A Guide To Glazing Repairs From Start To Finish

Glazing Repairs
Making repairs to your glazing correctly will increase the value of your home. It also ensures that your window or door is working as well as it can, enhancing its overall efficiency.
It can be a challenge to determine if the problem you encounter requires professional assistance for repair. Here are some of most common problems that need to be addressed:
Damaged Seals
Window seals are an essential component of your glazing system that protect, insulate, and seal windows from outside air and moisture. They are designed to last for a long period of time, but the reality is they might require repair or replacement at some moment. There are several options available for repair, based on your budget.
One of the most common indications that the window seals in your home are failing is a fogging issue in the double pane of your insulated glass unit (IGU). Foggy windows result from a damaged seal between the two glass panes of your IGU that allows moisture to be absorbed, causing condensation. While you can try some quick solutions to remove the fog from your windows, for instance using a steamer, or applying window putty, the most effective solution is to repair your window seals by an expert.
A leaky seal could cause your windows' insulation value to decrease. The space between the two glass panes is filled with an inert gas such as xenon or argon, which helps the IGU resist heat transfer and keep heat in the home. The IGU's insulating benefits will be lost if the window seal fails. Your energy bills will also increase.
As time passes rubber gaskets start to lose their elasticity due to aging and exposure. The degrading process can be accelerated by improper maintenance or environmental factors, such as UV radiation. If not addressed, this can cause water infiltration into the building envelope, resulting in mold and mildew. This can eat through the frame and sash of your IGU, ruining the appearance and compromising your insulation.
The best way to avoid the loss of window seals is to carry out regular maintenance and avoiding common errors. For instance, do not use high-pressure washers to clean your windows since it could get into the sash, and damage the seal. Don't apply reflective films to your window that is insulated, since this could invalidate the warranty and harm the sealant. Be careful when using chemicals like paint strippers as they can cause damage to sealant and cause failure.
Broken Glass
Broken glass is a hazard that needs immediate attention. A glass pane that has broken in a window could fall and break further windows, or create drafts and possibly even water or insects to get into your home. A broken pane of glass can pose danger to anyone who comes in contact with it. This is especially true for pets and children. Glass that has been broken is not just an hazard to safety but can also be difficult to get rid of, and cause additional damage to sash and frames and other surfaces.
If double glazing repair is cracked the first step is to seal it up using a 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 are able to replace the glass. This method is especially important for windows that are higher up.
Wear thick, durable gloves. Also wear eye protection. With pliers or a putty take the old glazing points out of the frame recesses. After the glass is removed, clean all the areas around it to prepare them for a new replacement window.
After measuring the window opening, it's important to ensure the new replacement is precisely the right size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes however, if energy-efficient glass or safety glass is required, it could require cutting to fit the 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.
When you're ready to put in your new glass, be sure to place it into the frame. Make sure that it's perfectly with the rabbets. A new glass pane that's too big could cause clouding and swelling of the wood around it, while one that's too small can fall from the frame or let drafts in your home.
Once the new pane is secured, you can wrap another glaziers compound around the perimeter of the pane to seal the glass to the frame and the sash. Smooth the compound with your fingers, making sure it's evenly distributed around the new pane. After drying paint the newly glazed compound and frame to match the rest of your window.
Structural Issues
The structural integrity and performance of curtain wall and framing systems are essential for the safety, compliance, and performance of glazing surfaces. During an inspection, the expert will examine anchors, fasteners, and supports to see whether they have corroded, deteriorated, or misaligned. He or she also checks the gaskets and sealants to ensure that they're installed correctly and that they are not leaking.
Rusted frames and sagging walls are structural issues that need to be addressed. These issues are risky and could lead to severe damage over time. It is crucial to take care of any structural issues as soon as you can to avoid costly repairs down the line.
Curtain wall systems require a lot of structural support to withstand wind loads and other strains. When these components fail the water intrusion that occurs could be destructive and costly. The underlying causes of these failures are due to poor construction, design errors and poor installation.
Another common problem is warping, which could result in deformed or distorted glass panels and affect the appearance of the system, energy efficiency and safety. An inspector for glass looks for warping during an inspection and suggests repair measures if needed.
The first step of an inspection of the glazing is to make sure that the area of work is free of obstructions and that workers are wearing appropriate safety gear. Wearing gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests form part of the safety equipment. It is also recommended to use 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. A small crack in wooden window panes can often be repaired with an epoxy that is two-part, but damaged or rotten wood is usually best replaced. Sticking sashes can often be removed from their tracks by sanding them and applying graphite oil. More complex issues like replacing sliding mechanisms or major frame or sash parts are typically left to aluminum window companies.
The cost of replacing the existing curtain wall is usually higher than the cost of rehabilitation, however the energy savings and the increased comfort of people living in the structure could allow the initial investment to be returned. In addition, a replacement system can help bring the current structure into compliance with more strict building codes for insulated glass and wind load resistance.
Sash Issues
Visual inspections can help diagnose and resolve a number of sash window problems. A professional assessment of the window can identify things like wood that is rotting and paintwork damage as well as broken glass, assuring that the window is in good shape for its future use. Fortunately, the most common problems are less serious and don't necessarily necessitate replacement.
Issues like a sash that doesn't close or open can be annoying and impact the efficiency of your home. Windows can also be risky if they suddenly snap shut. This could result in injuries, property damage and even a loss of air conditioning or heat.
Sliding windows require regular maintenance to ensure they look good and working properly. Cleaning the window of your sash and spraying lubricant on it can make them easier to open and shut. If the problem continues, it could indicate that the balances aren't functioning correctly or that something is wrong with the sash.
Over time the wooden windowsashes absorb moisture and are affected by changes in levels of humidity. double glazing causes them swell and shrink, which can cause them to become stuck or encased within the frame. This can be prevented by maintaining a tight seal on the wood and applying regularly a sash sealer or painting to shield against moisture.
Other issues with sash windows include a broken cord displacement, lock and nail jamming. All of these make it difficult to open and close windows for sash. A carpenter can fix these problems by removing the sash, fixing or replacing damaged parts, before re-cording them.
Stained glass windows can sometimes be stained to restore their appearance. It's important to keep them in good condition to protect the glass from water infiltration and rot that may occur when the paint begins to peel and crack. Re-leading stained glass is an additional method to prevent it from leaking into the surrounding wood and causing decay.