Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work high above the ground, moving huge panes of glass. They work under extreme weather conditions and follow strict safety guidelines.

Wearing protective clothing, cut off the metal glazing points and all glazing putty with an utility knife. A heat gun can help to soften and take off the old putty.

Replacement

When a window pane breaks, it could be tempting to upvc repair the glass instead of replace it. It is more cost-effective to replace a window, and it can also help you prevent other problems in the efficiency of your home. Consider the type of glass that is broken to determine whether it's a temporary fix, or if a permanent solution is required.

The first step in fixing broken windows is to take off the frame, or sash and lay it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window pane and remove any remaining shards. Then, use a utility knife to peel off the glazing compound and points that hold the glass in place. Keep an eye on the location of these components to ensure that they can be put back in place later.

After you have removed the frame and sash you can begin preparing to replace the glass. Before you begin ensure that the opening in the frame is size for the replacement window. Measure both ways across the opening, and 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 made to these exact measurements. It is recommended also to purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to install every 6 inches around each window pane.

Depending on the warranty of the window doctor, this may be covered by the manufacturer in which case you must contact them to make an claim. Once the new glass is installed, it needs to be bedded in with a thin layer of glazier's compound. After letting the compound dry then you can paint it to match the rest of the window frame.

If you have a crack that extends more than an inch, scoring an arc of the edge of a blade just over the crack could help prevent it from spreading any further. This technique isn't 100% foolproof however it can slow the development of the crack until you can take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers have the proper tools and know how to work with various types of glass. They are able to dispose of waste properly, so they are less likely than other people to leave behind scraps that could harm family members or pets. They're also accustomed to working with different types of windows, and may be able to spot problems that a novice home owner would not notice.

Before beginning the process of fixing cracked window glass, ensure to wear safety goggles and gloves. A minor crack could cause shards to fly, which could pose a risk to anyone living in or around the home. It is important to determine the cause of the crack, as this will help prevent any future problems.

Make a two-part mix of epoxy. They are usually made up of a 50/50 mix of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. After the mix has been made and applied, simply apply it to the crack and let it dry. It should take only some minutes, but it is important to work quickly because the mixture is thick and dries very quickly.

After the epoxy has dried, you can remove any excess with a putty knife. Then, you'll have to clean the area around the cracked glass. If you do not clean the area properly the leftovers could cause further damage to the glass. After the glass has been cleaned using a putty knife, you can use it to smooth the compound along the edge of the window and to match it to the wood frame.

For a more durable solution, consider using a plastic covering. A trash bag that is heavy-duty or tarp is ideal, but you can also apply masking tape to the glass. This will prevent the crack from spreading and will also keep water, uPVC repair wind and insects out.

You can make an interim fix when you are unable access the window in time. Simply run a bead of the substance around the outside of the broken pane. It won't close the gap between the frame and the glass completely, but it will hold the break in place until you are able to repair it.

Repainting

If your glass windows are old, you may need to paint them. This is an affordable alternative to replacing windows, and can give your home a new look. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Clean the window using soap and water or use ruby alcohol to eliminate oil smudges as well as other residues that can prevent the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass to avoid transferring your own oils onto the glass surface. Also, you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of one thick layer. This will make the paint last longer, and will keep your windows looking even and smooth.

If you're planning to paint your glass windows, make sure you have all the right tools in your arsenal. You'll require a brush or sponge, painter's adhesive, toothpicks, a ruler and other tools, such as a rag or paper towel. It is recommended to have the paints and brushes that you'll be using on hand. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Be patient, as it may take a while for the paint to completely dry.

If you're using solvent-based paints, you must also ensure that the room in which you work is adequately ventilated. This will decrease the risk of breathing toxic chemicals, and the paint will dry quicker. You should also make sure you have a protective mask for any spray paints that you use.

For older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface prior painting. Use warm water and soap to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, rub alcohol on any oil or grease residues that could interfere with the adhesion of the paint. Make sure the windows are completely dry prior to coating them.

If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, then you might be eligible to file a claim with the window company or dealer who sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if your windows are still under warranty and you've experienced numerous problems with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

There are many ways to address the issue regardless of whether you have an old double-pane glass with cracks in the seal or if you have an upgraded insulated unit (IGU) that has experienced fogging. The most costly option is to replace the frame and insulated unit however it could be necessary if condensation or fog cause energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU by a single pane, or fixing the existing IGU by drilling a hole in the bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging agent.

You can also close the gap between the window frame and the sill or threshold by using a felt strip vinyl v-strips, or a door sweep. Felt is cheap and can be fixed with glue, nailed, or stapled into place but it doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip weather stripping is durable and simple to install however it is costly and is typically reserved for areas exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are cheap and can be nailed to the floor but they create very little or no protection between the sill or threshold and air, dust, and debris.

To repair a cracked window seal first, you must employ a putty knife to take off the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves take out the glazing point, which are small fasteners with sharp pointed tips that hold the glass into the recess of the frame. After taking out the glazing points, remove the grooves, then sand the wood. Clean any sanding residue, then seal the bare wood using a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.

A caulking knife or putty can be used to apply traditional glazing putty. However, the use of a knife allows for an easier application and a better seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass windows, as it will have higher adhesion and a longer life.

Apply a small amount of the putty to the inner edge of the frame where it touches the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the scribed line on the glass is aligned with the frame's edge. Apply pressure on the glass to force the putty and glass to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound with a gloved finger, and wipe away any caulk that was applied incorrectly or errant drips prior to drying.