Glazing Repairs
The right repair of your window can increase the value of your home. It will also improve the efficiency of your windows and doors.
It isn't always easy to determine what the issue you're experiencing requires professional assistance. Here are some of the most frequent problems that require to be addressed:
Damaged Seals
Window seals are an important part of your glazing system. They secure windows, insulate them and seal them against outside air and moisture. They are designed to last for a long time however, they may need repair or replacement at some point. There are a variety of options to repair them, based on your budget.
Fogging inside your double paned IGU is one of the most frequent indications that your window seals have failed. Foggy windows may be caused by the seal being damaged between two glass panes of your IGU. This allows moisture to enter the IGU and create condensation. Steamers are a great option to remove the fog from your windows or apply window putty. However, it is recommended to get your window seals repaired by an experienced professional.
In addition to allowing condensation and fogging between the window panes, a failing seal can cause your windows to lose their insulating value. The space between your two panes is filled with an inert gas like argon or xenon, which aids the IGU in preventing thermal transfer and retain heat within the home. The IGU's insulating benefits will be lost in the event that the window seal is damaged. Your costs for energy will also increase.
As time passes rubber gaskets start to lose their elasticity due to age and exposure. The degradation can be accelerated by insufficient maintenance or environmental factors like UV radiation. If not addressed, this may cause water penetration into the building envelope resulting in the growth of mold and mildew. This could eat away at the frame and sash of your IGU, ruining the appearance and compromising your insulation.
The best way to avoid a breakdown of window seals is by performing regular maintenance and avoiding common mistakes. Avoid using a high pressure washer to clean windows since it can cause damage to 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. Be cautious when using chemical like paint strippers because they can harm sealant and cause failure.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a problem that requires immediate attention. A broken pane in a window can fall and break windows or cause a draft and possibly even water or insects to enter your home. A glass pane that is broken can be dangerous for anyone who comes in contact with it. This is especially true for pets and children. In addition to being a safety risk broken glass can be difficult to remove and could result in additional damage to frames, sash, and the surfaces that are adjacent to it.
If a window is cracked, the first step is to tape it up with a cross-patch of ducttape to prevent further shattering and keep rain, bugs and other debris out of your home until you can replace the glass. This method is particularly important for upper-story window.
Take precautions by wearing cut-resistant gloves and eye protection. With a putty or pliers take the old glazing points from the recesses of the frame. After the glass has been removed, wash the areas around it to prepare them for a new replacement window.
After determining the window's opening, it's essential to make sure that the replacement is precisely the right size. Most glaziers will have standard-sized panes ready to insert, but if you want energy-efficient or safety glass it will likely need to be custom cut for your frame. To avoid a mistake take a measurement of the window opening and subtract approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch for the new pane.
When you're ready to install the glass, put it carefully into the frame and ensure it's a flush fit to the rabbets that support it. A glass pane that is too big could cause the wood to swell, and a pane too small may fall out of the frame or allow drafts in.
After the new pane has been secured, you can roll another cord of glaziers compound around the perimeter to seal the glass to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound with your finger, ensuring it's evenly distributed around the new pane. When the compound is dry paint it and the frame to match your window.
Structural Problems
The strength and structural integrity of curtain wall and framing systems are crucial to the safety, compliance and performance of glazing surfaces. In an inspection, a professional examines anchor points, fasteners and supports for signs of corrosion or deterioration or misalignment. He or she will also check the gaskets and sealants to make sure they are installed correctly and aren't leaking.
Structural issues that need to be addressed include rusted frames as well as sagging walls. These issues can be dangerous and may lead to severe damage in the future. It is important that you fix any structural issues as soon as you can to avoid costly repairs down the line.
Curtain wall systems require extensive structural support to withstand the forces of wind and other stress. If these components fail, the water intrusion that results could be destructive and costly. These failures are often caused by poor construction, design mistakes and inadequate installation.
Another problem that is frequently encountered is warping, which could cause deformed or distorted glass panels that can affect the system's appearance, energy efficiency, and security. A glazing inspector will search for signs of warping and suggest repair measures if necessary.
The first step in an inspection of glazing is to ensure that the work area has been cleared of all obstructions and that the workers are wearing appropriate safety gear. Wearing gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests form part of the safety equipment. You can also use a ladder and harness to reach higher or more difficult to reach places.
Common repairs for wooden windows include loose or missing hardware. A few minor cracks in windows made of wood can be fixed with two-part epoxy, however damaged or rotted wood is usually better replaced. Sticking sashes can often be removed from their tracks by sanding them and applying graphite grease. Window companies made of aluminum are typically the ones to handle more difficult problems, such as replacing sliding mechanisms, or major frame or sash components.
Replacing an existing curtain wall usually comes with the cost of installation is much higher than rehabilitation options, however the energy savings and enhanced comfort of the occupants could eventually pay for the initial investment. Additionally, a replacement system can assist in bringing the current structure into compliance to more strict building code requirements for insulated glass and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help identify and address many problems with sash windows. A professional window assessment will reveal things like wood that is rotting or 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.
St Neots window repair like a sash that won't close or open can be a nuisance and affect the energy efficiency of your home. Windows can also be risky if they suddenly snap shut. This could result in injuries, property damage and a loss of heat or air conditioning.
Sliding sash windows require regular maintenance to ensure they look good and functioning well. Cleaning your sash windows and spraying them with lubricant can aid in opening and close more quickly. However, if the issue persists it could be a sign that the balances aren't working properly or there's something wrong with the sash itself.
Over time wooden window sashes absorb moisture and are affected by changing humidity levels. This causes them to expand and shrink, which can cause them to become stuck or clogged within the frame. This can be avoided by ensuring a good seal on the wood, and applying regularly paint or a sash sealer to guard against moisture.
Other sash problems that could occur are a damaged lock for sash cord displacement, nail jamming, which can make windows more difficult to open and close. A carpenter can solve 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 restore their original appearance. It is important to keep them in good shape to safeguard the glass from the ingress of water and rot, which can 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.