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Glazing Repairs Getting glazing repairs right can boost your home's value. It will also improve the efficiency of your window or doors. It can be a challenge to determine if the issue you are experiencing requires professional repair. Here are some of the most frequently encountered issues that need fixing:. Damaged Seals Window seals are an essential component of your window system. They protect, insulate and protect windows from external air and moisture. Although they are designed to last for a long time, and may require repair or replacement, the fact is that they'll need to be replaced at some moment. There are several options available for repair, based on your budget. Fogging in your double-paned insulated glass unit is among the most frequent indications that your window seals have failed. Foggy windows result from a damaged seal between the two glass panes of your IGU which allows moisture to be absorbed, causing condensation. Steamers are a great option to defog the windows or apply window putty. However, it's recommended to fix your window seals by a professional. A leaky seal could cause your windows' insulation to decrease. The space between your two panes is filled with an inert gas such as argon and xenon that helps the IGU resist thermal transfer and retain heat in the home. If the window seal is damaged the insulation benefits of your IGU will be lost and your energy bills will increase. Rubber gaskets start to degrade with time because of exposure and age. The process can be accelerated by improper care, or environmental factors like UV radiation. If not addressed, this may cause water penetration into the building envelope and result in the growth of mold and mildew. This can cause damage to the frame and sash on your IGU, destroying the appearance and weakening insulation. Avoiding common blunders and performing regular maintenance is the best way to prevent window seals from breaking down. Avoid using a high pressure washer to clean windows, as it could damage the seal. Also, don't add a reflective window film to your insulated glass, because it could void the warranty and damage the sealant material. Finally, be careful when using chemical products, such as paint strippers, since they can cause damage to the sealant and cause it to fail. Broken Glass Broken glass is a clear issue that requires immediate attention. A broken pane in a window could fall and break other windows, or create drafts and possibly even water or insects to get into your home. double glazing Dorking that is broken could also pose a risk for anyone who comes in contact with it, especially pets or children. Glass that has been broken is not just a safety risk but can be a challenge to remove and cause further damage to frames and sash as well as other surfaces. The first thing to do when a window is damaged is to wrap 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. Wear thick, cut-resistant gloves. Also, wear eye protection. With pliers or a putty take the old glazing points from the recesses of the frame. After the glass has been removed, wash the areas around it to prepare for the new replacement window. After measuring the window opening, it's important to ensure that the replacement is the exact size. Most glaziers will have standard-sized panes however, if energy-efficient glass or safety glass is required, it might require cutting to fit the frame. To avoid mistakes take a measurement of the window opening and subtract 1/8 to ¼ inch to fit the new pane. When you're ready to install the glass you just bought, insert it carefully into the frame and ensure it's an even fit with the rabbets that support it. A new glass pane that's too big could cause clouding and swelling of the wood surrounding it, whereas one that's too small can be thrown off the frame or allow drafts into your home. Once the new pane has been 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, making sure it's even all around the new pane. After drying paint the newly glazed frame and compound to match the rest of your window. Structural Issues The structural integrity and performance of curtain wall and framing systems are crucial to the safety, compliance, and performance of glazing surfaces. In an inspection, a professional examines anchor points, fasteners, and supports for corrosion or deterioration. They also look for misalignment. They also examine the gaskets and sealants, to ensure that they are installed correctly and aren't leaking. Structural issues that must be addressed include rusted frames as well as sagging walls. These problems can be very hazardous and could result in severe damage in the future. It is important to fix any structural issues as quickly as possible to avoid costly repairs later on. Curtain wall systems require substantial structural support to be able to withstand winds and other strains. If these components fail, the water intrusion that occurs can be costly and damaging. These failures are often caused by poor construction, design mistakes and poor installation. Another problem that is frequently encountered is warping, which can result in deformed or distorted glass panels that can affect the system's appearance, energy efficiency and security. An inspector for glass looks for warping during an inspection and recommends repair actions if necessary. The first step in an inspection of glazing is to ensure that the area of work has been cleared of all obstructions and that employees 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 harder-to-reach places. Common repairs for wood-framed windows include loose or missing hardware. Two-part epoxy can be used to repair minor cracks on windows made of wood, however damaged or rotted wood should be replaced. Sticking sashes can often be removed from their tracks by sanding and applying graphite lubricant. More stubborn problems like the replacement of sliding mechanisms as well as major sash or frame parts are typically left to aluminum window manufacturers. Replacing an existing curtain wall system typically involves an upfront cost that is higher than rehabilitation measures, but the energy savings and increased occupant comfort may eventually recoup the initial investment. In addition, a replacement system can help bring the current structure into compliance with the more strict building codes for insulated glass and wind load resistance. Sash Issues Visual inspections can help diagnose and fix a variety of sash window problems. Things like rotting wood or paintwork damage, as well as broken glass can all be detected by a professional window assessment and ensure that the window is in good order for future use. The most common problems can be easily fixed and don't require replacement. Issues like a sash window that doesn't close or open can be a nuisance and also affect the efficiency of your home's energy usage. It's also a risk when windows suddenly snap shut and can lead to injuries, property damage and loss of cool or warm air. Regular maintenance is required to keep sliding sash windows looking nice and working well. Cleaning your window sash and spraying a lubricant can make them easier to open and shut. However, if the problem persists, it could be an indication that the balances aren't operating properly or there is something wrong with the sash itself. Over time, wooden window sashes can absorb moisture and are affected by changes in levels of humidity. They then expand and shrink, which can cause them become stuck or encased within the frame. This can be prevented by ensuring a tight seal on the wood and by regularly applying paint or a sash sealer to shield against moisture. Other sash issues include a faulty cord displacement, lock and nail jamming. These all make it difficult to open and shut sash windows. A carpenter can solve these issues by removing the sash and fixing or replacing damaged parts, and then re-cording them. It is possible to re-stain stained glass windows to bring back their original appearance. It is important to maintain them in good shape to prevent water intrusion and rot as well as other problems that can occur when the paint begins to peel and crack. Stained glass can also be re-leaded to keep it from leaking water into surrounding timber and causing wood decay.