Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work from high above the ground, navigating huge panes of glass. 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 soften and Glass Window Repair remove the old putty.

Replacement

When a window pane is broken, it may be tempting to repair the glass instead of replace it. However, replacing a window is typically more cost-effective, and can also help prevent other problems in your home's energy efficiency. You should also consider the type of glass that is broken to determine if it is a temporary fix or if you'll require an option that is more permanent.

The first step in repairing broken windows is to take off the frame, or sash and lay it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window pane and pull out any remaining shards. Then, use a utility knife to remove the glazing compound and glazing points that keep the glass in place. Keep the track of the components and their location so they can be reinstalled.

After you have removed the frame and sash, you can start preparing to replace the glass. Be sure to check that the opening of the frame is of the correct size for your replacement window. To allow for frame and glass expansion and contraction to both directions, measure the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, buy double-strength glasses that are cut to these exact dimensions. It is also a good idea to purchase enough new glazier's points or clips to be installed every 6 inches around the window pane.

If the manufacturer is responsible you should contact them and file a claim. After the new glass has been installed, it must be bedded in with a thin coating of glazier's compound. Once the compound has dried it is possible to paint the frame to match.

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

Repair

Professional window contractors know how to handle a variety of glass types, and they have the tools needed to complete an excellent job. They also know the best ways to dispose of waste, and are less likely to leave crumbs behind, which could potentially hurt pets or family members. They are also familiar with working with various types of windows and could be able to spot issues that an inexperienced home owner might not see.

Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to beginning repair work on cracked glass. Even a tiny crack can cause glass shards to fly away and could pose a danger to anyone inside or around the house. It's important to determine what caused the crack, as this will help prevent any future problems.

Make a two-part mix of epoxy. They usually consist of made up of a 50/50 mix of hardener and resin. They must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture is ready, apply it to the crack in the glass and leave it to dry. It will take just about a minute, but it's essential to work quickly since the mixture is very thick and fast drying.

After the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of excess epoxy with a blade. Then, you'll need to clean the area around the crack of glass. If you don't do this properly, the residue can 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 edges of the window and match it with the wood frame.

Think about using a plastic lid to make a more durable choice. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a strong-duty trash bag. This will prevent the crack from expanding and will also block out wind, water insects, water, and other debris.

You can create an interim solution in the event that you are unable to reach the window in a timely manner. Simply run a bead of the substance around the outside edge of the damaged pane. It won't completely seal the gap between the glass and the frame completely, but it will hold the broken piece in place until you can repair it.

Repainting

Repainting old glass windows is a good idea. This is a low-cost alternative to replace windows and give your home a fresh look. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Use rubbing alcohol or soap 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. Finally, you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a single thick layer. This will make the paint last longer and ensure that your windows appear smooth and even.

If you're planning to paint your glass windows, ensure that you have the proper tools nearby. You'll need a sponge or brush, painter's tap, a ruler and toothpicks. You should also have the paint and brushes you'll need for the project on hand. Follow the manufacturer's directions. Be patient as it can take a while for the paint to completely dry.

Also, ensure that the space you're working is ventilated when you're using solvent-based paint. This will reduce 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 to painting. Use soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, rub alcohol on any oil or grease remnants that may hinder the paint's adhesion. Make sure that the windows are completely dried before you begin painting them.

If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, you may be in a position to file a claim with the window repairs company or dealer that sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially the case if you've experienced numerous issues with cracked glass or condensation while the windows are still covered under warranty.

Sealing

There are a variety of options to address the issue, whether you have an old double-pane window that has cracks in the seal or if you own a newer IGU (IGU) that has experienced defogging. The most costly option is to replace the frame and insulated unit however it could be necessary if condensation or fog are causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU by a single pane, or repairing the existing IGU by drilling a hole in the bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging product.

You can also fill in the gap between windows and Glass Window Repair a sill or threshold using a felt strip or vinyl V-strip. Felt can be stapled, glued or put in place, but it is not a great protection against moisture. Vinyl weather stripping v-strip is durable and simple to install however, it can be expensive and is usually reserved for areas that are exposed to high abrasion. Door sweeps are inexpensive and can be put to the floor but they create little to no barrier between the threshold or sill and dust, air and other debris.

To repair a damaged window seal first, use a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection, carefully pry out the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that hold the glass to the frame's recess with sharp edges and pointed edges. After removing the glazing points, scrub the grooves and sand the wood smooth. Wipe off any sanding debris and then seal the unfinished wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.

A caulking knife or putty can be used to apply the traditional glazing putty, but using a knife will give a more precise application, and a more secure seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass as it will last longer and stick better.

Apply a thin bead 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 scribed line on the glass is aligned with edge of frame. Apply pressure to the glass to force the putty and glass to form an elongated seal. Smooth the compound with gloves and then remove any drips or caulk that were not properly applied before it dries.