Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work up above the ground, navigating huge glass panes. They follow strict safety protocols 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 and remove the old putty.

Replacement

If a window pane is broken, it may be tempting to repair the glass rather than replace it. It is more cost-effective to replace windows and it will also help prevent other problems in the efficiency of your home. Consider the type of glass that is broken to determine if it's a temporary fix, or if a more permanent solution is required.

The first step in fixing a broken window is to take off the sash, or frame and place it flat on a table. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window pane and remove any remaining fragments. Then, use a knife to remove the glazing compound and points that hold the glass in the position. Keep the track of the components and their location to ensure they are reinstalled.

After removing the frame and sash you can begin preparing to replace the glass. Make sure you check the opening of the frame is the right size for the replacement window. Measure both ways across the opening, and then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to allow space for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, you can purchase double-strength glasses cut to these exact dimensions. It is a good idea to purchase enough glazier's clips or points to install every 6 inches around the window pane.

Based on the window's warranty the window may be covered by the manufacturer and in this case, you must contact them to file a claim. After the new glass has been erected, it is important to cover it with a thin layer of glaziers compound. After letting the compound dry, you can paint it to match the rest of the window frame.

If your crack is longer than an inch you can stop it from expanding by cutting a small arc just beyond the crack. This trick won't be foolproof, but it can slow the development of the crack down to a manageable level until you can take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers have the proper tools and know how to work with different kinds of glass. They are able to dispose of waste properly and are therefore less likely than others to leave behind a mess that could harm family members or pets. They're also familiar with different types of windows, and they may be capable of identifying issues that might not be apparent to an inexperienced homeowner.

Wear safety glasses and gloves before you begin the process of repairing damaged glass. Even a small crack can cause glass shards to fly away and pose a risk to anyone inside or around the house. It is important to determine what caused the crack, since this will help prevent any future problems.

Begin by creating an epoxy mix that is two-part. They typically are made up of a 50/50 mix of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture is prepared, apply it to the glass crack and leave it to dry. It should take only a couple of minutes, but you must be quick as the mixture is very thick and will dry quickly.

After the epoxy has dried, you can remove excess epoxy with a blade. You'll need to clean around the cracked glass. If you don't clean the area correctly the residue could cause further damage to your glass. Make use of a putty knife to smooth the compound around the edge of the window and match it to the frame of wood.

To make a more durable option, consider using a plastic covering. A trash bag that is heavy-duty or tarp is the best option, but you can also use masking tape to cover the glass. This will prevent the crack from growing and will also keep out wind, water bugs, debris, and water.

If you're not able to reach the window quickly and you're not able to get there quickly, you can use silicone sealant to make temporary repairs. Apply a small amount silicone sealant around the edge of the damaged glass. It won't fully seal the gap between glass and frame, but it will keep the crack in place while you repair it.

Repainting

If your windows with glass are old, you might consider repainting them. This is a cost-effective alternative to window replacement and can give your home a fresh new appearance. Make sure the surface is clean before painting. Clean the window using water and soap or ruby alcohol to get rid of oil smudges and other residues that could hinder the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to avoid the transfer of oils from your fingers onto the surface. Also, you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a thick layer. This will allow the paint to last longer, and ensure that your windows appear even and smooth.

If you're planning to repaint your glass windows, Glass Window Repair ensure that you have the proper tools at hand. You'll need brushes or sponges, painter's tap along with a ruler, toothpicks and a ruler. You'll also need the brushes and paint you'll need for the project on hand. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's directions and have plenty of patience since it may take a while for the paint to dry.

If you are using solvent-based paint, you should also ensure that the room in which you work is well ventilated. This will lower the risk of breathing into toxic chemicals and allow the paint to dry more quickly. Use a mask that is protective when using spray paints.

For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior to painting. Clean the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water. Then, apply rubbing alcohol to wash off any grease or oil that might hinder the paint's adhesion. Make sure the windows are dry prior to coating them.

If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, you might be in a position to make a claim with the dealer or window company that sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is particularly true if you have experienced numerous issues with broken glass or condensation while the windows are still covered by warranty.

Sealing

Whether you have old double glazed window repairs near me-pane windows that have a broken seal or a newer version of insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging, there are several methods to address the issue. It is the most expensive option to replace both the insulated unit as well as the frame. However, it may be necessary in cases where fog or condensation is creating energy losses. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single-pane or repairing it by drilling a small hole through the bottom of the unit, and then filling the solution with anti-fog.

You can also close the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill by using a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or door sweep. Felt can be stapled, glued or nailed into place but doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl weather stripping that is v-strip is strong and easy to install however, it can be expensive and is typically reserved for areas exposed to high abrasion. Door sweeps are inexpensive and can be put into place however they provide very little or no protection between the threshold or sill and air, dust, and other debris.

To repair a damaged window seal using a putty knife, you need to remove the old caulk. Wearing protective eyewear and gloves, carefully pry out the glazing points -- small fasteners that fix the glass into the frame's recess using sharp, pointed edges. After removing the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood smooth. Wipe off any sanding debris and then seal the unfinished wooden surface with a linseed-oil-based paint or clear sealer.

A caulking knife or putty can be used to apply traditional glazing putty, however a knife will provide a more precise application, and a more secure seal. Choose a putty specifically for glass, since it will be more durable and will adhere better.

Apply a thin layer of glue along the inside edge of frame, where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the scribed line on glass lines up with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to press the putty into a solid seal. Smooth the compound using gloves and then remove any caulk or drips that were applied incorrectly before it dries.