Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work from high off the ground, maneuvering massive glass panes. They work in extreme conditions and follow strict safety protocols.

Wearing protective clothing, cut off the metal glazing points as well as the glazing putty by using a utility knife. A heat gun can help to soften the old putty and accelerate the removal process.

Replacement

It's tempting to repair the glass on your windows instead of replacing it when the glass breaks. It is cheaper to replace a window and it can also help you to avoid other issues in your home's efficiency. Examine the type of broken glass to determine whether it's a temporary fix, or if a long-term solution is needed.

The first step in fixing damaged windows is to take off the frame, or sash and lay it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, gently move around and pull out any remaining shards in the window. Use a utility blade to cut off the glazing compound and the glazing points that hold the window repairs in place. Keep track of the location of these components to make sure they can be put back in place later.

After you've removed the frame and sash, you can start preparing to replace the glass. Make sure you check the opening of the frame is the right size for your replacement window. To allow for the expansion of the frame and glass and contraction take measurements in both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, purchase double-strength glass cut to these exact dimensions. It is also a good idea to purchase enough new glazier's points or clips to be positioned every 6 inches around the window pane.

Depending on the window's warranty the window may be covered by the manufacturer and in this case, you must contact the company to file an claim. After the new glass has been installed, it needs to be covered with a thin layer of the compound used by glaziers. After the compound has dried it is possible to paint the frame to match.

If the crack is greater than an inch you can stop it from expanding by cutting an arc that is just a little beyond the crack. This method isn't foolproof, however it can slow the development of the crack until you can take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors are equipped with the right tools and know how to handle various types of glass. They also understand the best practices for disposing of waste, so they're less likely to leave crumbs behind, which could potentially cause harm to pets or family members. They are also familiar with working with different kinds of windows, and may be able to spot problems that a novice home owner might not be able to notice.

Wear safety glasses and gloves before you begin repair work on cracked glass. A small crack could cause shards of glass to fly and put anyone at risk within or around the home. It is also crucial to determine the cause of the crack in the first place, since it can help prevent future problems.

Begin by creating an epoxy mixture that has two parts. They are typically 50/50 mix of hardener and resin and they must be quickly mixed. Once the mixture is ready put it in the crack in the glass and allow it to dry. It should take only a few minutes however it is important to do it quickly because the mixture is very thick and fast-drying.

Once the epoxy is dried, you can get rid of any excess with a putty knife. You'll then need to clean around the cracked glass. If you don't clean it properly, the residue can cause further damage to the glass. Use a putty blade to smooth the compound around the window's edge and 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 stop the crack from spreading and will also keep water, wind and insects out.

You can come up with an interim fix in the event that you are unable to get to the window in an efficient manner. Simply apply a small amount of the substance around the outside edge of the broken window. It won't seal the gap between the glass and the frame completely, but it will hold the break in place until you are able to fix it.

Repainting

If your glass windows are old, you might want to repaint them. This is a low-cost alternative to window replacement and it can give your home a new appearance. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Clean the window using water and soap or ruby alcohol to eliminate oil smudges and other traces that can prevent the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass to avoid the risk of transferring your own oils onto the surface of the window. Also you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a thick layer. This will allow the paint to last longer, and will keep your windows looking even and smooth.

Make sure you have the right tools in your arsenal in case you want to paint glass windows. You'll need either a brush or sponge painter's tap, a ruler and toothpicks. You should also have the paint and brushes you'll be using for the project in your possession. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's directions and have plenty of patience since it may take awhile for the paint to dry.

If you're using solvent-based paints, you must also ensure that the space where you work is adequately ventilated. This will decrease the risk of breathing harmful chemicals, and the paint will dry quicker. Use a mask that is protective when using spray paints.

For older glass windows, you'll need 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 might hinder the adhesion of the paint. Be sure that the windows are completely dried before you begin painting them.

If you have energy efficient double glazing window repairs pane windows on your windows, it might be possible to submit a claim for repair or replacement with the window manufacturer or dealer who sold them. This is particularly true if the windows are still under warranty and you've experienced multiple issues with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

There are several ways to address the issue depending on regardless of whether you have an old double-pane window that has a cracked seal, or if you own a newer insulation unit (IGU) that has experienced fogging. The most costly option is to replace the frame and insulated unit, but it may be necessary if condensation or fog cause energy loss. Other options include replacing the existing IGU with a single pane or repair it by drilling a small hole in 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-strip, or a door sweep. Felt can be stapled, glued, or placed in place, but doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip weather stripping is durable and easy to put in however it can be expensive and is usually reserved for areas that are exposed to high abrasion. Door sweeps can be easily nailed to the floor and are affordable. However, they provide little or no protection between the threshold and Glass Window Repair air.

To repair a broken window seal make use of a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves remove the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp pointed tips that hold the glass in the recess of the frame. After removing the glazing points, scrub the grooves and sand the wood until it is smooth. Wipe off any sanding debris, then seal the bare wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.

A putty or caulking knife can be used to apply the traditional glazing putty, but using a knife will give the most precise application and a stronger seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass windows, as it has better adhesion and a longer life.

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 the scribed line on the glass aligns with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass in order to force the putty to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound using fingers that are gloved and clean up any mistakenly applied caulk or errant drips prior to drying.