Glazing Repairs

The right repair of your window will increase the value of your home. This can also increase the efficiency of your window or doors.

It can be a challenge to know if the issue you are experiencing requires professional help. Here are a few of the most common issues that need fixing:.

Seals that have been damaged

Window seals are a crucial component of your glazing system. They secure the windows, insulate them and seal against the elements of air and water. They are designed to last for a long time but the reality is they might require repair or replacement at some time. The good news is that there are a variety of options for repair according to your budget and timeframe.

One of the most frequent signs that the window seals in your home are failing is the presence of fog in the double glazing pane of your insulated glass unit (IGU). Foggy windows may be caused by the seal being damaged between two glass panes in your IGU. This allows moisture to enter the IGU and create condensation. While you can try some quick-fixes to defog your windows, such as using a steamer, or applying window putty, the best solution is to get your window seals replaced by a professional.

In addition to allowing condensation and fogging between the windows, a weak seal could cause your windows to lose their insulation value. The space between the two panes is filled by inert gas like argon or xenon that aids the IGU in preventing thermal transfer and retain heat within the home. Once the window seal fails the insulation benefit of your IGU will be lost and your energy bills will rise.

Rubber gaskets start to degrade over time because of exposure and age. The degradation is accelerated by poor maintenance or environmental factors such as UV radiation. This can cause mildew and mold if not taken care of. This could eat away at the frame and sash of your IGU and ruin the appearance and damaging your insulation.

The best way to avoid the loss of window seals is by performing regular maintenance and avoiding common mistakes. For instance, you should avoid using high-pressure washers to clean your windows, because it could be able to penetrate the sash and damage the seal. Do not add a reflective film to your insulated window, because it could void the warranty and harm the sealant. Also, be cautious when using chemicals, such as paint strippers because they could damage the sealant and cause it to fail.

Broken Glass

Broken glass is a common issue that requires immediate attention. A shattered pane in a window can be thrown down and cause additional windows to break, or create a draft, or even let insects or water into your home. A glass pane that is broken can also be dangerous to anyone who comes into contact with it, especially pets or children. In addition to being a safety hazard, shattered glass can be difficult to remove and could cause additional damage to frames, sash and other surfaces.

The first step to take when a windowpane is cracked is to tape it up with a cross patch of duct tape to stop further shattering. This will keep insects, Repair My Windows And Doors rain and other debris out of your home until you are able to replace your glass. This is particularly important for windows that are higher up.

Wear thick, durable gloves. Also, wear eye protection. Using a putty knife or pliers, cut out old glazing points, which are the tiny fasteners that fix glass into the frame's recesses. Once the glass has been removed, wash the areas around it to prepare for the installation of a new replacement window.

It's important to measure the opening of your window and make sure that the replacement is of the right size. Most glaziers will have standard-sized panes on hand, but if energy-efficient glass or safety glass is required, it could need to be cut to fit the frame. To avoid committing mistakes take a measurement of your window's opening and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inches for the new pane.

Once you're ready to install your new glass, carefully place it in the frame. Make sure it is perfectly with the rabbets. A glass pane too large could cause the wood to expand, and a pane too small can be thrown out of the frame, or allow drafts in.

After the new pane has been secured, you can wrap another glaziers compound around the perimeter to seal the glass to the frame and the sash. Smooth the compound using your fingers, making sure it's evenly distributed around the new pane. After the compound has dried paint it on the frame to match the window.

Structural Issues

The strength and structural integrity of curtain wall and framing system are crucial for the safety, compliance, and performance of glass surfaces. During an inspection, the expert will inspect anchors, fasteners and supports to determine if they are corroded, degraded, or misaligned. The inspector will also inspect the gaskets and sealants made of rubber to ensure they are installed correctly and aren't leaking.

Rusted frames and sagging walls are structural issues that need to be addressed. These problems can be very risky and could cause severe damage in the future. It is crucial to fix any structural issues as fast as you can, to avoid costly repairs down the line.

Curtain wall systems require substantial structural support to be able to withstand wind loads and other stresses. When these components fail, the resulting water intrusion can be costly and damaging. The main causes for these failures include poor construction, design errors and 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.

The first step in a glazing inspection is to make sure that the work area is free of obstructions and that the workers are wearing the appropriate safety equipment. Hard hats, gloves, and high-visibility vests form part of the safety equipment. You can also utilize a ladder and harness to reach higher or harder-to-reach places.

For windows with wood frames, typical repairs involve loose or missing hardware. Two-part epoxy is a good choice to Repair My Windows And Doors minor cracks in wooden window panes, but severely damaged or rotten wood is best replaced. Sliding sashes stuck in their tracks can be cleared by sanding them before applying graphite grease. More stubborn problems like replacing sliding mechanisms and the major frame or sash components are typically left to aluminum window companies.

The cost of replacing an existing curtain wall system is usually greater than the cost of rehabilitation, but the savings in energy consumption as well as the increased comfort for occupants may allow the initial investment to be returned. A replacement system can help bring 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

Visual inspections can help diagnose and fix a variety of sash window problems. Things like rotting timber and paintwork damage as well as broken glass can be picked up by a professional window assessment, ensuring the window is in good condition to be used in the future. Most of the problems that arise are easily rectified and do not require replacement.

Problems like a sash windows that won't open or close can be a hassle and also affect your home's energy efficiency. It's also risky when windows suddenly slam shut, causing injuries, property damage and loss of cool or warm air.

Regular maintenance is required to keep sliding sash windows looking good and functioning properly. Cleaning your windows for sash and spraying them with lubricant will allow them to open and close more quickly. If the problem continues it could be because the balances don't work properly or there is a problem with the sash.

Wooden window sashes absorb water over time and are affected by changes in humidity. This causes them to swell and shrink, which could cause them to become stuck or jammed in the frame. This can be prevented by ensuring a good seal on the wood, and regularly applying a sash sealer or painting to protect against moisture.

Other sash problems include a broken lock, cord displacement and nail jamming. These issues make it difficult to open and close windows for sash. These issues can usually be resolved by carpenters who can take off the sash, repair or replace any damaged parts and reconnect them.

It is possible to re-stain stained windows to restore their original appearance. It is essential to keep them in good condition to guard against water infiltration and rot that may occur when the paint begins to peel and crack. Stained glass can also be re-leaded to prevent it from leaking water into the surrounding timber and causing decay of the wood.