You might be forgiven for thinking that glazing services had something to do with reconfiguring your windows in order to make them more energy efficient. In reality, glazing actually refers to the glass itself that is installed within the frame, or, in certain instances, the name of the hardened putty that creates a weathertight seal on the exterior of the window between the wood and the glass.
To glaze a unit would be the actual installation of a piece of glass within a frame or sash. The term is also referred to as all the glass within a structure. If you're in need of a glazing expert, changes are you need a window installed. Most professional glazing services in Doha deal with installing glass in windows, doors, walls, and other architectural elements, which other more comprehensive providers also design and install custom glass surfaces and mirrors. The glazing required within a structure would be described as all of the glass required to accommodate that structure. To glaze an opening is to install the glass within the frame or sash of that opening.
Common types of glazing that are used in architectural applications include clear and tinted float glass, tempered glass, and laminated glass as well as a variety of coated glasses, all of which can be glazed singly or as double, or even triple, glazing units. Ordinary clear glass has a slight green tinge but special colorless glasses are offered by several local manufacturers.
Glazing can be mounted on the surface of a window sash or door stile, usually made of wood, aluminium or PVC. The glass is fixed into a rabbet (rebate) in the frame in a number of ways including triangular glazing points, putty, etc. Toughened and laminated glass can be glazed by bolting panes directly to a metal framework by passing bolts through drilled holes.
Before starting a glazing job, a technician will measure the rough opening and ensure that the surrounding surfaces are protected from the ingress of water. Next, the window installer will level the windowsill to ensure that the jamb is plumb and the entire opening is square. If the window manufacturer has supplied metal flashing to cover the top of the window frame, the installer then caulks the top of the window. As a final step, window installation services fit the sash inside the window frame and insulate the structure against drafts.
Aside from window installation, glaziers and glazing services also deal with restoring and maintaining windows whose glazing or putty has fallen off or become badly cracked, leaving the window vulnerable to the effects of water and rot.
In this instance, the glazier will first remove the operable part of the window (where it slides up or down), called the sash. Then, it's time to remove the bad glazing through a combination of chipping and heat. Once all of the glazing has been removed, the glazier will then examine the wood to see if it needs repair, most likely with a two-part wood epoxy, which can be shaped and sanded to match the wood. Finally, the glazier will replace the glass (if necessary), and reapply new putty/glazing to seal the window before painting and re-installing it in place.
Interested in learning more? Give one of these local experts a call today and give your windows some TLC!