Glazing Repairs
The correct repair of your glazing can increase the value of your home. It will also ensure that your window or door is working as well as it can, enhancing its overall efficiency.
However, it isn't easy to tell whether 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 essential component of your glazing system. They protect, insulate and seal windows against moisture and air outside. They are designed to last for a long period of time, however, the reality is that they might require repair or replacement at some moment. There are many options for repair, depending on your budget.
One of the most frequent signs that the window seals in your home are failing is fogging in your double pane IGU, also known as an insulated glass unit (IGU). Foggy windows may be caused by a damaged seal between two glass panes in your IGU. This allows water to get in and cause condensation. Steamers are a great option to remove the fog from your windows or apply window putty. However, it's recommended that you fix your window seals by an experienced professional.
A leaky seal could cause your windows' insulation value to decrease. The space between your two panes is filled with inert gas such as argon and xenon, which aids the IGU in preventing thermal transfer and keep heat in the home. The benefits of the IGU's insulation will be lost if the window seal fails. Your costs for energy will also increase.
Over time, rubber gaskets will begin to deteriorate due to age and exposure. The process is accelerated by poor treatment or environmental factors, such as UV radiation. If not addressed, this can cause water infiltration into the building envelope, resulting in the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause damage to the frame and sash on your IGU and cause damage to the appearance and weakening insulation.
double glazing Cambridge to avoid a breakdown of window seals is by performing regular maintenance and avoiding common errors. Avoid using a high-pressure washer to clean windows, as it can damage the seal. Also, avoid adding a reflective window film to your insulated glass, since it could invalidate the warranty and damage the sealant material. Be cautious when using chemicals like paint strippers as they can harm sealant and cause failure.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is an obvious problem that requires immediate attention. A broken pane in a window may fall and break windows, or create drafts and even insects or water to get into your home. A glass pane that is broken can be a danger to anyone who comes into contact with it, including children or pets. Glass that has been broken is not just a safety risk, but it can also be difficult to remove and cause further damage to frames and sash as well as other surfaces.
The first step to take when a window has damaged is to wrap it up with a cross-pattern of duct tape to stop further shattering. This will keep rain, bugs and debris out of the house until you can replace your glass. This is especially important for upper-story window.
Next, take precautions by wearing thick cut-resistant gloves and eye protection. Utilizing a putty knife, or pliers, pry out old glazing points, the tiny fasteners that pin glass into the frame's recesses. Once the glass has been removed, clean the surrounding areas to prepare them for a new replacement window.
It's important to measure the window's opening and ensure that the replacement is the proper size. Most glaziers stock standard-sized panes available to insert however if you're looking for energy-efficient or safety glass it will likely need to be cut specifically to fit your frame. To avoid mistakes take a measurement of your window's opening and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inches for the new pane.
When you're ready to install the glass, put it carefully into the frame and check for an even fit with the rabbets that support it. A glass pane that's too huge can swell and cloud the wood around it, while one that's too small could be thrown off the frame or allow drafts into your home.
Once you've confirmed that the new pane is securely secured, roll another cord of glaziers' compound around the glass's perimeter to secure it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound using your finger, ensuring it's even all around the new pane. Once dry paint the newly glazed compound and frame to match the rest of your window.
Structural Problems
The structural integrity and performance of curtain wall and framing systems is crucial for the safety, compliance and performance of glazing surfaces. During an inspection, a professional will check fasteners, anchors and supports to determine if they are corroded, deteriorated or misaligned. He or she will also check the sealants and rubber gaskets to make sure they have been installed correctly and are not leaking.
Rusted frames and sagging wall are structural issues that need to be addressed. These issues can be dangerous and can lead to serious destruction over time. It is essential to take care of any structural issues as fast as possible to avoid costly repairs down the road.
Curtain wall systems require a lot of structural support to withstand wind loads and other stresses. When these components fail, the resulting water intrusion can be damaging and costly. These failures are usually caused by inadequate construction, design errors, and inadequate installation.
Warping can also cause distortion or deformed panels which can affect the appearance, energy efficiency and security of the system. A glazing inspector looks for warping during an inspection and recommends repairs steps if required.
The first step in a glazing inspection is to make sure that the area of work has been cleared of all obstructions and that employees are wearing the proper safety gear. This includes gloves, hard hats, and high-visibility vests. It's also a good idea to use a harness and ladder to access higher or more difficult-to-access areas.
Common repairs for wooden windows include loose or missing hardware. Two-part epoxy is a good choice to repair minor cracks in windows made of wood, however severely damaged or rotten wood is best replaced. Sticking sashes can often be removed from their tracks by sanding them and applying graphite oil. Aluminum window companies are usually the ones to tackle more complicated issues such as replacing sliding mechanisms, or the major frame or sash parts.
The cost of replacing an existing curtain wall system is usually higher than the cost of rehabilitation, however the energy savings and the increased comfort of people living in the structure could make it possible for the initial investment to be paid back. A replacement system can help bring an existing structure into compliance with the more stringent requirements of building codes for insulation of glass and wind resistance to load.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help to identify and resolve a number of issues with sash windows. A professional window assessment will reveal issues like rotting wood, paintwork damage and broken glass, ensuring that the window is in good shape to be used in the future. Luckily, the most common issues aren't as serious and don't necessarily necessitate replacement.
Problems such as the sash not closing or open can be annoying and affect the energy efficiency of your home. It's also dangerous if your windows unexpectedly slam shut and cause injuries, property damage or loss of cool or warm air.
Sliding windows require regular maintenance to keep them looking good and operating properly. Cleaning your sash windows and spraying them with lubricant will allow them to open and close more quickly. If the issue persists, it could indicate that the balances aren't functioning properly or something is wrong with the sash.
Wooden window sashes absorb water over time, and are affected by changes in humidity. They then expand and shrink, which can cause them become stuck or trapped within the frame. This can be prevented by ensuring a good seal on the wood and applying regularly paint or a sash sealer to guard against moisture.
Other sash issues that may arise include a faulty sash lock cord displacement, cord displacement or nail jamming which all make windows more difficult to open and close. A carpenter can solve these issues by removing the sash and replacing or repairing any damaged parts, before re-cording them.
Stained glass windows can be stained to restore their appearance. It is important to maintain their condition to avoid water ingress and rot, as well as other issues that may occur when the paint begins to peel and crack. Stained glass can also be re-leaded in order to keep it from leaking water into surrounding timber and causing decay of the wood.