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Glazing Repairs The right repair of your window can increase the value of your home. It will also improve the efficiency of your windows and doors. It isn't always easy to determine whether the problem you're experiencing needs professional repair. Here are some of the most common issues that need fixing:. Seals that have been damaged Window seals are an important element of your glazing system. They secure windows, insulate them and seal them against outside air and moisture. Although they are designed to last a long time, and may require repair or replacement, the truth is that they will need to be replaced at some moment. There are many options to repair them, based 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 could be the result of a damaged seal between two glass panes in your IGU. This can allow water to get in and cause condensation. While you can try some quick-fixes to defog your windows, such as using a steamer or applying window putty, the best solution is to have your window seals repaired by a professional. A leaky seal could cause your windows' insulation to decrease. The space between your two panes is filled by inert gas such as argon and xenon which assists the IGU in resisting thermal transfer and maintain heat in the home. The IGU's insulating benefits will be lost when the window seal fails. Your energy bills will also rise. Gaskets made of rubber begin to degrade with time because of exposure and age. The process can be accelerated by improper care or by environmental factors, such as UV radiation. If not addressed, this may 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, ruining the appearance and damaging your insulation. The best way to prevent the possibility of a leak in window seals is to carry out regular maintenance and avoiding common mistakes. Avoid using a high pressure washer to clean windows since it can cause damage to the seal. Also, don't add a reflective window film to your insulated glass since it could invalidate the warranty and harm the sealant material. Finally, be careful when using chemicals such as paint strippers, since they could damage the sealant and cause it to fail. Broken Glass Broken glass is a problem that needs immediate attention. A broken pane in a window could fall and break other windows or cause a draft and possibly water or insects to get into your home. A glass pane that has been broken can pose danger to anyone who comes into contact with it. This includes children and pets. Glass that has been broken is not just a safety risk however, it can also be difficult to get rid of and can cause further damage to sash and frames as well as other surfaces. The first step to take when a window is damaged is to seal it up with a cross-pattern of duct tap in order to prevent further shattering. This will keep rain, bugs and debris out of the house until you can replace your glass. This method is particularly important for upper-story window. Then, be sure to take precautions by wearing cut-resistant gloves and eye protection. With a putty or pliers remove the old glazing points from the frame recesses. Once the glass is removed, you must clean the entire area to prepare it for new window. After measuring the window's opening, it's important to make sure that the replacement is precisely the right size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes that are ready to be inserted, but if you want energy-efficient or safety glass, it's likely to need to be made specifically for the frame. To avoid any mistakes, measure the window opening and subtract 1/8 to ¼ inch from the new pane. When you're ready to install your glass, take care to place it in the frame. Make sure it is flush with the rabbets. A glass pane too large can cause the wood to expand, and a pane too small may be thrown out of the frame or let drafts in. Once you've confirmed that the new pane is secure, roll another cord of compound for glaziers around the glass's perimeter to secure it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound with your fingers to ensure it's even around 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 vital to the security and performance of the glazed surfaces. During an inspection, the professional will inspect anchors, fasteners and supports to determine whether they have corroded, degraded or misaligned. They also check the gaskets and sealants to make sure they are installed correctly and aren't leaking. Structural issues that must be addressed include rusted frames and sagging walls. These problems are dangerous and could cause serious destruction over time. It is important to fix any structural issues as quickly as you can to avoid costly repairs later on. Curtain wall systems need extensive structural support in order to withstand wind loads, and other stresses. When these components fail the water intrusion that occurs can be damaging and costly. The underlying causes of the failures are inadequate construction, design mistakes and poor installation. Warping can also cause distortion or deformed panels, which could affect the appearance as well as the energy efficiency and safety of the system. A glazing inspector will look for warping and recommend repairs if needed. The first step of an inspection of the glazing is to ensure that the area of work is free of obstructions and that workers are wearing the appropriate safety equipment. Gloves, hard hats and high-visibility vests are all a part of the safety equipment. It is also an excellent idea to wear a harness and ladder for accessing higher or harder-to-reach areas. For windows with wood frames, typical repairs involve loose or missing hardware. Two-part epoxy can be used to repair minor cracks in window panes made of wood, but damaged or rotted wood should be replaced. Sticking sashes can often be removed from their tracks by sanding them and applying graphite oil. Aluminum window companies are typically the ones who handle more complicated issues like replacing sliding mechanisms or major frame or sash components. Replacing an existing curtain wall usually comes with an upfront cost that is higher than rehabilitation, however the energy savings and increased occupant comfort may eventually recoup the initial investment. Additionally, a replacement system could help bring the current structure into compliance with the more stringent building code requirements for insulated glass and wind load resistance. double glazing repairs Leatherhead Issues Many sash window issues may be easily identified and dealt with by an inspection. A professional window assessment can identify issues like rotting wood, paintwork damage and broken glass, assuring that the window is in good shape to be used in the future. Luckily, the most common problems are less serious and don't necessarily necessitate replacement. Problems such as a sash window that won't open or close can be a nuisance and could also impact your home's energy efficiency. It's also a risk when windows suddenly snap shut and cause injuries, property damage, and loss of cool or warm air. Regular maintenance is required to keep sliding sash windows looking nice and operating properly. Cleaning your sash windows and spraying them with lubricant can help them to open and close more quickly. If the problem continues it could be because the balances aren't functioning properly or something is wrong with the sash. Wooden window sashes absorb water over time and can be affected when humidity levels fluctuate. This causes them to swell and shrink which can cause them to get stuck or trapped in the frame. This is prevented by maintaining a a tight seal around the wood and by applying a sash paint or sealer to protect against moisture. Other sash issues that may arise include a faulty lock for sash, cord displacement and nail jamming that can make windows for sash difficult to open and close. A carpenter can resolve these issues by removing the sash and replacing or repairing any damaged components, then reconnecting them. It is possible to re-stain stained windows in order to restore their original appearance. It is important to maintain them in good shape to prevent water ingress and rot as well as other problems that may occur when the paint begins to peel and crack. Re-leading stained glass is an additional option to prevent it from leaking into the surrounding wood and causing decay.