A How-To Guide For Glazing Repairs From Start To Finish

Glazing Repairs

Getting glazing repairs right will increase the value of your home. It will also ensure that your window or door is operating as well as it can, enhancing its overall efficiency.

However, it can be tricky to know whether the problem you're experiencing requires professional attention. Here are a few of the most frequent problems that require to be addressed:

Damaged Seals

Window seals are a crucial element of your glazing system. They protect the windows, insulate them and seal against outside air and moisture. Although they are designed to last for a long time and may require repair or replacement, the fact is that they will have to be replaced at some moment. There are many options for repair, depending on your budget.

One of the most common indications that your window seals aren't working is fogging in the double glazing near me pane of your IGU, also known as an insulated glass unit (IGU). Foggy windows result from a damaged seal between the two glass panes of your IGU which allows moisture to be absorbed, causing condensation. Steamers are a great option to remove the fog from your windows or apply window putty. However, it's best to get your window seals repaired by an expert.

A leaky seal could cause the insulation value of your windows to decrease. The space between the two panes is filled by inert gas like argon or xenon which aids the IGU in preventing thermal transfer and maintain heat within 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 start to degrade due to age and exposure. The process can be accelerated by poor care or environmental factors such as UV radiation. If not addressed, this could 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 and cause a shabby appearance and damaging your insulation.

Avoiding common mistakes and performing regular maintenance is the best method to prevent window seals from falling apart. For instance, avoid using a high-pressure washer to clean your windows, since it could work its way into the sash and damage the seal. Also, don't add a reflective window film to your insulated glass since it could invalidate the warranty and damage the sealant material. Be careful when using chemicals like paint strippers as they can harm sealant and cause failure.

Broken Glass

Broken glass is a hazard that needs immediate attention. A glass pane that has broken in a window may fall and break windows, or create drafts and possibly water or insects to enter your home. A glass pane that is broken can be dangerous for anyone who comes into contact with it. This is especially true for pets and children. Shattered glass is not only a safety risk, but it can be a challenge to remove and can cause further damage to frames and sash and other surfaces.

The first step to take when a window is damaged is to wrap it up with a cross patch of duct tape to stop further shattering. This will keep insects, rain and debris out of the home until you are able to replace the glass. This method is particularly crucial for windows that are higher up.

Wear thick, durable gloves. Also, wear eye protection. With a putty knife or pliers, cut out old glazing points, the tiny fasteners that hold glass into the frame's recesses. Once the glass is removed, you must clean the entire area to prepare it for a new window.

After determining the window's opening, it's important to make sure that the replacement is the exact size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes ready to insert but if you're looking to get energy-efficient or safety glass it's likely to have to be custom cut for your frame. To avoid a mistake make sure you measure the opening of your window and subtract about 1/8 to 1/4 inch to fit the new pane.

When you're ready to install the new glass, place it in the frame with care and make sure it's a flush fit to the rabbets that support it. A glass pane that's too large could cause the wood to swell and a pane that's too small can fall out of the frame or allow drafts enter.

Once you've confirmed that the new pane is secured, roll another cord of compound for glaziers around the edges of the glass to secure it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound with your fingers to ensure it is even around the new pane. Once the compound is dry paint it and the frame to match your window.

Structural Issues

The strength and structural integrity of curtain wall and framing systems is crucial to the safety, compliance, and performance of glass surfaces. In an inspection, a professional inspects anchor points, fasteners, and supports for signs of corrosion or deterioration. They also look for misalignment. The inspector will also inspect the gaskets and sealants made of rubber to make sure they have been properly installed and aren't leaky.

Rusted frames and sagging walls are structural problems that need to be addressed. These issues can be extremely hazardous and could result in serious damage over time. It is crucial to fix any structural issues as soon as you can to avoid costly repairs down the road.

Curtain wall systems require extensive structural support to resist wind loads and other stresses. The water intrusion caused by these components could be costly and destructive. The main causes for these failures are due to poor construction, design errors and poor installation.

Warping can also lead to distortion or deformed panels, which could impact the appearance, energy efficiency and safety of the system. A glass inspector will check for signs of warping and suggest repairs if required.

The first step in a glazing inspection is to make sure that the work area is free of obstructions and that employees are wearing the appropriate safety equipment. Wearing gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests form part of the safety equipment. It's also recommended to use the ladder and harness for accessing higher or harder-to-reach areas.

Common repairs for wood-framed windows include loose or Glaziers missing hardware. A few minor cracks in wooden window panes can often be repaired with two-part epoxy, however rotted or severely damaged wood is generally 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 complicated issues like replacing sliding mechanisms, or major frame or sash components.

The cost of replacing the curtain wall system is usually greater than the cost of rehabilitation, but the energy savings and the increased comfort of residents could make it possible for the initial investment to be paid back. A new system could also help bring an existing structure in line with the more stringent requirements of building codes for insulation of glass and wind load resistance.

Sash Issues

Many sash window problems can be easily identified and dealt with through an inspection. Things like rotting wood, damage to paintwork and broken glass can be identified through a professional window inspection to ensure that the window is in good condition for future use. Fortunately, the most common issues are less severe and don't require replacement.

Problems such as a sash window that isn't able to open or close can be a nuisance and can also affect the efficiency of your home's energy usage. It's also dangerous when windows suddenly snap shut, causing injuries, property damage or loss of heat or cool air.

Sliding sash windows need regular maintenance to ensure they look good and operating properly. Cleaning the window of your sash and spraying lubricant on it can make them easier to open and shut. If the issue persists, it could be a sign that the balances aren't operating correctly or that something is wrong with the sash itself.

Over time the wooden windowsashes absorb moisture and can be affected by changing humidity levels. This causes them to expand and shrink, which could cause them to get stuck or trapped in the frame. This can be prevented by maintaining an airtight seal around the wood and by applying a sash paint or sealer to shield against moisture.

Other sash issues that may occur are a damaged lock for sash cord displacement, nail jamming which all make windows more difficult to open and close. These can often be fixed by carpenters who can take off the sash, repair or replace any damaged parts and replace them with a new cord.

Stained glass windows can be re-stained to restore their appearance. It is essential to keep them in good shape to protect the glass from water ingress and rot which can occur when the paint begins to peel and crack. Re-leading stained glass is an additional way to stop it from leaking into surrounding wood and causing decay.