Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work from high above the ground, navigating huge panes of glass. They adhere to strict safety guidelines and frequently work in harsh weather conditions.

Wearing protective clothing, remove all glaze putty and glazing points with a utility knife. A heat gun can help soften the old glue and make it easier to remove.

Replacement

It can be tempting to fix the glass of your window instead of replacing it if the glass breaks. However, replacing a window is often more cost-effective, and can also assist in preventing other issues with your home's energy efficiency. Examine the type of glass that is broken to determine if it's a temporary fix, or if a permanent solution is needed.

To repair a broken window, take off the frame or sash and place it on the work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window's frame and then remove any remaining shards. Utilize a utility blade to remove the glazing compound and the glazing points that keep the window in place. Keep an eye on the components and their locations 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 begin ensure that the opening in the frame is designed for the replacement window. To allow for the expansion of the frame and glass and contraction to both directions, measure the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, buy double glazed window repairs-strength glasses made to these exact measurements. It is also a good idea to purchase enough new glazier's clips or glazier's points to be placed every 6 inches around the window pane.

Depending on the window's warranty the window may be covered by the manufacturer, in which case you must contact them to make an claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it needs to be covered with a thin coating of the compound used by glaziers. After the compound has dried then you can paint it to match the rest of the window frame.

If you have a crack that is more than an inch, scoring an arc of a razor blade just beyond the crack will help prevent it from spreading any further. This technique isn't 100% infallible, but it will slow the development of the crack to a manageable level until you can take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors are equipped with the proper tools and Glass Window Repair know how to handle different kinds of glass. They are able to dispose of waste properly which means they are less likely than other contractors to leave behind a mess that could inflict harm on family pets or members of the family. They're also accustomed to working with different kinds of windows, and may be able to spot issues that a novice home owner might not be able to notice.

Before you begin the process of repairing damaged local window repair glass, make sure that you wear safety goggles and gloves. Even a small crack can cause glass shards to fly away and could pose a danger to anyone inside or around the house. It's also important to determine the cause of the crack in the first place, so that it can help prevent future problems.

Start by making an epoxy mixture that has two parts. They are typically a 50/50 mix of hardener and resin, and they must be mixed quickly. When the mixture is ready, apply it to the glass crack and allow it to dry. It should only take 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 get rid of any excess with a knife. You'll need to clean the cracks in the glass. If you don't do it properly, the residue can cause further damage to the glass. Use a putty blade to smooth out the compound around the window's edge and then match it to the frame of wood.

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

If you're not able to get to the window fast enough, you can use silicone sealant to make temporary repairs. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant around the edges of the broken glass. It won't close the gap between the frame and glass completely, but it will hold the fracture 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 your windows and can give your house a new appearance. Make sure the window is clean before painting. Clean the window using water and soap or ruby alcohol to get rid of oil smudges and other residues which can hinder the paint from adhering. You should also wear rubber gloves when working on glass to avoid transferring your own oils onto the surface of the window. Apply multiple thin coats instead of one thick coat. This will make the paint last longer, and ensure that your windows appear even and smooth.

Make sure you have the proper tools on hand if you plan to repaint glass windows. You'll need a brush, sponge, painter's adhesive, toothpicks, a ruler and other tools like paper towels or a rag. It is recommended to have the brushes and paints you'll be using on hand. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Have patience as it can take a while for the paint to fully dry.

If you are using solvent-based paint, also ensure that the room where you work is well-ventilated. This will decrease the risk of inhaling toxic chemicals, and also the paint will dry more quickly. Use a protective mask when using spray paints.

For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior painting. Clean the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water. You can then use rubbing alcohol to scrub off any grease or oil that could hinder adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are dry prior to coating them.

If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, you might be able to file a claim with the window manufacturer or dealer that sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is particularly relevant if you've had numerous issues with cracked glass or condensation while the windows are still covered by warranty.

Sealing

There are several ways to resolve the issue regardless of whether you have an old double-pane window with cracks in the seal, or if you have a newer insulation unit (IGU) that has experienced fogging. It is the most expensive option to replace the insulated unit as well as the frame. However, it may be necessary in cases where fog or condensation is creating energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single-pane or repairing it by drilling a small hole into 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 a door sweep. Felt is affordable and can be fixed with glue, nailed, or stapled into place however it doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl weather stripping v-strip is durable and simple to install however it can be costly and is generally used for areas that are subject to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are easy to nail to the floor and are affordable. However, they offer little or no protection between the threshold and air.

To repair a damaged window seal first, employ a putty knife to remove the old caulk. Wearing protective eyewear and gloves take care to remove the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that fix the glass to the frame's recess with sharp edges and pointed ends. After you have removed the glazing points, scrub the grooves and sand the wood until it is smooth. Wipe off any sanding debris, then seal the bare wooden surface with a linseed-oil-based paint or clear sealer.

Traditional glazing putty can be applied with the help of a putty blade or caulking gun, however using a knife allows for a more efficient, more precise application and will provide a better seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass windows, since it will be more adhesive and long-lasting.

Apply a small amount of the putty to the inside edge of the frame, where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the cut line on the glass aligns with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to force the putty and glass to form an elongated seal. Smooth the compound using an ungloved finger and clean up any caulk that was applied incorrectly or errant drips before it is dry.