Glazing Repairs

Correctly repairing your glass will increase the value of your home. It will also improve the efficiency of your window or doors.

It can be difficult to determine if the problem you are experiencing requires professional help. Here are some of most common problems that need to be fixed:

Seals that have been damaged

Window seals are an important component of your glazing system. They protect, 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'll need to be replaced at some point. The good news is there are several options for repair according to your budget and timeframe.

Fogging in your double glazing repairs near me paned insulated glass unit is one of the most commonly reported indications that your window seals have failed. Foggy windows are caused by a broken seal between the two glass panes of your IGU that allows moisture to get in, causing condensation. Steamers are a great option to defog the windows or apply window putty. However, it's best to have your window seals fixed by a professional.

In addition to allowing fogging and condensation between the window panes, a faulty seal will also cause your windows to lose their insulating value. The space between the two panes of glass is filled with an inert gas, such as xenon or argon, which helps the IGU resist heat transfer and keeps the heat in the house. When the window seal fails, the insulating benefit of your IGU will be removed and your energy costs will increase.

Rubber gaskets begin to degrade over time due to exposure and aging. Degradation can be accelerated through poor care or environmental factors like UV radiation. If not addressed, this could cause water infiltration into the building envelope and result in the growth of mold and mildew. This can eat away at the frame and sash of your IGU and ruin the appearance of the building and compromising insulation.

Avoiding common blunders and performing regular maintenance is the best way to stop window seals from falling apart. Avoid using a high-pressure washer to clean windows as it could damage the seal. Do not apply a reflective film to your window repairs near me that is insulated, because it could void the warranty and damage the sealant. Be cautious when using chemicals such as paint strippers, since they can cause damage to the sealant and cause it to fail.

Broken Glass

Broken glass is a clear issue that requires immediate attention. A pane shattered in a window can fall and break other windows or cause a draft and possibly water or insects to enter your home. A glass pane that is broken could also pose a risk to anyone who comes into contact with it, including pets or children. Glass that is shattering is not just a risk to safety but can also be difficult to remove, and cause additional damage to frames and sash and other surfaces.

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

Next, take precautions by wearing protective eyewear and gloves that are cut-resistant. With pliers or a putty remove the old glazing points out of the recesses of the frame. Once the glass is removed, wash the entire area to prepare it for a new window.

It's important to measure the opening of your window and make sure that the replacement is the proper size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes ready to insert, but if you want security glass or energy-efficient, it will likely need to be made specifically for your frame. To avoid any mistakes take a measurement of the window opening and subtract about 1/8 to 1/4 inch for the new pane.

When you're ready to install the glass you just bought, insert it carefully into the frame and ensure it's a flush fit to the rabbets that support it. A glass pane that's too large can swell and cloud the wood around it, while one that's too small could fall from the frame or let drafts enter your home.

Once you've confirmed that the new pane is securely secured by a second cord of glaziers' compound around the perimeter of the glass to seal it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound with your finger, ensuring that it's evenly distributed across the new pane. When the compound is dry, paint it and the frame to match the window.

Structural Problems

The structural integrity and performance of curtain wall and framing systems are essential for the safety, compliance, and performance of glazed surfaces. In an inspection, a professional checks anchor points, fasteners and supports for corrosion, deterioration, or misalignment. They also check the gaskets and sealants to make sure that they're installed correctly and aren't leaky.

Structural issues that must be addressed include rusted frames as well as sagging walls. These issues are risky and could lead to severe damage with time. It is important that you fix any structural issues as soon as you can so that you avoid costly repairs in the future.

Curtain wall systems require a lot of structural support to withstand wind loads and other strains. Water intrusion caused by these components could be costly and destructive. These failures are usually caused by inadequate construction, design errors and improper installation.

Warping can also cause distortion or deformed panels, which could affect the appearance, energy efficiency and security of the system. A glazing inspector looks for warping during an inspection and suggests repair measures if needed.

The first step of an inspection of the glazing is to make sure that the area of work has been cleared of all obstructions and that the workers are wearing appropriate safety gear. This includes hard hats, gloves and high-visibility vests. You can also utilize a ladder and harness to reach higher or harder-to-reach places.

For windows with wood frames, typical repairs involve a lack of or damaged hardware. A few minor window repairs cracks on windows made of wood can be fixed with two-part epoxy, however damaged or rotted wood is typically best replaced. Sticking sashes can often be freed from their tracks by sanding them and applying graphite grease. Aluminum window companies are usually the ones to handle more complex issues like replacing sliding mechanisms, or major frame or sash components.

The cost of replacing the curtain wall system is typically higher than the cost of rehabilitation, but the energy savings and the increased comfort of residents could allow the initial investment to be recouped. A replacement system can assist in bringing an existing structure in compliance with the more stringent standards of building codes for insulation of glass and wind resistance to load.

Sash Issues

Many sash window problems can be identified and resolved through an inspection. A professional window assessment will reveal things like wood that is rotting and paintwork damage as well as broken glass, ensuring that the window is in good shape for future use. Fortunately, the most common issues aren't as serious and do not necessarily require replacement.

Issues like a sash window that doesn't close or open can be a nuisance and could also impact your home's energy efficiency. It's also risky when windows suddenly snap shut and cause injuries, property damage and loss of cool air or heat.

Sliding sash windows need regular maintenance to ensure they look good and working properly. Cleaning your sash window and spraying it with lubricant could make it easier to open and close. If the issue persists, it could indicate that the balances aren't functioning correctly or that something is wrong with the sash.

Over time wooden window sashes absorb moisture and are affected by changes in levels of humidity. They then expand and shrink, which may result in them becoming stuck or jammed within the frame. This can be avoided by maintaining a tight seal on the wood and regularly applying a sash sealer or paint to shield against moisture.

Other issues with sash windows include a faulty lock, cord displacement and nail jamming. These issues make it difficult to open and shut windows for sash. These can often be fixed by a carpenter who will remove the sash, replace or repair any damaged components and re-cord them.

Stained glass windows may be stained again to improve their appearance. It is essential to keep them in good condition to guard against the ingress of water and rot, which could occur when the paint begins to peel and crack. Re-leading stained glass is an additional method to prevent it from leaking into surrounding wood and causing decay.