Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work from high off the ground, maneuvering huge glass panes. They adhere to strict safety guidelines and are often working in extreme weather conditions.

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

Replacement

If a window pane breaks, it can be tempting to repair the glass rather than replace it. However, replacing a window is often more cost-effective and may aid in preventing other issues in your home's energy efficiency. It is also important to consider the type of glass that is damaged to determine if it is a temporary fix or if you will require a more permanent solution.

The first step in fixing broken windows is to remove the sash, or frame and place it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window's pane and then remove any remaining fragments. Utilize a utility knife to cut off the glazing compound, and the glazing points that secure the window. Keep the track of the components and where they are so they can be reinstalled.

After the frame and sash have been removed, you can begin preparing to install the new glass. Before you begin, make sure that the opening in the frame is properly designed for the replacement window. To allow for the expansion of the frame and glass and contraction take measurements in both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, you can purchase double-strength glasses cut to these exact dimensions. It is also recommended to purchase enough new glazier's clips or glazier's points to be installed every 6 inches around the window pane.

Depending on the window's warranty, this may be covered by the manufacturer and in this case, you should call the company to file a claim. After the new glass has been installed, it needs to be sprayed with a thin coating of glazier's compound. After the compound has dried, you can paint it to match the rest of the frame.

If your crack is longer than an inch in length, you can prevent it from expanding by scoring the crack with a small arc, just above the crack. This trick won't be infallible, but it will slow the growth of the crack down to a manageable level until you can take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers know how to handle various kinds of glass, and they have the tools necessary to do a proper job. They also know the best practices for disposing of garbage, which means they're less likely to leave scraps in the trash, which could hurt pets or family members. They're also accustomed to working with different kinds of windows and could be able to spot issues that a home owner with no experience might not see.

Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to beginning the process of repairing cracked glass. A minor crack could cause shards to fly off, creating a risk for anyone living in or around the home. It's also crucial to determine what caused the crack in the first place, so that it could help avoid future problems.

Begin by creating a two-part epoxy mixture. They usually consist of made up of a 50/50 mix of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture is done, apply it to the crack in the glass and leave it to dry. It should take only a few minutes, but it's essential to work quickly since the mixture is very dense and fast-drying.

After the epoxy has dried, you can take off any excess with a knife. You'll then need to scrub the cracked glass. If you don't do this correctly, the residue could cause further damage to the glass. Once the glass is cleaned using a putty knife, you can use it to smooth the compound along the edges of the window, and then align it with the wood frame.

You could consider using a plastic cover to make a more durable choice. You can cover the glass using masking tape or a sturdy trash bag. This will prevent the crack from spreading, and will also keep wind, water and bugs out.

You can make an interim solution when you are unable reach the window in time. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant around the edges of the broken glass. It won't completely seal the gap between the frame and glass but it will help keep the broken piece in place while you repair it.

Repainting

Repainting old glass windows is a great idea. This is a low-cost alternative to replace your windows and will give your house a new appearance. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Wash the window with water and soap or ruby alcohol to get rid of oil smudges and other residues which can hinder the paint from adhering. It is also recommended to wear rubber gloves when working on glass to avoid the risk of transferring your own oils onto the surface of the window. Apply several thin coats instead of a single thick one. This will allow the paint to last longer and make your windows appear smooth and even.

If you're planning on repainting your glass windows, ensure that you have the proper tools in your arsenal. You'll need a sponge or brush as well as a painter's tamper along with a ruler, toothpicks and a ruler. You should have the paints and brushes that you'll be using in your kit. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Be patient, Glass Window Repair as it may take some time for the paint to completely dry.

If you're using solvent-based paint, you should make sure that the area where you work is adequately ventilated. This will decrease the risk of breathing into toxic chemicals and permit the paint to dry more quickly. Use a protective mask when using spray paints.

For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior painting. Use warm water and soap to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, use rubbing alcohol on any oil or grease remnants that may hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure the windows are dry before you begin coating them.

If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, then you might be eligible to submit a claim to the window manufacturer or dealer who sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is particularly true if you have experienced multiple problems with condensation or broken glass and the windows are covered by warranty.

Sealing

There are many ways to address the issue regardless of regardless of whether you have an older double glazed window repair-pane glass with a cracked seal, or if you have an upgraded insulated unit (IGU) that has experienced defogging. It is the most expensive option to replace the insulation unit and the frame. However, it may be required in situations where fog or condensation is causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with just one pane, or repairing the IGU that is in place by drilling a hole in its bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging agent.

You can also seal up the gap between a window frame and a threshold or sill with a felt strip or vinyl v-strip. Felt can be stapled, glued or placed in place, but is not a great protection against moisture. Vinyl weather stripping v-strip is durable and easy to install however it is costly and is generally reserved for areas exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are easy to nail in place and are inexpensive. However, they offer little or no protection between the threshold and air.

To fix a damaged window seal make use of a putty blade to scrape off the caulk. Wearing protective eyewear and gloves carefully remove the glazing points -- small fasteners that hold the glass to the frame's recess using sharp, pointed ends. After removing the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood until it is smooth. Clean any sanding residue, then seal the bare wood using a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.

Traditional glazing putty can be applied with either a putty knife or a caulking gun, but a knife provides a better precision and precise application. It also provides a stronger seal. Make sure you choose a putty made specifically for glass windows, as it will have higher adhesion and long-lasting.

Apply a small amount the putty on the inside edge of the frame where it touches the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the drawn line on the glass lines up with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure on the glass to compress the putty and glass to form an elongated seal. Smooth the compound using a gloved finger and clean up any mistakenly applied caulk or drips that have escaped before it is dry.