Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen are able to maneuver large glass panes from a height higher than the ground. They follow strict safety protocols and often work under extreme weather conditions.

While wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and glazing points using a knife. A heat gun may help soften the old putty and make it easier to remove.

Replacement

When a window's pane breaks, it can be tempting to repair the glass instead of replace it. It is more cost-effective to replace a window, and it will also help prevent other problems in your home's efficiency. You should also consider the type of glass that's damaged to determine if it is temporary or if you will require an alternative that is more durable.

To fix a damaged window, remove the frame or sash and place it flat on the work surface. While wearing eye protection, gently wiggle and pull out any shards remaining in the window pane. Then, use a utility knife to remove the glazing compound and glazing points that help to hold the glass in place. Be sure to keep the track of the components and their locations to ensure that they can be reinstalled later.

After you have removed the frame and sash window repair, you can begin to prepare to replace the glass. Before you begin ensure that the opening in the frame is sized for your replacement window. Take measurements both ways across the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement in order to leave room for expansion and contraction of the frame and Glass Window Repair glass. Then, you can purchase double-strength glasses made to these exact measurements. It is also recommended to purchase enough new glazier's points or clips to be positioned every 6 inches around the window pane.

Based on the window's warranty the window may be covered by the manufacturer in which case you need to contact them to file a claim. Once the new glass is installed, it should be sprayed with a thin coating of glazier's compound. After drying the compound and dry, you can paint it to match the frame of the window.

If the crack is greater than an inch in length You can stop it from spreading by scoring a small arc just beyond the crack. This technique isn't 100% foolproof but it will slow down the development of the crack until you are able to take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers have the appropriate tools and know how to work with different types of glass. They also know the best practices for disposing of waste, so they're less likely to leave waste behind, which could potentially cause harm to pets or family members. They're also familiar with various types of windows, and they may be able to spot problems that might not be apparent to the uninitiated homeowner.

Wear safety glasses and gloves before you begin the process of repairing damaged glass. Even a small break can cause shards of glass to fly away, which could pose a risk to anyone who lives in or around the home. It's also important to figure out what caused the crack in the first place, as it can help prevent future issues.

Make a two-part mix of epoxy. They are usually a 50/50 mixture of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. When the mixture is prepared apply it to the glass crack and allow it to dry. This should only take some minutes, but it's essential to do it quickly because the mixture is very dense and fast-drying.

After the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of any excess using a putty knife. Then, you'll have to clean the area around the cracked glass. If you don't do it correctly, the residue could cause further damage to the glass. After cleaning the glass, use a putty knife to smooth the compound along the edge of the window and match it to the frame of wood.

If you want a more durable solution think about using a plastic covering. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a strong-duty trashbag. This will stop the crack from spreading, and will also keep wind, water and bugs out.

You can create a temporary fix if you are unable to access the window in an efficient manner. Simply run a bead of the stuff around the outside of the broken pane. It won't close the gap between the frame and the glass completely but it will hold the break in place until you can repair it.

Repainting

If your glass windows are old, you might need to paint them. This is a cost-effective alternative to replacing windows and give your house a new appearance. Make sure the window is clean prior to painting. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to get rid of oil smudges, as well as other residues which can prevent paint from adhering. You should also wear rubber gloves while working on glass to prevent the transfer of your own oils onto the surface of the window. Apply several thin coats rather than a single thick one. This will allow the paint to last longer, and ensure that your windows appear even and smooth.

Make sure you have the proper tools on hand when you are planning to repaint glass windows. You'll require brushes or sponges painter's tap, a ruler and toothpicks. You should have the brushes and paints you will be using on hand. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Have patience as it can take a while for the paint to completely dry.

If you are using solvent-based paints, you must also ensure that the room in which you work is adequately ventilated. This will lower the risk of breathing into toxic chemicals and allow the paint to dry faster. You should also make sure you wear a mask that is protective for any spray paints that you use.

For Glass Window Repair older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface prior painting. Clean the glass thoroughly with soap and warm water, then use rubbing alcohol to clean away any grease or oil that could hinder paint's adhesion. Make sure that the windows are completely dry before you begin coating them.

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

Sealing

If you have double-pane windows that have a cracked seal or newer insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging, there are several methods for fixing the problem. The most expensive option is to replace the insulated unit and frame, but it may be required if fog or condensation are causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single-pane or repairing it by drilling a small hole in the bottom of the unit and then filling the solution with anti-fog.

You can also seal the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill with a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or door sweep. Felt is cheap and can be fixed by gluing, nailing or stapled in place however it doesn't provide much protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strips are easy to install and long-lasting however it can be expensive. It is usually used in areas that are subjected to high abrasion. 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 repair a broken window seal make use of a putty blade to take off the caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves, carefully pry out the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that pin the glass into the frame's recess, with sharp, pointed edges. After you have removed the glazing points, scrub the grooves and sand the wood until it is smooth. Wipe away any sanding sludge, then seal the bare 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 a knife will provide a more precise application, and a stronger seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass windows, since it has better adhesion and long-lasting.

Apply a thin layer along the inside edge of frame where it meets with the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the scribed line on the glass aligns with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure on the glass to compress the putty into a solid seal. Smooth the compound with fingers that are gloved, and wipe away any caulk that is applied incorrectly or spills that are not properly wiped away prior to drying.