Glazing Repairs
The right repair of your window can boost your home's value. It is also a way to ensure that your door or window is working as well as possible, improving its overall performance.
It can be difficult to know if the issue you encounter requires professional assistance for repair. Here are some of the most frequently encountered problems that require fixing:.
Damaged Seals
Window seals are an essential component of your glazing system. They secure windows, insulate them and seal them against moisture and air outside. Although double glazing Finchley are designed to last for a long time, and may require repair or replacement, the reality is that they will have to be replaced at some moment. The good news is that there are several options for repair according to your budget and timeframe.
Fogging in your double paned IGU is one of the most commonly reported indicators that your window seals have failed. Foggy windows result from a damaged seal between the two glass panes of your IGU that allows moisture to seep in, creating condensation. While you can try a few quick fixes to clear your windows, such as using a steamer or applying window putty, the best solution is to repair your window seals 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 insulation value. The space between the two panes is filled with an inert gas such as argon or xenon, which aids the IGU in preventing thermal transfer and maintain heat within the home. The IGU's insulating benefits will be lost when the window seal fails. Your costs for energy will also increase.
Rubber gaskets begin to degrade over time due to exposure and aging. The degradation is accelerated by poor treatment or environmental factors like UV radiation. If not addressed, this could cause water infiltration into the building envelope resulting in the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause damage to the frame and sash of your IGU and cause a shabby appearance and weakening the insulation.
Avoiding common mistakes and performing regular maintenance is the best way to prevent window seals from falling apart. Avoid using a high-pressure washer to clean windows since it could damage the seal. Also, avoid adding a reflective window film to your insulated glass as it could void the warranty and harm the sealant material. Be cautious when using chemicals, such as paint strippers, as they could damage the sealant and cause it to fail.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is an obvious problem that requires immediate attention. A pane shattered in a window can fall and break other windows or cause a draft and possibly even water or insects to enter your home. A broken pane of glass can pose danger to anyone who comes into contact with it. This includes pets and children. Glass that is shattering is not just a risk to safety, but it can be a challenge to remove and can cause further damage to frames and sash as well as other surfaces.
If a window pane breaks, the first step is to board it up with the cross-patch of duct tape to stop the glass from shattering further and keep bugs, rain and other debris out of your home until you can replace the glass. This is particularly crucial for windows with higher levels.
Wear thick, cut-resistant gloves. Also wear eye protection. Using a putty knife or pliers, pry out old glazing points, the tiny fasteners that fix glass into the frame's recesses. After the glass is removed, clean all the surrounding areas to prepare them for a new replacement window.
After determining the window's opening, it's important to ensure that the replacement is exactly the right size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes however if energy-efficient or safety glass is required, it may require cutting to fit your frame. To avoid committing mistakes take a measurement of your window's opening and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inches for the new pane.
Once you're ready to put in the glass you just bought, insert it with care into the frame and make sure it's an even fit with the rabbets that hold it. A glass pane that's too large can cause the wood to expand and a pane that's too small could fall out of the frame or allow drafts enter.
Once the new pane is secured, you can wrap another glaziers compound around the perimeter to seal the glass to the frame and the sash. Smooth the compound using your fingers to ensure that it's even around the new pane. After the compound has dried paint it on the frame to match the window.
Structural Problems
The strength and structural integrity of curtain wall and framing system are crucial for the safety, compliance, and performance of glazed surfaces. In an inspection, a professional checks anchor points, fasteners and supports for signs of corrosion or deterioration or misalignment. He or she will also check the sealants and rubber gaskets to make sure they have been installed correctly and aren't leaky.
The structural issues that must be addressed include rusted frames as well as walls that are sagging. These problems are dangerous and can lead to serious damage over time. It is important to take care of any structural issues as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs later on.
Curtain wall systems require extensive structural support to be able to withstand the forces of wind and other stress. When these components fail, the water intrusion that results can be damaging and costly. These failures are usually caused by inadequate construction, design errors, and inadequate installation.
Warping can also result in distortion or deformed panels, which could affect the appearance as well as the energy efficiency and safety of the system. A glazing inspector will search for warping and recommend repairs if required.
Glazing inspections should begin by making sure that the work area is free of obstructions, and that everyone is wearing the appropriate safety equipment. This includes hard hats, gloves, and high-visibility vests. It's also recommended to use a ladder and harness to gain access to higher or difficult-to-access areas.
Common repairs for wood-framed windows include missing or loose hardware. A few minor cracks in windows made of wood can be fixed using a two-part epoxy, but damaged or rotten wood is usually best replaced. Sliding sashes that are stuck in their tracks can be loosened by sanding them and applying graphite grease. Aluminum window companies are usually the ones to handle more difficult problems like replacing sliding mechanisms or major frame or sash components.
The cost of replacing the existing curtain wall is usually higher than the cost of rehabilitation, but the energy savings as well as the improved comfort for the residents could make it possible for the initial investment to be paid back. A replacement system may help bring an existing structure in compliance with the more stringent requirements of building codes for insulated glass and wind resistance to load.
Sash Issues
Many issues with sash windows can be easily identified and dealt with through a visual inspection. Things like rotting timber or paintwork damage, as well as broken glass can all be detected with a professional assessment of the window and ensure that the window is in good order for its future use. Luckily, the most common issues aren't as serious and do not necessarily require replacement.
Problems such as a sash window that doesn't close or open can be a source of frustration and can also affect your home's energy efficiency. Your windows could also be risky if they suddenly snap closed. This can result in injuries, property damage and the loss of air conditioning or heat.
Regular maintenance is necessary to keep sliding sash windows looking good and operating properly. Cleaning your sash windows and applying a lubricant spray can aid in opening and close more quickly. However, if the problem persists, it could be a sign that the balances aren't functioning properly or there is something wrong with the sash itself.
Wooden window sashes absorb moisture over time and are affected when humidity levels change. They can expand and shrink, which can cause them to become stuck or clogged in the frame. This can be avoided by keeping an airtight seal around the wood and by regularly applying the sash paint or sealer to protect against moisture.
Other sash problems that could arise include a faulty sash lock, cord displacement and nail jamming which all make sash windows harder to open and close. These issues can usually be resolved by a carpenter who will remove the sash, replace or repair any damaged components, and then reconnect them.
It is possible to re-stain stained windows to bring back their original appearance. It is essential to keep them in good shape to prevent water intrusion, rot and other problems that can occur when paint starts to peel and crack. Re-leading stained glass is an additional way to stop it from leaking into the surrounding wood and causing decay.