10 Unexpected Glazing Repairs Tips Glazing Repairs

Repairing your glazing correctly can boost the value of your home. This will also improve the efficiency of your window or doors.

It can be difficult to know if the issue you are experiencing requires professional repair. Here are some of most common problems that need to be fixed:

Damaged Seals

Window seals are an essential element of your glazing system that secure, 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 many options to repair them, based on your budget.

One of the most frequent signs that your window seals are failing is the presence of fog in the double pane of your insulated glass unit (IGU). Foggy windows could be the result of an unsound seal between two glass panes within your IGU. This can allow moisture to seep through and cause condensation. You can use a steamer to clear the windows or apply window putty. However, it is recommended that you fix your window seals by a professional.

In addition to allowing condensation and fogging between the windows, a weak seal could cause your windows to lose their insulating value. The space between your two panes is filled with an inert gas like argon or xenon which aids the IGU in preventing thermal transfer and retain warm within the house. When the window seal fails the insulation benefit of your IGU will be lost and your energy bills will increase.

As time passes rubber gaskets start to degrade due to aging and exposure. The process can be accelerated by improper care, or environmental factors such as UV radiation. If not addressed, this may cause water infiltration into the building envelope, resulting in mold and mildew. This could eat away at the frame and sash of your IGU, ruining the appearance and compromising your insulation.

Avoiding common blunders and performing regular maintenance is the best way to prevent window seals from being damaged. For instance, do not use high-pressure washers to clean your windows as it can get into the sash and damage the seal. Do not apply a reflective film to your window that is insulated, since this could invalidate the warranty and harm the sealant. Finally, be careful when using chemical products, such as paint strippers, as they can cause damage to the sealant and cause it to fail.

Broken Glass

Broken glass is an obvious problem that requires immediate attention. A shattered pane in a window could be thrown down and cause additional windows to break or create drafts, or let insects or water into your home. A glass pane that has been broken could also pose a risk for anyone who comes in contact with it, especially children or pets. In addition to being a safety hazard broken glass is difficult to remove and may cause additional damage to frames, sash and other surfaces.

The first step to take when a windowpane is damaged is to seal it up with a cross-pattern of duct tap to prevent further shattering. This will keep rain, bugs and other debris out of the house until you can replace the glass. This is particularly important for upper-story window.

Then, be sure to take precautions by wearing thick cut-resistant gloves and eye protection. With a putty or pliers remove the old glazing points from the recesses of the frame. After the glass has been removed, clean the entire area to prepare it for a new window.

After measuring double glazing window repairs , it's important to ensure the new replacement is precisely the right size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes available, but if energy-efficient glass or safety glass is required, it may need to be cut to fit the frame. To avoid mistakes, measure the window opening and subtract approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch to fit the new pane.

When you're ready to install the glass, put it carefully into the frame and check for a flush fit with the rabbets that hold it. A glass pane too large can cause the wood to swell and a pane that's too small could be thrown out of the frame or allow drafts in.

After the new pane has been secured, you can wrap another cord of glaziers compound around the perimeter of the pane to seal the glass to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound with your fingers to ensure it is even 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 frameworks and systems for framing is essential to the safety and performance of glazed surfaces. During an inspection, the professional will inspect anchors, fasteners, and supports to see whether they are corroded degraded or misaligned. He or she will also check the sealants and rubber gaskets to ensure they have been properly installed and aren't leaking.

Rusted frames and sagging wall are structural issues that need to be addressed. These problems can be very hazardous and could result in severe damage over the course of time. It is important that you address any structural problems as soon as you can so that you avoid costly repairs later on.

Curtain wall systems require a lot of structural support to be able to withstand winds and other strains. When these components fail the resulting water intrusion can be costly and damaging. The underlying causes of these failures are due to inadequate construction, design mistakes and poor installation.

Warping can also cause distortion or deformed panels, which could impact the appearance, energy efficiency and safety of the system. A glazing inspector will search for signs of warping and suggest repair measures if necessary.

Glazing inspections should start by ensuring that the work area is free of any obstructions and that all workers are wearing the appropriate safety gear. This includes gloves, hard hats 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.

Common repairs for windows made of wood include missing or loose 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 that have become stuck in their tracks can be cleared by sanding them before applying graphite grease. More stubborn problems like replacing sliding mechanisms and the major frame or sash components are usually left to aluminum window manufacturers.

Replacing a curtain wall usually comes with a much higher upfront cost than rehabilitation, however the energy savings and improved occupant comfort may eventually recoup the initial investment. Additionally, a replacement system could help bring the structure in line with the more stringent building code requirements for insulated glass and wind load resistance.

Sash Issues


Visual inspections can help identify and fix a variety of sash window problems. Things like rotting wood, damage to paintwork and broken glass can all be picked up with a professional assessment of the window to ensure that the window is in good condition for its future use. Most of the problems that arise can be easily fixed and do not require replacement.

Issues like a sash window that won't open or close can be a hassle and can also affect the efficiency of your home's energy usage. It's also dangerous when windows suddenly snap shut and cause injuries, property damage or loss of cool air or heat.

Sliding windows require regular maintenance to ensure they look good and functioning well. Cleaning your window sash and spraying a lubricant can make them easier to open and shut. If the issue persists it could mean that the balances don't work properly or something is wrong with the sash.

Wooden window sashes take in moisture over time and are affected by changes in humidity. This causes them to swell and shrink, which can cause them to get stuck or trapped in the frame. This can be prevented by ensuring a tight seal on the wood and applying regularly a sash sealer or paint to protect against moisture.

Other issues with sash windows include a faulty lock, cord displacement and nail jamming. These issues make it difficult to open and shut windows in sash. A carpenter can resolve these issues by removing the sash and fixing or replacing damaged parts, before reconnecting 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 guard against water infiltration and rot that could occur when the paint begins to crack and peel. Re-leading stained glass is another method to prevent it from leaking into surrounding wood and causing decay.