Is It Better To Repair or Replace Commercial Glass?
As a Business Owner, Facilities Manager or Property Manager there might be a time you have to decide whether you should repair or replace your glazing. Glazing Renovations can help you make that decision.
It is vital to consider the defects in your commercial glass to make effective decisions for your business. It is equally essential to consider the costs between the two options and make the best choice.
If your glazing has been professionally installed and appropriately maintained, commercial glass usually has a longer lifespan. However, various factors may cause damage to your commercial glass. This can include:
- Severe climatic conditions or exposure to high levels of heat.
- Installation of defective materials or low-quality materials.
- Thermal inefficiency or inadequate U-factor according to the climatic conditions.
- Low maintenance of the glass.
Let’s take you through when to repair commercial glass, when to replace commercial glass, new improvements for commercial glass, and the next steps to repairing or replacing your own glass fixtures
Repairing commercial glass
Before deciding on whether to repair or replace your glass you will need to thoroughly inspect the glazing. Start with identifying the type of damage: Is it a crack or a chip? Is it on the surface or does it go through the glass?
If the crack or chip in your commercial glass is small, you may only need a repair. Larger damages, like a shattered panel, will likely require a replacement. If the damage is in a high-traffic area, it may be safer to replace the entire panel rather than attempt a repair that may fail over time, and if your glazing is relatively new and in good condition otherwise, a repair may be more cost-effective than a full replacement.
However, if your glass is old and starting to show signs of wear, a replacement may be necessary. You should also consider the cost of repairing versus replacing your commercial glass. If the repairs are extensive and expensive, it may make more financial sense to replace the entire panel.
Replacing commercial glass
If the damage is extensive then repairing the glass will not be enough to restore its full strength and durability. If the following problems arise in your commercial glass, it’s time to replace your glazing:
Foggy glass or leakage
If you find your glass is getting foggy or has water leakages you may opt for the replacement option.
Broken seals
One of the irreversible damages caused to the windows and ultimately the commercial glass includes broken seals. Damages occur along with the seals, which might break or crack due to high temperatures or other factors. Condensation due to fog formation causes the seals to break. If fog frequently occurs, the damp seals may expand and contract. After the seal has dried, it loses its integrity.
It would be a practical option to replace your glass and the whole window as a whole since it is difficult to separate the seals from glass panes and repair or repair them alone. In short, it means if you have broken seals, you may have to replace your glass and/or windows.
Visible damage
Due to long exposure to severe climatic conditions, including high precipitation, high temperature, storms, or other natural disasters, visible damage may occur. The visible wear and tear include broken glass frames, scratched glasses, or shrinking seals or gaskets. In case of these issues, it would be better to replace your glass.
Lack of thermal integrity
U-factor is the rate at which the glass of your windows may transmit non-solar heat flow. Due to a large number of leakages, drafts, or gaps in the glass, the U-factor of your commercial glass may significantly reduce. You may also lose thermal integrity.
High maintenance or repair charges
Over time your commercial glass might not stay cost-friendly due to frequent repairing, costly maintenance services, or purchasing spare parts. If they become highly demanding and you frequently invest time and resources to repair and maintain them. It would be better to replace them with newer ones.
Upgrading
If you are planning to upgrade the architectural structure of your offices or companies, a great way to do that is by replacing them with new, sleek and modern commercial glasses. You may customize the glass yourself or may contact a commercial window manufacturer. Replacing the glass gives a new look to your whole building and keeps it up to par.
Glazing Renovations have decades of experience in glazing maintenance, renovations, repairs and installations. If you’re not sure on whether your commercial glass needs repairing or replacing, then Glazing Renovations can help. Contact us today to start the process.