Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen are able to move large glass panes from a high point above the ground. They work under extreme weather conditions and adhere to strict safety protocols.

While wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and glazing points with a utility knife. A heat gun will help to soften and eliminate the old putty.

Replacement

When a window's pane breaks, it can be tempting to repair the glass instead of replace it. It is more cost-effective to replace a window and it will also help avoid other issues that could affect your home's efficiency. Examine the type of broken glass to determine whether it's a temporary fix or if a long-term solution is needed.

To repair a broken window, take off the frame or sash, and lay it flat on your work surface. Wearing eye protection, carefully move the frame and remove any shards remaining within the window. Utilize a utility knife to remove the glazing compound, as well as the glazing points that keep the window repair near in place. Keep the track of the components and where they are so that they can be put back in place.

After you have removed the frame and sash, you can begin preparing to replace the glass. Before you do so make sure that the opening in the frame is designed for the replacement window. Measure both ways across the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to allow the expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, you can purchase double-strength glasses cut to these exact dimensions. It is also recommended to purchase enough new glazier's points or clips to be positioned every 6 inches around the window pane.

Depending on the window's warranty, this may be covered by the manufacturer, in which case you need to contact them to file an claim. After the new glass has been put in place it is crucial to cover it with a thin layer glaziers compound. Once the compound has dried you can paint the frame to match.

If you have a crack that is more than an inch, cutting an arc of the edge of a blade just over the crack could help stop it from spreading further. This technique isn't 100% completely foolproof, but it could slow the growth of the crack to a manageable level until you can take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers are equipped with the right tools and know how to work with various types of glass. They are able to dispose of waste in a safe manner, so they are less likely than other contractors to leave behind scraps that could harm family pets or members of the family. They're also used to working with different types of windows and are aware of issues that aren't obvious to the uninitiated homeowner.

Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to beginning the process of repairing double glazed windows cracked glass. A small crack could cause glass shards to fly around and could pose a danger to anyone within or around the home. It is important to determine what caused the crack, as this could prevent future problems.

Make a two-part mixture of epoxy. They typically are a 50/50 mixture of hardener and resin. They must be mixed quickly. When the mixture is done put it in the crack in the glass and allow it to dry. It will take just some minutes, but you must be quick because the mixture is extremely thick and drys quickly.

After the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of any excess with a putty knife. You'll then need to clean the cracks in the glass. If you don't clean it properly, the residue can cause further damage to the glass. Use a putty blade to smooth out the compound around the edge of your window and glass window repair then match it to the frame made of wood.

You could consider using a plastic cover to make a more durable choice. A trash bag that is heavy-duty or tarp is ideal, Glass Window Repair but you can also use masking tape to cover the glass. This will keep the crack from expanding and will also keep out water, wind bugs, debris, and water.

If you're unable to reach the window in a timely manner, you can use silicone sealant to make a temporary repair. Simply run a bead of the material around the outside edge of the damaged pane. It won't fully seal the gap between the frame and glass, but it will keep the crack in place while you repair it.

Repainting

Repainting old glass windows is a good idea. This is a cost-effective alternative to replacing windows, and can give your home a new look. Make sure that the surface is clean before painting. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to remove oil smudges and other residues that could prevent paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to avoid transferring oils from your hands onto the glass. Apply several thin coats instead of one thick coat. This will make the paint last longer and ensure that your windows appear even and smooth.

If you're planning on repainting your glass windows, make sure you have all the right tools at hand. You will need a sponge or brush painter's tap along with a ruler, toothpicks and a ruler. You'll need the paints and brushes that you'll use on hand. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Have patience, as it may take a while for the paint to completely dry.

If you're using solvent-based paint, you should also ensure that the space where you work is adequately ventilated. This will reduce the chance of breathing in toxic chemicals and permit the paint to dry faster. Use a protective mask when using spray paints.

For older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface prior painting. Clean the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water, then apply rubbing alcohol to wash off any oil or grease that could hinder paint's adhesion. Make sure that the windows are completely dry before you start coating them.

If you have energy efficient double pane windows on your windows, it might be possible to submit an insurance claim for repair or replacement with the window company or dealer who sold them. This is especially true if your windows are still under warranty and have experienced numerous problems with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

Whether you have old double-pane windows with broken seal or a newer version of insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging, there are several methods to fix the issue. It is the most expensive option to replace the IGU that is insulated as well as the frame. However, it could be required in situations where fog or condensation is causing energy losses. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single pane, or fixing the IGU that is in place by drilling a hole through the bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging product.

You can also fill in the gap between a window frame and a threshold or sill by with a felt strip or vinyl V-strip. Felt is inexpensive and can be glued, nailed, or stapled into place but it doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strips are easy to install and long-lasting, but can be expensive. It is typically reserved for areas subjected to high abrasion. Door sweeps are cheap and can be put into place, but they create very little or no protection between the sill or threshold and dust, air, and other debris.

To repair a damaged window seal, first use a putty blade to take off the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection carefully remove the glazing points -- small fasteners that fix the glass to the frame's recess with sharp and pointed ends. After you have removed the glazing points, scrub the grooves and sand the wood to a smooth finish. Wipe away any sanding sludge, then seal the bare wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.

Traditional glazing putty can be applied using a putty knife or caulking gun, but a knife provides a better application that is more precise and creates a better seal. Make sure you choose a putty specifically designed for glass windows, as it will have higher adhesion and durability.

Apply a thin layer of putty on the inside of the frame where it joins the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the scribed line on the glass lines up with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure on the glass to press the putty into a tight seal. Smooth the compound with an ungloved finger and then wipe off any mistakenly applied caulk or spills that are not properly wiped away before it dries.