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Glazing Repairs The correct repair of your glazing can boost the value of your home. This can also increase the efficiency of your window or doors. It can be a challenge to know if the issue you are experiencing requires professional help. Here are a few of the most frequent issues that need fixing:. Seals that are damaged Window seals are an important element of your glazing system. They are used to secure windows, insulate them and seal them against moisture and air outside. Although they are designed to last a long time and may require repair or replacement, the truth is that they will have to be replaced at some point. There are a variety of options for repair according to your budget and timeline. Fogging in your double-paned insulated glass unit is one of the most common indicators that the window seals are failing. Foggy windows result from a damaged seal between the two glass panes of your IGU that allows moisture seep in, creating condensation. Steamers are a great option to defog the windows or apply window putty. However, it is recommended that you get your window seals repaired by a professional. A leaky seal can cause your windows' insulation value to decrease. The space between your two panes is filled by inert gas such as argon and xenon that helps the IGU resist thermal transfer and retain warm within the house. When the window seal fails the insulation benefit of your IGU will be removed and your energy costs will increase. Gaskets made of rubber begin to degrade over time due to exposure and age. double glazing window repairs can be accelerated through improper care, or environmental factors like UV radiation. If not addressed, this can cause water penetration into the building envelope resulting in mildew and mold. This could eat away at the frame and sash on your IGU and cause damage to the appearance of the building and compromising insulation. Avoiding common mistakes and executing regular maintenance is the best way to stop window seals from breaking down. Avoid using a high pressure washer to clean windows as it can damage the seal. Do not apply a reflective film to your insulated window, as this could void the warranty and harm the sealant. Be cautious when using chemicals such as paint strippers, as they can harm sealant and cause failure. Broken Glass Broken glass is an obvious issue that requires immediate attention. A broken pane in a window could fall and break other windows or cause drafts and possibly even water or insects to enter your home. A glass pane that has been broken can be dangerous for anyone who comes into contact with it. This includes pets and children. Shattered glass is not only an hazard to safety, but it can also be difficult to get rid of, and cause additional damage to frames and sash as well as adjacent surfaces. If a window is cracked, the first step is to tape it up with a cross-patch of ducttape to stop the glass from shattering further and keep rain, bugs and other debris out of your home until you are able to replace the glass. This is particularly important for windows with higher levels. Take precautions by wearing cut-resistant gloves and eye protection. Using a putty knife or pliers, remove old glazing points, the tiny fasteners that hold glass into the frame's recesses. Once the glass is removed, wash the entire area to prepare it for new window. It is essential to measure the window opening and make sure that the replacement is the right size. Most glaziers will have standard-sized panes that are ready to be inserted, but if you want security glass or energy-efficient, it will likely need to be cut specifically for the frame. To avoid any mistakes make sure you measure the opening of your window and subtract about 1/8 to ¼ inch for the new pane. When you're ready to install the glass, put it in the frame with care and make sure it's a flush fit with the rabbets that support it. A glass pane too large can cause the wood to expand and a pane that is too small could fall out of the frame or let drafts get in. Once you've made sure the new pane is secure to the frame, wrap another cord of glaziers' compound around the perimeter of the glass to seal it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound using your fingers, making sure it's even all around the new pane. Once the compound is dry, paint it and the frame to match your window. Structural Problems The structural integrity of curtain wall systems and framing systems is crucial to the safety, performance, and compliance of glazed surfaces. During an inspection, a professional checks anchor points, fasteners and supports for corrosion or deterioration. They also look for misalignment. He or she also checks the gaskets and sealants to make sure that they are installed correctly and that they aren't leaking. Rusted frames and sagging walls are structural issues that must be addressed. These issues are risky and can lead to serious damage over time. It is important that you take care of any structural issues as soon as you can in order to avoid expensive repairs later on. Curtain wall systems require extensive structural support to resist wind loads and other stresses. The water intrusion caused by these components could be costly and destructive. The underlying causes of these failures include poor construction, design errors, and inadequate installation. Another issue that is common is warping. This can cause distorted or deformed glass panels and affect the system's appearance, energy efficiency, and security. A glazing inspector looks for warping during an inspection and recommends repair measures if needed. The first step of a glazing inspection is to make sure that the area of work 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's also a good idea to use the ladder and harness for accessing higher or harder-to-reach areas. For wood-framed windows, common repairs involve loose or missing hardware. Two-part epoxy can be used to repair minor cracks in window panes made of wood, but severely damaged or rotted wood should be replaced. Sliding sashes that are stuck in their tracks can be removed by sanding them, then applying graphite grease. Aluminum window companies are typically the ones who handle more difficult problems such as replacing sliding mechanisms, or major frame or sash components. The cost of replacing an existing curtain wall system is typically higher than the cost of rehabilitation, but the energy savings and the increased comfort for occupants may make it possible for the initial investment to be paid back. A replacement system can also help bring an existing structure into conformity with the stricter requirements of building codes for insulated glass and wind load resistance. Sash Issues Many sash window issues may be easily diagnosed and addressed by a visual inspection. A professional assessment of the window can identify issues like rotting wood and paintwork damage as well as broken glass, ensuring that the window is in good order for its future use. Fortunately, the most frequent issues aren't as serious and don't require replacement. Problems such as the sash not closing or open can be annoying and impact the efficiency of your home. It's also risky if your windows unexpectedly slam shut and can lead to injuries, property damage and loss of heat or cool air. Regular maintenance is necessary to keep sliding sash windows in good condition and operating properly. Cleaning your sash windows and applying a lubricant spray can aid in opening and close more easily. If the problem continues it could mean that the balances aren't functioning correctly or that something is wrong with the sash. Over time the wooden windowsashes absorb moisture and are affected by changing levels of humidity. They can expand and shrink which can cause them to become stuck or clogged in the frame. This can be avoided by keeping an encapsulated seal around the wood and by regularly applying a sash paint or sealer to shield against moisture. Other sash problems include a damaged lock, cord displacement, and nail jamming. These issues make it difficult to open and shut windows in sash. A carpenter can solve these issues by removing the sash, fixing or replacing damaged parts, and then reconnecting 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 issues that can occur when paint starts to peel and crack. Re-leading stained glass is a different way to stop it from leaking into the surrounding wood and causing decay.