What Do Window Glaziers Do?
Window glazing can provide many benefits to your home including increased comfort, security, and energy efficiency. Glaziers are skilled tradespeople that work with glass, ensuring that it is installed and sealed properly.
Window glazing is a substance that resembles putty and is used to seal up the gap between the frame of the window and the glass. It is a latex or oil-based.
Installation
Glaziers are highly skilled professionals who install windows, glass structures, and other glass products in homes, offices and public areas. They also replace and repair broken windows and doors. This involves taking care to remove the glass that is in place, then installing new panes and sealing joints using putty or caulk. The proper window glass can help maintain an ideal temperature indoors and maximize energy efficiency. It can also improve the aesthetics of an area.
The glazier trade isn't as formalized like plumbing or carpentry, but that doesn't mean it's easy to get into. You can enroll in an educational course in vocational training to get ready for the job, or you can find an apprenticeship through a specialist or construction fenestration company. The responsibilities and duties of a glazier may differ depending on the type of project or installation is being undertaken but all require the ability to understand blueprints or specifications. Glaziers may also require to be physically capable of putting up to 100 lbs of force and have vision clarity at 20 inches or less and at 20 feet or more.
In the case of replacement projects, glaziers must ensure that the new window matches the original specifications and dimensions of the frame. This requires precision measurements, special tools and experience to ensure smooth edges on the new pane. Glaziers are trained to cut and shape various types of glass, including laminated and tempered and to apply coatings to protect the surface. They also have suction cups to handle massive or heavy glass panes.
After taking out the old window, a glazier should measure the opening for a new pane and cut it into the desired size. They should leave approximately one-sixteenth inch of free space around the edge to allow for the application of the window glaze. The glazier will then apply the thin layer of window glaze to the frame of wood before putting the glass in place. After the glaze has dried the glazier can trim and sand any excess glaze to ensure that the frame is cleanly finished.
Many homeowners attempt to replace their windows, but the task should be left to professionals who have the necessary equipment and know-how to do the job safely. Glaziers must adhere to strict safety guidelines to avoid accidents while working with dangerous materials and heavy equipment. They must be able to provide precise estimates so that clients are fully aware of the cost and time of the project.
Repair
Glaziers can repair windows and doors in commercial structures and residential structures. They can also fix gaskets and seals for windows, and frames that are damaged. Glaziers can also make use of traditional glazing putty, which is a mixture of denatured alcohol and boiled Linseed oil to re-gild a pane, or frame. It is a harder material to work with than modern silicone caulk, but it provides a tighter bond and provides an even surface once it has set. Glaziers typically apply the compound with a putty knife, which allows them to work with greater precision.
The glazier will clean the old putty from the window frame before replacing the glass. Before installing the new window, the area of glass that is glazed must be cleaned and the glass's dimensions measured to ensure that it fits snugly. The best place to purchase replacement glass is in a home improvement store where you can have it cut to size. You can also purchase it with two small glazing points that ensure it stays in place.
After cleaning the window sash, and removing any broken pieces of glass, the glazier apply a thin layer of the linseed oil/denatured alcohol mixture to the inside of the wooden frame around the glazing area. The putty cures for a few hours. Then, the glass can be placed into the frame using the glazier's tips and put into place. A paintable caulk or bead will then be applied around the glass in order to seal the joint between the frame of the window and the sash.
Glaziers need to be knowledgeable of all kinds of glass used in a structure such as laminated and tempered safety glass. They are aware of the advantages and drawbacks of each as well as its design characteristics and installation methods. They frequently interact with architects, project managers and other construction professionals in order to ensure that they understand the design specifications requirements, the specifications, and the job. This requires great teamwork and collaboration skills. Glaziers must also follow all safety guidelines while working on a job site.
Double-Glazed Fabrication
Due to their many benefits double-glazed windows have become very popular. However, the process of making this kind of window necessitates the use of specialized technologies and workshop space.
When a glazier is performing double-glazing, their primary objective is to improve the efficiency of energy and to reduce noise. This is achieved by assembling two panes glass into a single unit with space between them. The space is filled with air or an inert gas that is non-toxic and non-toxic like argon to increase the window's insulation.
Cutting the uPVC profile with the dual-head cutter is the first step towards making a double-glazed window. This is the process of preparing the profile for the next assembly.
Then, the glazier assembles the metal panel to an aluminum frame with structural tapes. Depending on the project, they may choose to use wet or dried glazing. It is recommended that wet glazing be carried out indoors to avoid dust that could diminish the strength of the adhering agent. Dry glazing is also favored to reduce the amount of chemicals used, which is great for the environment.
Glaziers use an additional seal as well as the sealing strip to create a tight seal. This stops moisture and heat from transferring between the glass and frame surfaces. The strip could also contain desiccant, which absorbs any moisture that builds between the glass panes.
Lastly all the glass panes will be assembled into the frame. A uPVC seal will be placed on both sides of the frame to ensure that it is airtight and watertight. This ensures the argon inside the glass unit is not able to escape, nor can external moisture get into the units.
In cold climates, double-glazed windows may aid in reducing heating costs. They provide better insulation, and have a significantly lower energy consumption when compared to traditional windows. They also help to limit the influx of sound and allow natural sunlight into rooms. However, it is important to remember that the thermal performance of windows is dependent on a variety of variables, including frame material, dual or triple glazing, gas fill and U-factor. A higher U-factor results in a higher thermal performance, however, this can be offset by other factors like frame material.
High-Security Glass
In the wake of high-profile incidents, many buildings are looking for ways to increase their security. Installing protective glazing is a popular choice to stop a shooter from entering the building. These products can be designed with resistance to forced entry, bullet resistance or both. These products can be added to the existing frames for doors and windows or integrated into a new construction. Although no glass is impervious to damage, these materials can provide a barrier that may delay an attacker, allowing crucial moments for the victims to react by hiding or running away in the midst of waiting for authorities to arrive.
Glazing systems that are rated for forced entry resistance are tested with a variety of methods. UL Solutions tests glass samples to determine whether they withstand forced entry attacks with blunt and sharp tools, such as hammers and pliers. The resistance of a sample to penetration by these tools is graded, with levels ranging between P1 and P7B.
Emergency Glazier of testing include hitting the glass with metal balls dropped at varying levels to test its strength. Two of these tests are UL 972 Burglary-Resisting Glazing, and EN 356 Axe test resistance against Manual Attack.
Ballistic-rated glazing is used in certain schools and other public spaces where there is a risk that may pose a risk to employees, students or visitors. The glass must be able to withstand multiple rounds from various types of firearms to be rated for this kind of security. The label on the glazing product will indicate the rating.
No matter the specific protection level, it is important to select a complete security system. The glazing must be paired with anchors and framing that combine to create an effective defense against potential threats. A professional glazier can help you find the most effective solution for your project.
Companies like DefenseLite offer over-glazing solutions which can be used in conjunction with existing glass to add an extra layer of security. The transparent polycarbonate shields are 250 times more durable than glass and virtually invisible when installed, making them an affordable way to mitigate the threat of criminal attacks. DefenseLite systems can be customised made to match the risk level of the site and the existing glazing conditions and budget for the project.