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Glazing Repairs Correctly repairing your glass can increase the value of your home. It will also improve the efficiency of your windows and doors. It can be difficult to determine if the problem you encounter requires professional assistance for repair. Here are a few of the most frequent problems that require fixing:. Damaged Seals Window seals are an essential element of your glazing system. They secure windows, insulate them and seal them against outside air and moisture. They are designed to last for a long time however, the reality is that they could require repair or replacement at some moment. There are a variety of options for repair in accordance with your budget and timeframe. Fogging in your double paned insulated glass unit is among the most commonly reported signs that the window seals are failing. Foggy windows may be caused by an unsound seal between two glass panes within your IGU. This allows moisture to seep through and cause condensation. Steamers are a great option to remove the fog from your windows or apply window putty. However, it's recommended that you have your window seals fixed by a professional. A leaky seal could cause the insulation value of your windows to decrease. 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 home. Once the window seal fails the insulation benefits of your IGU will be lost and your energy bills will rise. Rubber gaskets begin to degrade with time due to exposure and age. The degrading process can be accelerated by improper maintenance or environmental factors, such as UV radiation. If not addressed, this may cause water penetration into the building envelope, resulting in the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause damage to the frame and sash of your IGU, ruining the appearance and compromising your insulation. The best way to prevent a breakdown of window seals is to perform regular maintenance and avoiding common mistakes. Avoid using a high-pressure washer to clean windows, as it can cause damage to the seal. Do not add a reflective film to your window that is insulated, since this could invalidate the warranty and damage the sealant. Be careful when using chemicals like paint strippers as they can harm sealant and cause failure. Broken Glass Broken glass is a concern that needs immediate attention. A shattered pane in a window can fall and cause other windows to break, or create a draft, or even allow water or insects into your home. A broken pane of glass could pose a risk to anyone who comes into contact with it. This is especially true for pets and children. In addition to being a risk for safety broken glass can be difficult to remove and could result in additional damage to frames, sash and other surfaces. The first step to take when a window is damaged is to seal it up with a cross patch of duct tap to prevent further shattering. This will keep rain, bugs and debris out of the home until you are able to replace the glass. This is particularly important for windows that are higher up. 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. Once the glass has been removed, wash the surrounding areas to prepare for the installation of a new replacement window. After measuring the window opening, it is important to ensure the new replacement is exactly the right size. Most glaziers will have standard-sized panes that are ready to be inserted but if you're looking to get security glass or energy-efficient, it's likely to have to be made specifically to fit your frame. To avoid committing mistakes make sure you measure the opening of your window and subtract 1/8 to ¼ inches for the new pane. Once you're ready to put in the new glass, place it carefully into the frame and ensure it's an even fit with the rabbets holding it. A glass pane that's too huge can cause a cloud to form and swell on the wood surrounding it, whereas one that's too small could be thrown off the frame or let drafts in your home. Once you've made sure the new pane is securely secured by a second cord of compound for glaziers' around the glass's perimeter to seal it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound using your finger, ensuring it's evenly distributed around the new pane. Once dry paint the newly glazed frame and compound to match the rest of your window. Structural Issues The strength and structural integrity of curtain wall and framing system are essential for the safety, compliance, and performance of glazing surfaces. In an inspection, a professional checks anchor points, fasteners and supports for signs of corrosion or deterioration or misalignment. The inspector also examines the sealants and gaskets to ensure that they are properly installed and that they aren't leaky. The structural issues that must be addressed include rusted frames and walls that are sagging. These problems are dangerous and could lead to severe destruction over time. It is essential to address any structural issues as fast as you can, to avoid costly repairs later on. Curtain wall systems require extensive structural support to be able to withstand wind loads and other stresses. Water intrusion caused by these components could be costly and destructive. These failures are often caused by inadequate construction, design errors and inadequate installation. Another common problem is warping. This can cause distorted or deformed glass panels that can affect the appearance of the system, energy efficiency and safety. An inspector for glass looks for warping during an inspection and suggests repair steps if required. The first step of an inspection of the glazing is to make sure that the work area has been cleared of all obstructions and that employees are wearing the appropriate safety equipment. Hard hats, gloves, and high-visibility vests are all part of the safety equipment. You can also use a ladder and harness to reach higher or more difficult-to-reach places. Common repairs for wood-framed windows include loose or missing hardware. Two-part epoxy is a good choice to repair minor cracks in wooden window panes, but damaged or rotted wood should be replaced. Sliding sashes stuck in their tracks can be removed by sanding them before applying graphite grease. Aluminum window companies are usually the ones to handle more difficult problems, such as replacing sliding mechanisms or the major frame or sash parts. Replacing an existing curtain wall system usually involves an upfront cost that is higher than rehabilitation, however the energy savings and improved comfort of the occupants could eventually pay for the initial investment. A new system could help bring an existing structure into conformity with the stricter standards of building codes for insulated glass and wind load resistance. Sash Issues Visual inspections can help diagnose and address many sash window problems. Things like rotting timber or paintwork damage, as well as broken glass are all detected by a professional window assessment to ensure that the window is in good shape to be used in the future. Fortunately, the most common issues aren't as serious and don't require replacement. Problems like a sash windows that isn't able to open or close can be a nuisance and also affect the efficiency of your home's energy usage. It's also a risk when windows suddenly slam shut and can lead to injuries, property damage or loss of cool or warm air. Regular maintenance is essential to keep sliding sash windows looking good and operating properly. Cleaning your window sash and spraying it with lubricant could make them easier to open and close. If the problem continues it could mean that the balances don't work correctly or that something is wrong with the sash. Wooden window sashes absorb water over time and can be affected by changes in humidity. They then expand and shrink, which may result in them becoming stuck or jammed within the frame. This can be prevented by ensuring a tight seal on the wood and applying regularly paint or a sash sealer to shield against moisture. Other sash issues include a faulty lock, cord displacement, and nail jamming. Woodley double glazing make it difficult to open and shut windows in sash. These issues can usually be resolved by carpenters who will take out the sash, replace or repair any damaged parts and reconnect them. It is possible to re-stain stained glass windows in order to restore their original appearance. It is essential to keep them in good shape to prevent water intrusion, rot and other problems that may arise when paint starts to peel and crack. Re-leading stained glass is an additional method to prevent it from leaking into the surrounding wood and causing decay.