Glazing Repairs
Getting glazing repairs right can boost your home's value. This can also increase the efficiency of your window or doors.
It can be difficult to determine if the problem you are experiencing requires professional repair. Here are some of the most common problems that need to be fixed:
Damaged Seals
Window seals are a crucial component of your glazing system. They are used to secure, insulate and seal windows against outside air and moisture. Although they are designed to last for a long time and could require repair or replacement, the fact is that they will need to be replaced at some point. There are many options for repair, based on your budget.
Fogging in your double-paned IGU is among the most frequent indications that the window seals are failing. Foggy windows could be the result of an unsound seal between two glass panes of your IGU. This allows moisture to enter the IGU and cause condensation. Steamers can be used to remove the fog from your windows or apply window putty. However, it's recommended that you have your window seals fixed by a professional.
A leaky seal can cause your windows' insulation value to decrease. The space between your two panes is filled with an inert gas such as argon or xenon that aids the IGU in preventing thermal transfer and retain warm within the house. When the window seal fails, the insulating benefit of your IGU will be diminished and your energy costs will increase.
Rubber gaskets start to degrade with time due to exposure and age. The degradation can be accelerated by improper care or by environmental factors such as UV radiation. This can result in mold and mildew if not dealt with. This can cause damage to the frame and sash on your IGU, destroying the appearance and compromising insulation.
Avoiding common blunders and performing regular maintenance is the best way to stop window seals from falling apart. For instance, avoid using high-pressure washers to clean your windows since it could get into the sash and cause damage to the seal. Do not apply a reflective film to your window with insulation as this could void the warranty and damage the sealant. Be cautious when using chemicals like paint strippers because they can damage sealant and cause failure.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is an obvious problem that requires immediate attention. A broken pane within a window could be thrown down and cause additional windows to break, or create a draft, or even allow insects or water to enter your home. A broken pane of glass can be dangerous for anyone who comes in contact with it. This is especially true for pets and children. Glass that is shattering is not just an hazard to safety, but it can also be difficult to remove and cause further damage to frames and sash as well as adjacent surfaces.
If a window pane breaks, the first step is to board it up with a cross-patch of duct tape to stop the glass from shattering further and keep rain, bugs and other debris out of your home until you are able to replace the glass. This method is particularly crucial for windows with higher levels.
Next, take precautions by wearing thick cut-resistant gloves and eye protection. Using a putty knife or pliers, pry out old glazing points, or the tiny fasteners that fix glass into the frame's recesses. Once the glass is removed, clean the entire area to prepare it for new window.
After determining the window's opening, it's essential to make sure that the replacement is exactly the right size. Most glaziers stock standard-sized panes that are ready to be inserted however if you're looking for security glass or energy-efficient, it's likely to need to be custom cut for your frame. To avoid a mistake, measure the window opening and subtract approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the new pane.
When you're ready to install the glass you just bought, insert it with care into the frame and check for a flush fit with the rabbets that hold it. A glass pane that is too big could cause the wood to expand, and a pane too small could be thrown out of the frame or allow drafts enter.
Once the new pane is secured, you can wrap another glaziers compound around the perimeter to seal the glass to the frame and the sash. Smooth the compound with your finger, ensuring it's evenly distributed around the new pane. When the compound is dry paint it on the frame to match the window.
Structural Problems
The structural strength of curtain wall frameworks and systems for framing is vital to the security and performance of the glazed surfaces. During an inspection, a professional checks 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're installed correctly and that they aren't leaking.
Rusted frames and sagging walls are structural issues that must be addressed. These problems are dangerous and could cause serious damage over time. It is important to take care of 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. If these components fail, the water intrusion that results can be damaging and costly. The underlying causes of these failures are due to poor construction, design errors, and inadequate installation.
Warping can also lead to distortion or deformed panels, which may affect the appearance, energy efficiency and security of the system. A glazing inspector will search for warping and recommend repairs if needed.
The first step in an inspection of glazing is to ensure that the area of work has been cleared of all obstructions and that employees are wearing the appropriate safety equipment. Hard hats, gloves, and high-visibility vests form part of the safety equipment. You can also utilize a harness and ladder to reach higher or harder-to-reach places.
For windows made of wood, the most common repairs involve loose or missing hardware. Two-part epoxy can be used to repair minor cracks on wooden window panes, but damaged or rotted wood is best replaced. Sliding sashes stuck in their tracks can be cleared by sanding them and applying graphite grease. Window companies made of aluminum are typically the ones to tackle more complicated issues like replacing sliding mechanisms, or major frame or sash elements.
Replacing a curtain wall usually comes with an upfront cost that is higher than rehabilitation measures, but the energy savings and increased comfort of the occupants could eventually pay for the initial investment. A replacement system may assist in bringing an existing structure into compliance with the more stringent requirements of building codes, such as insulated glass and wind resistance to load.
Sash Issues
Many sash window issues may be easily identified and dealt with by a visual inspection. A professional window inspection can detect issues like rotting wood and paintwork damage as well as broken glass, which will ensure that the window is in good condition to be used in the future. Luckily, the most common issues are less severe and don't necessarily necessitate replacement.
Loughton window repairs as a sash window 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 snap shut and cause injuries, property damage and loss of heat or cool air.
Regular maintenance is required to keep sliding sash windows looking nice and working well. Cleaning the window of your sash and spraying it with lubricant could make them easier to open and shut. However, if the issue persists it could be an indication that the balances aren't functioning correctly or that something is wrong with the sash itself.
Over time wooden window sashes absorb moisture and can be affected by changing levels of humidity. This causes them swell and shrink, which could cause them to become stuck or trapped within the frame. This can be prevented by maintaining a tight seal on the wood and regularly applying paint or a sash sealer to protect against moisture.
Other sash issues that may occur are a damaged the sash lock, cord displacement and nail jamming which all 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.
Stained glass windows can sometimes be re-stained to restore their appearance. It is important to maintain them in good condition to prevent water ingress, rot and other problems that may occur when the paint begins to peel and crack. Stained glass can also be re-leaded to stop it from leaking water onto the surrounding timber and causing wood decay.