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7 Things You Didn't Know About Glazing Repairs
Glazing Repairs

Making repairs to your glazing correctly can increase the value of your home. This will also improve the efficiency of your window or doors.

It can be a challenge to know if the issue you encounter requires professional assistance for repair. Here are some of most common problems that need to be fixed:

Seals that have been damaged

Window seals are a crucial element of your glazing system that secure, insulate, and seal windows from outside air and moisture. They are designed to last for a long time, however, they could require repair or replacement at some point. The good news is there are many options for repairs depending on your budget and timeline.

One of the most frequent indications that your window seals are failing is fogging in your double pane insulated glass unit (IGU). Foggy windows could be the result of a damaged seal between two glass panes of your IGU. This can allow moisture to seep through, causing condensation. Steamers can be used to remove the fog from your windows or apply window putty. However, it is best to get your window seals repaired by an experienced professional.

In addition to allowing fogging and condensation between the window panes, a faulty seal can cause your windows to lose their insulating value. double glazing window repairs between the two panes of glass is filled with an inert gas such as xenon or argon, which helps the IGU resist heat transfer and keep the heat in the house. Once the window seal fails the insulation benefit of your IGU will be removed and your energy costs will increase.

Over time rubber gaskets begin to lose their elasticity due to aging and exposure. Degradation can be accelerated due to poor care or environmental factors such as UV radiation. This can lead to mildew and mold if not taken care of. 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 method to prevent window seals from breaking down. For instance, do not use high-pressure washers to clean your windows, since it could get into the sash, and damage the seal. Do not add a reflective film to your window that is insulated, as this could void the warranty and harm the sealant. Also, be cautious when using chemicals such as paint strippers because they can damage the sealant and cause it to fail.

Broken Glass

Broken glass is a common issue that requires immediate attention. A cracked pane of glass in a window could fall and cause further windows to break or cause a draft, or even let insects or water into your home. A broken glass pane can also be dangerous to anyone who comes into contact with it, especially pets or children. Glass that is shattering is not just an hazard to safety but can be a challenge to remove and cause further damage to sash and frames and other surfaces.

The first thing to do when a windowpane is damaged is to wrap it up with a cross patch of duct tap to prevent further shattering. This will keep rain, bugs and debris out of the home until you are able to replace the glass. This is particularly important for windows that are higher up.

Take precautions by wearing thick cut-resistant gloves and 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. Once the glass is removed, clean the entire area to prepare it for a new window.

After measuring the window opening, it's essential to ensure that the replacement is precisely the right size. Most glaziers have standard-sized panes on hand however if energy-efficient or safety glass is required, it may require cutting to fit your frame. To avoid a mistake make sure you measure the opening of your window and subtract approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the new pane.

When you're ready to put in your glass, take care to place it into the frame. Check that it fits perfectly with the rabbets. A glass pane that is too big could cause the wood to expand and a pane that is too small can fall out of the frame or let drafts enter.

Once you've confirmed that the new pane is secure to the frame, wrap another cord of glaziers' compound around the edges of the glass to secure it to the frame and sash. Smooth the compound with your finger, ensuring it's evenly distributed around the new pane. After the compound has dried paint it on the frame to match your window.

Structural Issues

The structural integrity and performance of curtain wall and framing systems is crucial to the safety, compliance, and performance of glazing surfaces. During an inspection, the professional will inspect anchors, fasteners, and supports to see whether they are corroded damaged, or misaligned. He or she also checks the gaskets and sealants to make sure that they are properly installed and that they aren't leaking.

Rusted frames and sagging walls are structural problems that need to be addressed. These problems are dangerous and could cause serious damage over time. It is important to take care of any structural issues as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs later on.

Curtain wall systems require extensive structural support to be able to withstand wind loads and other stresses. The water intrusion caused by these components can be costly and destructive. These failures are usually caused by poor construction, design mistakes and poor installation.

Warping can also result in distortion or deformed panels which may affect the appearance as well as the energy efficiency and safety of the system. An inspector for glass looks for warping during an inspection and recommends repairs actions if necessary.


The first step of an inspection of the glazing is to make sure that the area of work is free of obstructions and that the workers are wearing appropriate safety gear. This includes gloves, hard hats, and high-visibility vests. It is also a good idea to use the ladder and harness to access higher or more difficult-to-access areas.

Common repairs for wooden windows include missing or loose hardware. A few minor cracks on window frames made of wood can be fixed with two-part epoxy, however damaged or rotted wood is generally best replaced. Sashes that are stuck can usually be removed from their tracks by sanding them and applying graphite oil. Window companies made of aluminum are typically the ones to handle more complex issues such as replacing sliding mechanisms, or major frame or sash components.

Replacing a curtain wall usually comes with a much higher upfront cost than rehabilitation, however the energy savings and improved quality of life for the occupants may eventually cover the initial investment. A replacement system can help bring an existing structure into conformity with the stricter standards of building codes for insulated glass and wind load resistance.

Sash Issues

Many sash window problems can be identified and resolved through an examination. A professional window inspection will reveal things like wood that is rotting and paintwork damage as well as broken glass, ensuring that the window is in good shape for future use. Luckily, the most common problems are less serious and do not necessarily require replacement.

Issues like a sash that doesn't close or open can be a nuisance and impact the efficiency of your home. It's also dangerous if your windows unexpectedly slam shut and cause injuries, property damage or loss of heat or cool air.

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

Over time wooden window sashes absorb moisture and be affected by changing humidity levels. This causes them swell and shrink, which could cause them become stuck or trapped within the frame. This can be avoided by keeping a tight seal around the wood, and by regularly applying an sash sealer or paint to shield against moisture.

Other sash issues that can arise include a faulty the sash lock cord displacement, cord displacement or nail jamming, which can make sash windows harder to open and close. These issues can usually be resolved by a carpenter who will remove the sash, replace or repair any damaged components and reconnect them.

Stained glass windows can sometimes be re-stained to restore their appearance. It is important to maintain them in good condition to prevent water ingress and rot as well as other problems that may occur when the paint begins to peel and crack. Re-leading stained glass is a different way to stop it from leaking into the surrounding wood and causing decay.

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