10 Glazing Repairs Tricks All Experts Recommend Glazing Repairs

Correctly repairing your glass can boost the value of your home. It also ensures that your window or door is working as well as it can, enhancing its overall performance.


It can be difficult to determine if the issue you are experiencing requires professional help. Here are some of the most frequent problems that require to be fixed:

Seals that are damaged

Window seals are an essential part of your glazing system. They secure, insulate and seal windows against the elements of air and water. They are designed to last for a long time, however, they may need repair or replacement at some time. The good news is that there are many options for repairs according to your budget and timeframe.

One of the most obvious signs that your window seals aren't working is the presence of fog in the double pane of your IGU, also known as an insulated glass unit (IGU). Foggy windows can be caused by the seal being damaged between two glass panes of your IGU. This allows water to get in, causing condensation. Steamers can be used to clear the windows or apply window putty. However, it's recommended that you have your window seals fixed by an expert.

A leaky seal can cause your windows' insulation to decrease. The space between the two glass panes is filled with an inert gas like xenon and argon which help the IGU resist heat transfer and keep heat in the house. The IGU's insulating benefits will be lost in the event that the window seal is damaged. Your energy bills will also increase.

Gaskets made of rubber begin to degrade with time due to exposure and age. The process can be accelerated by insufficient maintenance or environmental factors such as UV radiation. If not addressed, this can cause water intrusion into the building envelope and result in mold and mildew. This can eat through the frame and sash of your IGU, ruining the appearance and damaging your insulation.

The best way to avoid a breakdown of window seals is to carry out regular maintenance and avoiding common mistakes. For instance, avoid using a high-pressure washer to clean your windows as it can get into 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 damage the sealant material. Finally, be careful when using chemicals, such as paint strippers, since they can damage the sealant and cause it to fail.

Broken Glass

Broken glass is a problem that needs immediate attention. A broken pane within a window could fall and cause other windows to break or cause drafts, or allow insects or water to enter your home. A glass pane that has been broken could also pose a risk to anyone who comes in contact with it, particularly children or pets. Glass that is shattering is not just an hazard to safety however, it can be a challenge to remove and cause further damage to sash and frames as well as adjacent surfaces.

When a windowpane cracks the first step is to seal it up using a cross-patch of ducttape to stop further shattering and keep rain, bugs and other debris out of your home until you can replace the glass. This is particularly important for windows that are higher up.

Wear thick, cut-resistant gloves. Also, wear eye protection. With a putty knife or pliers, pry out old glazing points, or the tiny fasteners that fix glass into the frame's recesses. After the glass has been removed, clean the entire area to prepare it for a new window.

After measuring the window opening, it is important to ensure that the replacement is exactly the right size. Most glaziers stock 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 mistakes make sure you measure the opening of your window and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the new pane.

When you're ready for installing the new glass, place it in the frame with care and check for a flush fit to the rabbets that support it. A new glass pane that's too large could cause clouding and swelling of the wood surrounding it, whereas one that's too small can fall off the frame and let drafts enter your home.

After you've ensured that the new pane is secure by a second cord of compound for glaziers around the edges of the glass to secure it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound using your fingers, making sure it's evenly distributed around the new pane. Once the compound is dry, paint it and the frame to match your window.

Structural Problems

The structural strength of curtain wall frames and systems is essential to the safety, performance, and compliance of the glazed surfaces. During an inspection, a professional examines anchor points, fasteners and supports for signs of corrosion or deterioration. They also look for misalignment. The inspector will also inspect the gaskets and sealants to ensure they have been installed correctly and aren't leaky.

Structural issues that must be addressed include rusted frames and sagging walls. These issues can be dangerous and can lead to serious destruction over time. It is important to fix any structural issues as quickly as you can to avoid costly repairs down the road.

Curtain wall systems require extensive structural support to withstand the forces of wind and other stress. If these components fail, the water intrusion that results could be destructive and costly. These failures are usually caused by poor construction, design mistakes or poor installation.

Warping can also lead to distortion or deformed panels which may impact the appearance as well as the energy efficiency and safety of the system. A glass inspector will look for warping during an inspection and recommends repairs steps if required.

Glazing inspections should begin by ensuring that the area of work is free of obstructions and all workers are wearing the appropriate safety gear. This includes hard hats, gloves and high-visibility vests. You can also use a ladder and harness to reach higher or more difficult to reach places.

For double glazing repairs -framed windows, common repairs involve missing or loose hardware. Two-part epoxy is a good choice to repair minor cracks on windows made of wood, however damaged or rotted wood is best replaced. Sashes that stick can be removed from their tracks by sanding and applying graphite lubricant. More complex issues like the replacement of sliding mechanisms as well as major frame or sash parts are typically left to aluminum window manufacturers.

The cost of replacing the existing curtain wall is usually greater than the cost of rehabilitation, but the savings in energy consumption as well as the increased comfort for residents could make it possible for the initial investment to be paid back. A new system could assist in bringing an existing structure into compliance with the more stringent requirements of building codes, such as insulation of glass and wind resistance to load.

Sash Issues

Visual inspections can help to identify and address many sash window problems. A professional window assessment will reveal things like rotting wood, paintwork damage and broken glass, ensuring that the window is in good order for its future use. Fortunately, the most frequent problems are less serious and don't require replacement.

Problems such as the sash not closing or open could be frustrating and can affect the energy efficiency of your home. Windows can also be risky if they suddenly snap closed. This can result in injuries, property damage and a loss of air conditioning or heat.

Regular maintenance is essential to keep sliding sash windows looking good and functioning properly. Cleaning your sash windows and spraying them with lubricant can aid in opening and close more quickly. However, if the problem persists it could be a sign that the balances aren't functioning properly or there is something wrong with the sash itself.

Over time wooden window sashes absorb moisture and be affected by changing levels of humidity. They can expand and shrink, which can cause them to become stuck or trapped within the frame. This can be avoided by ensuring a tight seal on the wood, and by regularly applying a sash sealer or paint to guard against moisture.

Other sash issues that may occur are a damaged sash lock cord displacement, cord displacement or nail jamming which all make windows for sash difficult to open and close. A carpenter can fix these problems by removing the sash, fixing or replacing damaged parts, before reconnecting them.

Stained glass windows may be stained again to improve their appearance. It is essential to keep their condition to avoid water ingress and rot as well as other problems that can 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.