Glazing Repairs

Repairing your glazing correctly can boost the value of your home. This can also increase the effectiveness of your windows or doors.

It can be difficult to know if the issue you encounter requires professional assistance for repair. Here are some of most frequent problems that must be fixed:

Damaged Seals

Window seals are an essential component of your window system. They secure, insulate, and protect windows from outside air and moisture. They are designed to last for a long time, but the reality is they could require repair or replacement at some point. There are a variety of options for repair, depending on your budget.

Fogging in your double glazing paned IGU is among the most frequent signs 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 seep in, creating condensation. Although you can try some quick-fixes to defog your windows, like using a steamer or applying window putty, the most effective solution is to get your window seals replaced by an expert.

In addition to allowing condensation and fogging between the window panes, a faulty seal will also cause your windows to lose their insulation value. The space between the two glass panes is filled with an inert gas, like xenon and argon which helps the IGU ward off 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.

Over time, rubber gaskets will begin to deteriorate due to age and exposure. Degradation can be accelerated through poor care or environmental factors such as UV radiation. If not addressed, this can cause water intrusion 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 ruin the appearance and weakening the insulation.

The best way to prevent a breakdown of window seals is by performing regular maintenance and avoiding common errors. For instance, do not use high-pressure washers to clean your windows as it can get into the sash and damage the seal. Don't apply a reflective film to your window with insulation since this could invalidate the warranty and harm the sealant. Be careful when using chemicals like paint strippers because they can cause damage to sealant and cause failure.

Broken Glass

Broken glass is a problem that requires immediate attention. A pane shattered in a window may fall and break windows or cause a draft and even insects or water to infiltrate your home. A glass pane that has been broken could also pose a risk for anyone who comes in contact with it, particularly pets or children. Glass that has been broken is not just a safety risk but can also be difficult to remove and cause further damage to frames and sash and other surfaces.

The first step to take when a windowpane is damaged is to seal it up with a cross-pattern of duct tap to prevent further shattering. This will keep bugs, rain and other debris out of your home until you are able to replace the glass. This method is particularly important for upper-story window.

Wear thick, cut-resistant gloves. Also wear eye protection. Using a putty knife or pliers, cut out old glazing points, the tiny fasteners that pin glass into the frame's recesses. After the glass has been removed, clean the entire area to prepare it for new window.

It is essential to measure the opening of your window and ensure that the replacement is the exact right size. Most glaziers will have standard-sized panes that are ready to be inserted, but if you want security glass or energy-efficient, it will likely need to be custom cut for your frame. To avoid mistakes make sure you measure the opening of your window and subtract approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the new pane.

Once you're ready to put in your new glass, carefully put it in the frame. Check that it fits perfectly with the rabbets. A glass pane that is too big could cause the wood to swell and a pane that's too small could fall out of the frame, or allow drafts enter.

Once you've confirmed that the new pane is secured by a second cord of glaziers' compound around the glass's perimeter to seal it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound with your fingers to ensure it is even around the new pane. After the compound has dried, paint it and the frame to match the window.

Structural Issues

The strength and structural integrity of curtain wall and framing systems is essential for the safety, compliance and performance of glazed surfaces. During an inspection, the expert will check fasteners, anchors and supports to determine whether they have corroded, degraded or misaligned. They also check the sealants and gaskets to make sure that they are installed correctly and that they aren't leaky.

The structural issues that must be addressed include rusted frames as well as sagging walls. These issues can be extremely dangerous and may lead to severe damage over the course of time. It is essential to address any structural problems as soon as you can in order to avoid expensive repairs down the line.

Curtain wall systems require substantial structural support to resist winds and other strains. If these components fail, the water intrusion that occurs could be destructive and costly. These failures are usually caused by poor construction, design mistakes and inadequate installation.

Another common problem is warping, which could cause deformed or distorted glass panels and affect the appearance of the system, its energy efficiency and security. A glass inspector will check for signs of warping and suggest repairs if needed.

The first step of an inspection of glazing is to make sure that the work area is free of obstructions and that workers are wearing the proper safety gear. Hard hats, gloves, and high-visibility vests are all a part of the safety equipment. It's also an excellent idea to wear a harness and ladder to access higher or more difficult-to-access areas.

For wood-framed windows, common repairs involve a lack of or damaged hardware. Two-part epoxy is a good choice to repair minor cracks in windows made of wood, however severely damaged or rotten wood should be replaced. Sliding sashes stuck in their tracks can be loosened by sanding them, then applying graphite grease. Aluminum window companies are usually the ones who handle more complex issues, such as replacing sliding mechanisms or the major frame or sash parts.

The cost of replacing an existing curtain wall system is typically higher than the cost of rehabilitation, however the savings in energy consumption as well as the improved comfort for the residents could allow the initial investment to be returned. In addition, a new system can assist in bringing the existing structure into conformance to more strict building codes for insulated glass and wind load resistance.

Sash Issues

Many sash window issues may be easily identified and dealt with by a visual examination. Things like rotting wood or paintwork damage, as well as broken glass are all identified through a professional window inspection, ensuring the window is in good shape for its future use. Most of the problems that arise can be easily fixed and don't need replacement.

Issues like the sash not closing or open can be a nuisance and can affect the energy efficiency of your home. It's also risky when windows suddenly snap shut and cause injuries, property damage and loss of heat or cool air.

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

Over time the wooden windowsashes absorb moisture and be affected by changing levels of humidity. This causes them to swell and shrink, which could cause them to become stuck or jammed in the frame. This is prevented by maintaining a an airtight seal around the wood, and by regularly applying a sash paint or sealer to protect against moisture.

Other issues with sash windows include a damaged lock, cord displacement and nail jamming. All of these make it difficult to open and shut sash windows. A carpenter can solve these issues by taking off the sash and fixing or glaziers replacing damaged parts, before reconnecting them.

Stained glass windows can be stained to restore their appearance. It is essential to maintain them in good order to guard against the ingress of water and rot, which can occur when the paint begins to crack and peel. Stained glass can also be re-leaded to keep it from leaking water into the surrounding timber and causing decay of the wood.