Glazing Repairs
The correct repair of your glazing will increase the value of your home. It will also improve the efficiency of your windows and doors.
It can be a challenge to know if the issue you are experiencing requires professional help. Here are some of most common problems that need to be addressed:
Damaged Seals
Window seals are an essential element of your window system. They protect, insulate, and protect windows from external air and moisture. They are designed to last for a long period of time, however, they might require repair or replacement at some point. There are a variety of options for repair depending on your budget and timeframe.
Fogging inside your double paned insulated glass unit is one of the most frequent signs that your window seals have failed. Foggy windows may be caused by the seal being damaged between two glass panes in your IGU. This allows moisture to seep through and create condensation. While you can try a few quick-fixes to defog your windows, like using a steamer or applying window putty, the most efficient solution is to repair your window seals by a professional.
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 such as argon and xenon, which assists the IGU in resisting thermal transfer and keep warm within the house. If the window seal is damaged, the insulating benefit of your IGU will be removed and your energy costs will increase.
Over time rubber gaskets begin to lose their elasticity due to age and exposure. Degradation can be accelerated through inadequate care, or environmental factors like UV radiation. If not addressed, this may cause water intrusion into the building envelope, resulting in the growth of mold and mildew. This can eat through the frame and sash of your IGU and ruin the appearance and damaging your insulation.
Avoiding common mistakes and performing regular maintenance is the best way to avoid window seals being damaged. Avoid using a high pressure washer to clean windows, as it can cause damage to the seal. Also, avoid adding 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 damage sealant and cause failure.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a hazard that requires immediate attention. A broken pane in a window can be thrown down and cause additional windows to break or cause drafts, or allow water or insects into your home. A glass pane that has been broken can be a danger to anyone who comes in contact with it, including children or pets. Glass that is shattering is not just a risk to safety however, it can also be difficult to get rid of, and cause additional damage to sash and frames and other surfaces.
If a window is cracked, the first step is to tape it up with a cross-patch of ducttape to stop the glass from shattering further and keep rain, bugs, and debris out of your home until you are able to replace the glass. This method is particularly important for windows that are higher up.
Wear thick, cut-resistant gloves. Also, wear eye protection. Using a putty knife or pliers, remove old glazing points, which are the tiny fasteners that fix glass into the frame's recesses. After the glass has been removed, clean all the areas around it to prepare for the new replacement window.
It's important to measure the window's opening and ensure that the replacement is the right size. Most glaziers will have standard-sized panes available to insert but if you're looking to get energy-efficient or safety glass, it will likely need to be custom cut for the frame. To avoid a mistake, measure the window opening and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inch to fit the new pane.
When you're ready to put in your new glass, carefully put 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 may fall out of the frame, or allow drafts enter.
Once the new pane is secured, you can wrap another cord of glaziers compound around the perimeter to secure the glass to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound using your fingers, making sure it's even all around the new pane. When dry, paint the newly glazed compound and frame to match the rest of your window.
Structural Issues
The structural strength of curtain wall frameworks and systems for framing is vital to the security and performance of glazed surfaces. During an inspection, a professional inspects anchor points, fasteners, and supports for corrosion or deterioration. They also look for misalignment. He or she will also inspect the gaskets and sealants to ensure they have been properly installed and aren't leaking.
Structural issues that need to be addressed include rusted frames and walls that are sagging. These issues can be dangerous and could cause serious damage over time. It is important to take care of any structural issues as quickly as possible to avoid costly repairs down the road.
Curtain wall systems require extensive structural support to resist winds and other strains. The water intrusion caused by these components can be costly and destructive. These failures are often caused by inadequate construction, design errors, and poor installation.
Another issue that is common is warping, which can cause deformed or distorted glass panels and affect the appearance of the system, its energy efficiency and security. An inspector for glass looks for warping during an inspection and suggests repair measures if needed.
Glazing inspections should start by making sure that the area of work is free of obstructions and all workers are wearing appropriate safety equipment. Gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests form part of the safety equipment. double glazing Milton Keynes can also utilize a ladder and harness to reach higher or more difficult to reach places.
Common repairs for wood-framed windows are missing or damaged hardware. Two-part epoxy can be used to repair minor cracks on window panes made of wood, but severely damaged or rotten wood is best replaced. Sliding sashes that are stuck in their tracks can be removed by sanding them, then applying graphite grease. Window companies made of aluminum are typically the ones to handle more complicated issues like replacing sliding mechanisms, or the major frame or sash parts.
Replacing a curtain wall system usually involves a much higher upfront cost than rehabilitation, however the energy savings and improved quality of life for the occupants may eventually cover the initial investment. In addition, a replacement system can assist in bringing the existing structure into conformance with more strict building codes for insulated glass and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help identify and fix a variety of issues with sash windows. A professional assessment of the window will reveal things like wood that is rotting, paintwork damage and broken glass, ensuring that the window is in good shape for its future use. Fortunately, the most frequent issues are less severe and do not necessarily require replacement.
Problems like a sash windows that doesn't close or open can be a nuisance and could also impact your home's energy efficiency. Windows can also be risky if they suddenly snap shut. This can result in injuries, property damage, and the loss of heat or air conditioning.
Regular maintenance is required to keep sliding sash windows in good condition and working well. Cleaning your windows for sash and spraying them with lubricant will allow them to open and close more quickly. However, if the issue persists it could be a sign that the balances aren't functioning correctly or that something is wrong with the sash itself.
Wooden window sashes take in moisture over time and are affected when humidity levels change. This causes them to expand and shrink, which can cause them to become stuck or jammed within the frame. This can be prevented by ensuring a good seal on the wood and applying regularly a sash sealer or painting to shield against moisture.
Other sash problems that could arise include a faulty lock for sash, cord displacement and nail jamming, which can make sash windows harder to open and close. These can often be fixed by carpenters who can take off the sash, replace or repair any damaged components, and then reconnect them.
It is possible to re-stain stained windows to restore their original appearance. It's important to maintain them in good order to protect the glass from water ingress and rot which may occur when the paint begins to crack and peel. Re-leading stained glass is an additional way to stop it from leaking into surrounding wood and causing decay.