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 guidelines.

While wearing protective clothing remove all glazing putty and metal glazing points with a utility knife. A heat gun may help to soften the old putty and speed up removal.

Replacement

When a window pane breaks, it could be tempting to repair the glass instead of replace it. However, replacing a window is usually more cost-effective and may assist in preventing other issues that could affect your home's energy efficiency. It is also important to consider the kind of glass that is damaged to determine if it is an interim fix or if you'll need to invest in a more permanent solution.

To repair a broken window, you must remove the sash or frame and place it flat on your work surface. While wearing eye protection, gently move around and pull out any shards remaining in the window. Utilize a utility knife to cut off the glazing compound, as well as the glazing points that keep the window in place. Be sure to keep track of the components and their locations so that they can be put back in place later.

After the frame and sash are removed and the frame is removed, you can begin preparation to install the new glass. Make sure you check the opening of the frame is of the correct size for your replacement window. Measure both sides of the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to allow room for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Afterwards, purchase double glazing-strength glass cut to these exact dimensions. It is recommended also to purchase enough glazier's clips or points to be installed every 6 inches around the window pane.

If the manufacturer is accountable you should contact them and submit an claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it should be sprayed with a thin coating of the compound used by glaziers. Once the compound is dry, you can paint the frame to match.

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

Repair

Professional window installers are equipped with the proper tools and know how to work with different kinds of glass. They know how to dispose of waste safely, so they are less likely than other people to leave behind a mess that could inflict harm on family pets or members of the family. They're also accustomed to working with various types of windows, and they may be aware of issues that might not be apparent to a homeowner who isn't experienced.

Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to starting the process of repairing damaged glass. Even a small crack can cause glass shards to fly around and put anyone at risk in or around the home. It is crucial to determine what caused the crack, as this will help prevent any future issues.

Create a two-part mixture of epoxy. They are usually made up of a 50/50 mix of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. After the mix has been made, apply it directly to the crack and let it dry. It will take just a couple of minutes, but you need to be quick because the mixture is extremely thick and will dry very quickly.

Once the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of excess epoxy with a putty blade. The next step is to clean around the cracked glass. If you don't do it correctly, the resulting residue could cause further damage to the glass. After the glass has been cleaned, use a putty knife to smooth the compound along the edge of the window and align it with the frame of wood.

For a more durable solution, consider using a plastic cover. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is ideal, but you can also use masking tape to cover the glass. This will stop the crack from expanding and will also block out water, wind, bugs, and debris.

If you're not able to get to the window quickly, you can use silicone sealant to create an interim repair. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant on the edges of the broken glass. It won't completely seal the gap between the glass and the frame completely however it will keep the fracture until you are able to fix it.

Repainting

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

If you're planning to paint your glass windows, be sure you have all the right tools nearby. You'll need brushes or sponges as well as a painter's tamper along with a ruler, toothpicks and a ruler. You should have the paints and brushes that you will be using on hand. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Have patience because it could take some time for the paint to completely dry.

You should also make sure the space you're working is well ventilated if you're using solvent-based paint. This will reduce the risk of breathing toxic chemicals, and the paint will dry quicker. Use a protective mask when using spray paints.

For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior painting. Make use of soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, rub alcohol on any oil or grease residues that might hinder the adhesion of the paint. Be sure that the windows are dry before you begin to paint them.

If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, then you might be able to submit a claim to the dealer or window company that sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is particularly the case if you've experienced numerous issues with broken glass or condensation and the windows are covered under warranty.

Sealing

There are many ways to address the issue, regardless of whether you have an older double glazing repair-pane window with a cracked seal, or if you own an insulation unit (IGU) that has experienced fogging. The most expensive option is to replace the insulated unit and frame but it may be required if fog or condensation cause energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU by a single pane, or fixing the IGU that is in place by drilling a hole through the bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging agent.

You can also seal up the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill with 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 is costly and is usually reserved for areas that are exposed to high abrasion. Door sweeps are affordable and can be nailed into place, but they create virtually no barrier between the threshold or sill and dust, air and other debris.

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

Traditional glazing putty is applied using either a putty knife or a caulking gun, but a knife provides a better precision and precise application. It also provides a stronger seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass windows as it will be more adhesive and long-lasting.

Apply a thin layer of glue along the inside edge of frame where it joins the glass. Slide the Window doctor near me into the frame so that the scribed line on the glass is aligned with the frame's edge. Apply pressure on the glass to press the putty into a tight seal. Smooth the compound with a gloved hand and remove any caulk or drips that were not properly applied before it has dried.