Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen are able to maneuver large panes of tempered glass from a height above the ground. They adhere to strict safety guidelines and often work under harsh weather conditions.

Wearing protective clothing, remove the glazing points made of metal and all glazing putty using an utility knife. A heat gun can help soften and remove the old putty.

Replacement

It's tempting to repair the window glass instead of replacing it if the glass breaks. However, replacing windows is usually more cost-effective, and can also assist in preventing other issues that could affect your home's energy efficiency. Take a look at the type of glass that is broken to determine if it's a temporary fix, or if a long-term solution is required.

The first step to repair damaged windows is to remove the sash, also known as the frame, and lay it flat on a table. Wearing eye protection, gently move around and pull out any remaining shards in the window pane. Use a utility blade to scrape off the glazing compound and the glazing points that secure the window. Make sure you keep an eye on the location of these components to ensure that they can be replaced later.

After removing the frame and sash windows repair you can begin preparing to replace the glass. Before doing this ensure that the opening in the frame is designed for the replacement window. Measure both ways across the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to allow the expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, buy double-strength glass cut to these exact measurements. It is also a good idea to purchase enough new glazier's clips or glazier's points to be positioned every 6 inches around the window pane.

Depending on the warranty of the window the window may be covered by the manufacturer and in this case, you must contact them to make an claim. After the new glass has been installed, it should be bedded in with a thin coating of the compound used by glaziers. Once the compound has dried it is possible to paint the frame to be a perfect match.

If you have a crack that is more than an inch, cutting the crack with a razor blade just beyond the crack can help to 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 permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers have the appropriate tools and know how to work with different kinds of glass. They also know the best methods for disposing of waste, so they're less likely to leave crumbs in the trash, which could hurt pets or family members. They're also used to working with different window types, and they may be capable of identifying issues that might not be apparent to the uninitiated homeowner.

Before you begin the process of repairing cracked window glass, make sure to wear safety glasses and gloves. A small crack can cause shards of glass to fly away, creating a risk for anyone in or around the home. It is crucial to determine what caused the crack, as this could prevent future problems.

Start by making an epoxy mix that is two-part. It is usually 50/50 mix of hardener and resin and they need to be mixed quickly. After the mix has been made then apply it directly to the crack and allow it to dry. This should only take some minutes however it is important to get it done quickly as the mixture is very dense and fast drying.

Once the epoxy has dried, you can take off excess epoxy with a blade. You'll then need to clean around the cracked glass. If you don't clean the area properly the residue could cause further damage to the glass. Use a putty blade to smooth out the compound around the edge of your window and match it to the frame of wood.

To make a more durable option think about using a plastic covering. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a strong-duty trashbag. This will prevent the crack from expanding and will also block out water, wind bugs, debris, and water.

You can come up with an interim solution in the event that you are unable to reach the window in time. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant around the edge of the broken 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 glass windows are old, you may need to paint them. This is a cost-effective alternative to replacing windows, and Glass Window Repair can give your home a fresh new appearance. Make sure the surface is clean before painting. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to remove oil smudges, as well as other residues which can prevent paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to avoid the transfer of oils from your fingers onto the glass. Also, you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a thick layer. This will make the paint last longer and keep your windows looking even and smooth.

Make sure you have the right tools available when you are planning to repaint glass windows. You'll need a brush or sponge, painter's adhesive, a ruler, toothpicks, and other tools like a rag or paper towel. It is also recommended to have the brushes and paint you'll use for the project on hand. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions and have plenty of patience since it may take awhile for the paint to dry.

Also, ensure that the area you're working in is well ventilated, especially if you're using solvent-based paint. This will help to reduce the chance of inhaling toxic chemicals, and also the paint will dry faster. Also, make sure you have a protective mask for any spray paints you apply.

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

If you have energy-efficient double pane windows on your windows, it may be possible to submit an insurance claim for repair or replacement with the company that makes the windows or dealer that sold the windows. This is especially true if you have experienced multiple problems with broken glass or condensation while the windows are still covered by warranty.

Sealing

There are several ways to address the issue, regardless of whether you have an old double-pane window with a cracked seal, or if you have a newer insulation unit (IGU) that has experienced defogging. The most expensive option is to replace the frame and insulated unit, but it may be necessary if condensation or fog are causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single-pane, or fixing 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 a window frame and a threshold or sill by with a felt strip or vinyl v-strip. Felt can be stapled, glued or put in place, but it doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl weather stripping v-strip is durable and easy to put in, but it can be expensive and is usually reserved for areas exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are able to be easily nailed in place and are cheap. However, they provide only a small amount of protection between the threshold and air.

To fix a damaged window repair seal make use of a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection take out the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp pointed tips that hold the glass into the recess of the frame. After removing the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood to a smooth finish. Wipe away any sanding sludge, then seal the bare wooden surface with a linseed-oil-based paint or clear sealer.

Traditional glazing putty is applied using a putty knife or caulking gun. However, a knife provides a better application that is more precise and creates a better seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass, since it will be more durable and stick better.

Apply a thin layer of glue along the inside edge of frame where it joins the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that scribed line on the glass is aligned with edge of frame. Apply pressure to the glass to press the putty into a tight seal. Smooth the compound using fingers that are gloved, and wipe away any caulk that is applied incorrectly or spills that are not properly wiped away before it is dry.