It's Time To Upgrade Your Glazing Repairs Options

Glazing Repairs

Getting glazing repairs right can boost your home's value. It also ensures that your door or window is operating as efficiently as it can, increasing its overall performance.

However, it isn't always easy to determine whether the issue you're experiencing is one that needs professional repair. Here are some of most frequent problems that must be addressed:

Damaged Seals

Window seals are an essential component of your glazing system. They secure, insulate and seal windows against outside air and moisture. They are designed to last for a long time, but the reality is they could require repair or replacement at some point. There are several options available to repair them, based on your budget.

One of the most obvious indicators that your window seals aren't working is a fogging issue in the double pane of your insulated glass unit (IGU). Foggy windows result from a damaged seal between the two glass panes of your IGU that allows moisture to be absorbed, causing condensation. Steamers are a great option to defog the windows or apply window putty. However, it's best to have your window seals fixed by an expert.

In addition to allowing fogging and condensation between the window panes, a failing seal could cause your windows to lose their insulating value. The space between the two panes of glass is filled with an inert gas, such as argon and xenon which helps the IGU resist heat transfer and keep heat in the home. If the window seal is damaged the insulation benefits of your IGU will be lost and your energy bills will rise.

Over time rubber gaskets begin to lose their elasticity due to age and exposure. Degradation can be accelerated due to poor care or environmental factors such as 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 eat away at the frame and sash on your IGU and cause damage to the appearance and compromising insulation.

Avoiding common mistakes and performing regular maintenance is the best way to stop window seals from breaking down. Avoid using a high pressure washer to clean windows, as it could damage the seal. Additionally, do not add a reflective window film to your insulated glass since it could invalidate the warranty and harm the sealant material. Be cautious when using chemicals such as paint strippers, as they can harm sealant and cause failure.

Broken Glass

Broken glass is a hazard that requires immediate attention. A broken pane within a window could be thrown down and cause additional windows to break, or create a draft, or even let insects or water into your home. A broken glass pane can also be dangerous to anyone who comes in contact with it, including pets or children. In addition to being a safety hazard broken glass can be difficult to remove and could cause additional damage to frames, sash and adjacent surfaces.

The first step to take when a window is cracked is to tape it up with a cross patch of duct tap to prevent further shattering. This will keep bugs, rain and other debris out of your house until you can replace your glass. This is particularly important for windows with higher levels.


Take precautions by wearing protective eyewear and gloves that are cut-resistant. With a putty knife or pliers, pry out old glazing points, which are the tiny fasteners that hold glass into the frame's recesses. After the glass has been removed, wash the entire area to prepare it for a new window.

After determining the window's opening, it's important to ensure that the replacement is the exact size. Most glaziers will have standard-sized panes available to insert however if you're looking for energy-efficient or safety glass, it's likely to have to be cut specifically for the frame. To avoid a mistake, measure the window opening and subtract 1/8 to 1/4 inch to fit the new pane.

When you're ready for installing the new glass, place it carefully into the frame and make sure it's a flush fit to the rabbets that support it. A glass pane that's too huge can cause a cloud to form and swell on the wood surrounding it, whereas one that's too small may be thrown off the frame or let drafts in your home.

Once you've confirmed that the new pane is securely secured by a second cord of compound for glaziers around the perimeter of the glass to seal it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound with your fingers, making sure it's even all around the new pane. After the compound has dried paint it and the frame to match your window.

Structural Problems

The structural strength of curtain wall systems and framing systems is vital to the security, performance, and compliance of glazed surfaces. During an inspection, a professional will inspect anchors, fasteners, and supports to see whether they have corroded, degraded or misaligned. The inspector will also examine the sealants and rubber gaskets, to ensure that they have been installed correctly and aren't leaking.

The structural issues that must be addressed include rusted frames as well as sagging walls. These issues are risky and could cause serious destruction over time. It is crucial to take care of any structural issues as soon as you can in order to avoid expensive repairs down the line.

Curtain wall systems require a lot of structural support to withstand winds, and other strains. When these components fail the water intrusion that results can be costly and damaging. The underlying causes of these failures include poor construction, design errors and poor installation.

Another problem that is frequently encountered is warping, which could result in deformed or distorted glass panels and affect the appearance of the system, energy efficiency, and safety. A glazing inspector looks for warping during an inspection and recommends repairs actions if necessary.

The first step in an inspection of the glazing is to make sure that the area of work is free of obstructions and that the workers are wearing the appropriate safety equipment. Hard hats, gloves, and high-visibility vests are all part of the safety equipment. double glazing window repairs can also utilize a ladder and harness to reach higher or more difficult to reach places.

Common repairs for windows made of wood include missing or loose hardware. Two-part epoxy can be used to repair minor cracks in window panes made of wood, but damaged or rotted wood is best replaced. Sticking sashes can often be removed from their tracks by sanding and applying graphite grease. Aluminum window companies are typically the ones to handle more complex issues such as replacing sliding mechanisms or the major frame or sash parts.

The cost of replacing an existing curtain wall system is typically higher than the cost of rehabilitation, however the energy savings as well as the increased comfort for people living in the structure could allow the initial investment to be paid back. A replacement system can also help bring an existing structure into compliance with the more stringent requirements of building codes, such as insulated glass and wind load resistance.

Sash Issues

Many sash window issues may be easily diagnosed and addressed through an inspection. Things like rotting wood, damage to paintwork and broken glass can all be identified with a professional assessment of the window to ensure that the window is in good condition for future use. Luckily, the most common issues aren't as serious and don't necessarily necessitate replacement.

Problems such as a sash window that isn't able to open or close can be a source of frustration and also affect your home's energy efficiency. Your windows can also be risky if they suddenly snap closed. This could result in injuries, property damage, and the loss of air conditioning or heat.

Sliding sash windows require regular maintenance to keep them looking good and functioning well. Cleaning your window sash and spraying lubricant on it can make them easier to open and shut. 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.

Wooden window sashes absorb water over time, and are affected by changes in humidity. This causes them to expand and shrink, which could cause them to become stuck or jammed within the frame. This can be prevented by maintaining a tight seal on the wood and applying regularly a sash sealer or painting to guard against moisture.

Other sash issues that can arise include a faulty sash lock, cord displacement and nail jamming that can make sash windows harder to open and close. A carpenter can resolve these issues by taking off the sash and replacing or repairing any damaged parts, and then re-cording them.

It is possible to re-stain stained glass windows to restore their original appearance. It is essential to keep them in good condition to guard against water ingress and rot which could occur when the paint begins to crack and peel. Re-leading stained glass is another way to stop it from leaking into surrounding wood and causing decay.

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Pub: 10 Feb 2024 02:24 UTC

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