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Glazing Repairs The right repair of your window will increase the value of your home. It also ensures that your window or door is operating as efficiently as it can, enhancing its overall efficiency. However, it isn't always easy to determine whether the issue you're experiencing is one that requires professional attention. Here are a few of the most frequently encountered issues that need fixing:. Damaged Seals Window seals are an essential component of your glazing system. They protect, insulate and protect windows from external air and moisture. Although they are designed to last for a long time and could require repair or replacement, the truth is that they'll need to be replaced at some moment. There are many options for repair, depending on your budget. One of the most obvious signs that the window seals in your home are failing is fogging in your double pane IGU, also known as an insulated glass unit (IGU). Foggy windows can be caused by a damaged seal between two glass panes of your IGU. This can allow moisture to seep through and cause condensation. While you can try some quick solutions to remove the fog from your windows, such as using a steamer, or applying window putty, the most efficient solution is to get your window seals replaced by a professional. In addition to allowing condensation and fogging between the windows, a weak seal can cause your windows to lose their insulating value. The space between the two panes of glass is filled with an inert gas, such as argon and xenon which helps the IGU to resist heat transfer and keep heat in the home. When the window seal fails the insulation benefit of your IGU will be lost and your energy bills will rise. Rubber gaskets start to degrade with time due to exposure and age. Degradation can be accelerated due to inadequate care, or environmental factors like UV radiation. This can result in mildew and mold if not addressed. This could eat away at the frame and sash on your IGU, destroying the appearance and compromising 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 a high-pressure washer to clean your windows since it could get into the sash, and damage 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. Also, be cautious when using chemicals, such as paint strippers, as they can cause damage to the sealant and cause it to fail. Broken Glass Broken glass is a common problem that requires immediate attention. A broken pane in a window can fall and break further windows or cause a draft and possibly water or insects to infiltrate your home. double glazing repairs near me broken glass pane could also pose a risk to anyone who comes in contact with it, especially pets or children. Glass that is shattering is not just a risk to safety but can also be difficult to get rid of and can cause further damage to frames and sash and other surfaces. The first step to take when a windowpane is damaged is to wrap it up with a cross patch of duct tape to stop further shattering. This will keep bugs, rain and other debris out of the house until you can replace the glass. This method is particularly crucial for upper-story windows. Next, take precautions by wearing cut-resistant gloves and eye protection. With a putty knife or pliers, pry out old glazing points, which are the tiny fasteners that hold glass into the frame's recesses. After the glass has been removed, clean the areas around it to prepare for the new replacement window. It's important to measure the window's opening and make sure that the replacement is the proper size. Most glaziers will have standard-sized panes, but if energy-efficient glass or safety glass is required, it may need to be cut to fit your frame. To avoid making mistakes, measure your window opening and subtract 1/8 to ¼ inches for the new pane. When you're ready to install the new glass, place it carefully into the frame and check for an even fit with the rabbets holding it. A glass pane that's too large can cause the wood to swell and a pane that's too small could be thrown out of the frame or let drafts get in. Once you've made sure the new pane is secured by a second cord of glaziers' compound around the edges of the glass to seal it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound using your finger to ensure it's level with the new pane. When the compound is dry paint it on the frame to match your window. Structural Problems The structural strength of curtain wall frames and systems is crucial to the safety, performance, and compliance of glazed surfaces. During an inspection, a professional will check fasteners, anchors and supports to determine if they are corroded, degraded or misaligned. He or she also checks the sealants and gaskets to make sure that they're installed correctly and that they are not leaky. Rusted frames and sagging walls are structural issues that need to be addressed. These problems can be very risky and could cause severe damage over the course of time. It is important to fix any structural issues as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs down the road. Curtain wall systems require extensive structural support to withstand wind loads, and other strains. Water intrusion caused by these components could be costly and damaging. The main causes for these failures include inadequate construction, design mistakes and inadequate installation. Another issue that is common is warping, which could cause deformed or distorted glass panels that can affect the appearance of the system, energy efficiency and security. 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 area of work is free of obstructions and that the workers are wearing the appropriate safety equipment. This includes gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests. You can also use a ladder and harness to reach higher or more difficult to reach places. For wood-framed windows, common repairs involve missing or loose hardware. Two-part epoxy can be used to repair minor cracks in windows made of wood, however severely damaged or rotten wood is best replaced. Sashes that stick can be removed from their tracks by sanding and applying graphite oil. Aluminum window companies are typically the ones to tackle more difficult problems such as replacing sliding mechanisms, or the major frame or sash parts. The cost of replacing an existing curtain wall system is usually higher than the cost of rehabilitation, however the energy savings as well as the improved comfort for the people living in the structure could let the initial investment be recouped. In addition, a replacement system can help bring the existing structure into conformance with more stringent building code requirements for insulated glazing and wind load resistance. Sash Issues Visual inspections can help to identify and address many issues with sash windows. Things like rotting timber, damage to paintwork and broken glass can be detected through a professional window inspection and ensure that the window is in good shape for its future use. The most frequent issues are easily rectified and don't need replacement. Issues like a sash that won't close or open could be frustrating and can affect the energy efficiency of your home. Your windows can also be dangerous if they suddenly close shut. This could result in injuries, property damage, and a loss of air conditioning or heat. Regular maintenance is required to keep sliding sash windows looking good and functioning properly. Cleaning your sash windows and applying a lubricant spray can help them to open and close more easily. If the problem persists, it could indicate that the balances don't work properly or there is a problem with the sash. Over time the wooden windowsashes absorb moisture and are affected by changing levels of humidity. This causes them to swell and shrink, which can cause them to become stuck or clogged within the frame. This can be avoided by keeping an airtight seal around the wood and by regularly applying an sash sealer or paint to guard against moisture. Other issues with sash windows include a faulty lock, cord displacement and nail jamming. These issues make it difficult to open and shut windows for sash. They can be repaired by a carpenter who will remove the sash, repair or replace any damaged components, and then replace them with a new cord. Stained glass windows can be stained to restore their appearance. It is essential to maintain them in good order 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 another method to prevent it from leaking into surrounding wood and causing decay.