time. It is important to fix any structural issues as soon as you can, to avoid costly repairs down the line.

Curtain wall systems need extensive structural support to withstand wind loads and other stresses. The water intrusion caused by these components could be costly and damaging. These failures are usually caused by poor construction, design mistakes and inadequate installation.

Another common problem is warping, which can cause distorted or deformed glass panels and affect the system's appearance, energy efficiency and security. A glazing inspector will search for warping and recommend repairs if needed.

Glazing inspections should start 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 a part of the safety equipment. It is also recommended to use a harness and ladder for accessing higher or harder-to-reach areas.

For windows made of wood, the most common repairs involve missing or loose hardware. Two-part epoxy is a good choice to repair minor cracks in window panes made of wood, but severely damaged or rotted wood is best replaced. Sticking sashes can often be freed from their tracks by sanding them and applying graphite lubricant. More difficult problems, such as replacing sliding mechanisms or the major frame or sash components are typically left to aluminum window manufacturers.

The cost of replacing the existing curtain wall is usually greater than the cost of rehabilitation, but the savings in energy consumption as well as the increased comfort of occupants may allow the initial investment to be recouped. A replacement system can assist in bringing an existing structure in compliance with the more stringent requirements of building codes for insulated glass and wind load resistance.

Sash Issues

Visual inspections can help identify and resolve a number of sash window problems. A professional window assessment can identify issues like rotting wood or paintwork damage, as well as broken glass, which will ensure that the window is in good condition to be used in the future. Fortunately, the most common issues are less severe and don't require replacement.

Problems like a sash windows that isn't able to open or close can be a nuisance and also affect the efficiency of your home's energy usage. It's also dangerous when windows suddenly slam shut, causing injuries, property damage or loss of cool or warm air.

Sliding sash windows need regular maintenance to ensure they look good and operating properly. Cleaning your sash window and spraying a lubricant can make it easier to open and close. If the issue persists it could mean that 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 change. They can expand and shrink which can cause them to become stuck or clogged in the frame. This can be avoided by keeping an encapsulated seal around the wood, and by applying a sash paint or sealer to shield against moisture.

Other sash issues that may occur are a damaged sash lock cord displacement, cord displacement or nail jamming that can make windows more difficult to open and close. A carpenter can solve these problems by removing the sash and replacing or repairing any damaged parts, before re-cording 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 ingress and rot which may occur when the paint starts to peel and crack. Stained glass can also be re-leaded to prevent it from leaking water into the surrounding timber and causing wood decay.