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Glazing Repairs The right repair of your window can boost your home's value. This can also increase the effectiveness of your windows or doors. It can be a challenge to know if the issue you are experiencing requires professional help. Here are some of the most frequent problems that must be fixed: Damaged Seals Window seals are an essential element of your glazing system. They secure the windows, insulate them and seal against the elements of air and water. 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 time. There are many options for repair, depending on your budget. Fogging in your double-paned insulated glass unit is among the most common indications that your window seals have failed. Foggy windows can be caused by the seal being damaged between two glass panes of your IGU. This can allow moisture to seep through and create 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 get your window seals replaced by an expert. In addition to allowing condensation and fogging between the window panes, a faulty seal will also cause your windows to lose their insulating value. The space between the two glass panes is filled with an inert gas such as argon and xenon which helps the IGU resist heat transfer and keep heat in the house. Once the window seal fails the insulation benefit of your IGU will be lost and your energy bills will increase. As time passes rubber gaskets begin to deteriorate due to age and exposure. The degradation can be accelerated by insufficient maintenance or environmental factors, such as UV radiation. This can cause mildew and mold if it is not addressed. This can eat through the frame and sash of your IGU and cause a shabby appearance and weakening the insulation. The best way to prevent the possibility of a leak in window seals is by performing regular maintenance and avoiding common errors. For instance, avoid using a high-pressure washer to clean your windows, because it could be able to penetrate the sash and damage the seal. Also, don't add a reflective window film to your insulated glass, as it could void the warranty and harm the sealant material. Be careful when using chemicals like paint strippers because they can cause damage to sealant and cause failure. Broken Glass Broken glass is a concern that needs immediate attention. A broken pane in a window can fall and break other windows or cause drafts and even insects or water to get into your home. A broken glass pane could also pose a risk to anyone who comes into contact with it, especially pets or children. Glass that has been broken is not just a risk to safety however, it can also be difficult to get rid of and cause further damage to frames and sash as well as other surfaces. The first step to take when a windowpane is damaged is to seal it up with a cross patch of duct tap in order to prevent further shattering. This will keep insects, rain and other debris out of the house until you can replace the glass. This is especially important for upper-story window. Wear thick, cut-resistant gloves. Also, wear eye protection. Using a putty knife or pliers, remove old glazing points, which are the tiny fasteners that pin glass into the frame's recesses. Once the glass is removed, wash the entire area to prepare it for new window. It's important to measure the window's opening and ensure that the replacement is the exact right size. Most glaziers will have standard-sized panes ready to insert, but if you want energy-efficient or safety glass it will likely need to be made specifically for your frame. To avoid making mistakes make sure you measure the opening of your window and subtract 1/8 to ¼ inches from the new pane. When you're ready to put in your new glass, be sure to put it in the frame. Check that it fits flush with the rabbets. A glass pane that's too big can cause a cloud to form and swell on the wood around it, while one that's too small could be thrown off the frame or let drafts enter your home. Once the new pane is secured, you can wrap another piece of glaziers' compound around the perimeter to secure the glass to the frame and the sash. Smooth the compound with your finger, ensuring that it's evenly distributed across the new pane. After drying paint the newly glazed compound and frame to match the rest of your window. Structural Problems The strength and structural integrity of curtain wall and framing systems is essential for the safety, compliance, and performance of glazed surfaces. During an inspection, the expert will inspect anchors, fasteners and supports to determine if they are corroded, degraded or misaligned. The inspector also examines the gaskets and sealants to ensure that they are installed correctly and that they are not leaking. The structural issues that must be addressed include rusted frames and walls that are sagging. These issues are risky and could lead to severe damage with time. It is important to take care of any structural issues as fast 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. The water intrusion caused by these components could be costly and destructive. These failures are usually caused by inadequate construction, design errors or poor installation. Warping can also result in distortion or deformed panels which could affect the appearance, energy efficiency and security of the system. A glazing inspector will search for signs of warping and suggest repairs if needed. The first step of a glazing inspection is to make sure that the work area has been cleared of all obstructions and that employees are wearing the appropriate safety equipment. This includes hard hats, gloves, and high-visibility vests. It is also an excellent idea to wear a ladder and harness to gain access to higher or difficult-to-access areas. For windows with wood frames, typical repairs involve loose or missing hardware. A few minor cracks in wooden window panes can often be fixed with an epoxy that is two-part, but damaged or rotten wood is usually recommended replacement. Sliding sashes that are stuck in their tracks can be removed by sanding them and applying graphite grease. More complex issues like replacing sliding mechanisms or major frame or sash parts are typically left to aluminum window manufacturers. Replacing an existing curtain wall system usually involves an upfront cost that is higher than rehabilitation options, however the energy savings and increased comfort of the occupants could eventually pay for the initial investment. window repairs Biggin Hill can also help bring an existing structure into line with the more stringent standards of building codes for insulation of glass and wind load resistance. Sash Issues Visual inspections can help to identify and address many sash window problems. Things like rotting wood or paintwork damage, as well as broken glass can all be identified by a professional window assessment to ensure that the window is in good shape for future use. Luckily, the most common issues aren't as serious and don't necessarily necessitate replacement. Issues like a sash window that won't open or close can be a source of frustration and could also impact the efficiency of your home's energy usage. It's also dangerous when windows suddenly slam shut and can lead to injuries, property damage and loss of cool air 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 issue persists, it could be a sign that the balances aren't functioning properly or there's something wrong with the sash itself. Over time wooden window sashes absorb moisture and are affected by the fluctuation in levels of humidity. This causes them swell and shrink, which could result in them becoming stuck or trapped within the frame. This can be avoided by maintaining a tight seal on the wood and applying regularly paint or a sash sealer to guard against moisture. Other issues with sash windows include a faulty cord displacement, lock and nail jamming. These all make it difficult to open and close sash windows. A carpenter can fix these issues by removing the sash, fixing or replacing damaged parts, and then re-cording them. Stained glass windows may be re-stained to restore their appearance. It is essential to keep them in good condition to prevent water intrusion and rot as well as other problems that may occur when the paint begins to peel and crack. Re-leading stained glass is another option to prevent it from leaking into the surrounding wood and causing decay.