Glazing Repairs

Making repairs to your glazing correctly can boost your home's value. It is also a way to ensure that your door or window is operating as efficiently as possible, improving its overall performance.

It isn't always easy to determine what the issue you're experiencing is one that needs professional repair. Here are some of most frequent problems that require to be addressed:

Damaged Seals

Window seals are an important element of your glazing system. They are used to secure windows, insulate them and seal them against outside air and moisture. Although they are designed to last a long time, and may require repair or replacement, the fact is that they'll need to be replaced at some point. There are a variety of options for repair according to your budget and timeline.

Fogging inside your double glazing repair paned IGU is among the most frequent indications that the window seals are failing. Foggy windows may be caused by the seal being damaged between two glass panes of your IGU. This can allow moisture to enter the IGU and create condensation. Although you can try some quick solutions to remove the fog from your windows, for instance using a steamer or window putty, the most efficient solution is to have your window seals repaired by an expert.

A leaky seal can cause your windows' insulation value to decrease. The space between your two panes is filled with inert gas like argon or xenon, which 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 increase.

Rubber gaskets start to degrade over time due to exposure and aging. The degrading process is accelerated by poor maintenance or environmental factors like UV radiation. This can result in mold and mildew if not taken care of. This could eat away at the frame and sash of your IGU and cause damage to the appearance of the building and compromising insulation.

The best way to avoid the possibility of a leak in window seals is by performing regular maintenance and avoiding common errors. For instance, avoid using high-pressure washers to clean your windows, because it could work its way into the sash and damage the seal. Additionally, do not add a reflective window film to your insulated glass as it could void the warranty and damage the sealant material. Finally, be careful when using chemicals, such as paint strippers, as they can damage the sealant and cause it to fail.

Broken Glass

Broken glass is a common problem that requires immediate attention. A shattered pane in a window can fall and cause other windows to break or cause drafts, or let insects or water into your home. A broken pane of glass can pose danger to anyone who comes into contact with it. This is especially true for pets and children. In addition to being a safety hazard broken 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 the cross-patch of duct tape to stop further shattering and keep rain, bugs, and debris out of your home until you can replace the glass. This method is particularly crucial for windows with higher levels.

Then, be sure to take precautions by putting on thick protective eyewear and gloves that are cut-resistant. Using a putty knife or pliers, remove old glazing points, which are the tiny fasteners that hold glass into the frame's recesses. After the glass has been removed, clean the entire area to prepare it for a new window Doctor.

It is essential to measure the window's opening and make sure that the replacement is the exact proper size. Most glaziers will have standard-sized panes available, but if energy-efficient glass or safety glass is required, it might require cutting to fit your frame. To avoid a mistake make sure you measure the opening of your window and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inch for the new pane.

Once you're ready to install your new glass, Window Doctor be sure to place it into the frame. Make sure that it's in a straight line with the rabbets. A glass pane that is too big could cause the wood to swell and a pane that is too small can fall out of the frame, or allow drafts in.

After you've ensured that the new pane is secured to the frame, wrap another cord of compound for glaziers around the edges of the glass to seal it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound with your fingers to ensure that it's level with the new pane. After drying, paint the newly glazed frame and compound to match the rest of your window.

Structural Issues

The structural integrity of curtain wall frames and systems is vital to the security performance, performance, and conformity of glazed surfaces. During an inspection, a professional checks fasteners, anchor points, and supports for corrosion or deterioration. They also look for misalignment. They also inspect the sealants and rubber gaskets to ensure they have been properly installed 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 over the course of time. It is crucial to fix any structural issues as quickly as you can to avoid costly repairs down the line.

Curtain wall systems require extensive structural support to resist winds and other strains. When these components fail the resulting water intrusion can be costly and damaging. These failures are usually caused by inadequate construction, design errors, and inadequate installation.

Warping can also lead to distortion or deformed panels, which can affect the appearance as well as the energy efficiency and safety of the system. A glazing inspector will look for signs of warping and suggest repair measures if necessary.

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

For windows made of wood, the most common repairs involve loose or missing hardware. A small crack in wooden window panes can often be fixed with a two-part epoxy, but rotted or severely damaged wood is generally better replaced. Sticking sashes can often be removed from their tracks by sanding them and applying graphite grease. More difficult problems, such as the replacement of sliding mechanisms as well as major frame or sash parts 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 people living in the structure could allow the initial investment to be paid back. A new system could also help bring an existing structure in conformity with the stricter requirements of building codes for insulated glass and wind resistance to load.

Sash Issues

Many issues with sash windows can be easily diagnosed and addressed by an inspection. Things like rotting wood, damage to paintwork and broken glass are all identified with a professional assessment of the window and ensure that the window is in good condition for its future use. Luckily, the most common issues aren't as serious and do not necessarily require replacement.

Issues like a sash that won't close or open can be a nuisance and affect the efficiency of your home. It's also dangerous if your windows unexpectedly slam shut, causing injuries, property damage or loss of cool air or heat.

Regular maintenance is essential to keep sliding sash windows looking nice and functioning properly. Cleaning the window of your sash and spraying lubricant on it can make them easier to open and close. If the problem persists, it could indicate that the balances aren't functioning properly or something is wrong with the sash.

Wooden window sashes take in moisture over time, and are affected when humidity levels fluctuate. They then expand and shrink, which could cause them become stuck or encased within the frame. This is prevented by maintaining a an airtight seal around the wood and by applying a sash paint or sealer to protect against moisture.

Other sash issues that may arise include a faulty sash lock cord displacement, cord displacement or nail jamming, which can make windows more difficult to open and close. A carpenter can fix these issues by taking off the sash and replacing or repairing any damaged parts, before reconnecting them.

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