Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work up above the ground, navigating huge glass panes. They adhere to strict safety guidelines and are often working in harsh weather conditions.

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

Replacement

It's tempting to fix the window glass instead of replacing it when a pane breaks. However, replacing windows is often more cost-effective, and can also aid in preventing other issues that could affect your home's energy efficiency. You should also take into consideration the type of glass that's damaged to determine if it is a temporary fix or if you'll need to invest in an alternative that is more durable.

The first step to repair broken windows is to remove the sash, also known as the frame and lay it flat on a table. While wearing eye protection, carefully move the frame and remove any shards that remain within the window. Then, use a knife to remove the glazing compound and glazing points that keep the glass in place. Keep track of the components and where they are so that they can be put back in place.

After removing the frame and sash, you can start preparing to replace the glass. Make sure that the opening of the frame is of the correct size for your replacement window. To allow for expansion and contraction of the glass and frame and contraction, measure both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, you can purchase double-strength glasses made to these exact measurements. It is recommended to purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to place them every 6 inches around each window pane.

Based on the window's warranty it could be covered by the manufacturer and in this case, you should call them to file a claim. After the new glass has been installed, it needs to be bedded in with a thin coating of the compound used by glaziers. After the compound has dried then you can paint it to match the rest of the frame.

If you have a crack that is more than an inch, cutting the crack with the edge of a blade just over the crack can help to prevent it from spreading any further. This trick is not foolproof but it will slow down the development of the crack until you can take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers know how to handle a variety of glass types, and they have the tools needed to complete the job correctly. They know how to dispose of waste properly, so they are less likely than other people to leave behind a mess that could harm family pets or family members. They are also experienced in working with various types of windows, and may be able to spot problems that a novice home owner would not notice.

Before you begin the process of repairing damaged window glass, ensure to wear safety glasses and gloves. Even a tiny crack can cause shards of glass to fly around and pose a risk to anyone within or around the home. It is also crucial to figure out what caused the crack in the first place, since it could help avoid future issues.

Create a two-part mixture of epoxy. They usually consist of composed of a 50/50 blend of hardener and resin. They must be mixed quickly. When the mixture is ready, apply it to the crack in the glass and leave it to dry. It should take only a couple of minutes, but it is important to be quick as the mixture is thick and will dry very quickly.

Once the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of excess epoxy with a putty blade. After that, you'll need clean the area around the crack of glass. If you do not clean the area properly the debris could cause further damage to your glass. After cleaning the glass with a putty blade, use it to smooth the compound along the edge of the window and align it with the frame made of wood.

If you want a more durable solution you can consider using a plastic cover. A trash bag that is heavy-duty or tarp is ideal, however you can also use masking tape to cover the glass. This will prevent the crack from spreading, and will also keep wind, water and insects out.

If you're unable to reach the window quickly and you're not able to get there quickly, you can use silicone sealant to make temporary repairs. Simply apply a small amount of the material around the outside of the broken window. It won't completely seal the gap between the frame and the glass completely however it will keep the broken piece in place until you are able to repair it.

Repainting

Repainting your old glass windows is a good idea. This is an affordable alternative to replacing windows and give your house a new look. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to remove oil smudges, and other residues which can prevent paint from adhering. You should also wear rubber gloves when working on glass to avoid transferring your own oils onto the glass surface. In the end it is recommended to apply several thin coats of paint instead of a thick layer. This will help the paint last longer and will keep your windows looking smooth and even.

If you're planning on repainting your glass windows, make sure you have the appropriate tools in your arsenal. You'll need a sponge or brush as well as a painter's tamper as well as a ruler and toothpicks. It is recommended to have the paints and brushes that you will be using on hand. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Have patience as it can take a while for the paint to fully dry.

If you're using solvent-based paint, you should also ensure that the room where you work is well ventilated. This will reduce the chance of breathing in toxic chemicals and permit the paint to dry more quickly. 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 window thoroughly with soap and warm water. You can 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 start coating them.

If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, then you might be in a position to make a claim with the dealer or window company who sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if you have experienced numerous issues with condensation or broken glass while the windows are still covered by warranty.

Sealing

There are many ways to address the issue depending on whether you have an old double glazed window repair-pane window with cracks in the seal, or if you have a newer insulation unit (IGU) that has experienced fogging. The most expensive option is to replace the frame and insulated unit however it could be required if fog or condensation cause energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single-pane or repair it by drilling a small hole through 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-strips, or door sweep. Felt can be stapled, glued, or put in place, but it is not a great protection against moisture. Vinyl weather stripping that is v-strip is strong and easy to install however, it can be costly and is typically reserved for areas that are exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps can be easily nailed in place and are cheap. However, they provide only a small amount of protection between the threshold and the air.

To fix a damaged window seal, use a putty blade to take off the caulk. Wearing eye protection and double gloves remove the glazing point, which are small fasteners with sharp, pointed tips that pin the glass in the frame's recess. After taking out the glazing points, clean out the grooves and sand down the wood. Wipe off any sanding debris, then seal the bare wooden surface with a linseed-oil-based paint or clear sealer.

A putty or caulking knife can be used to apply the traditional double glazing window repairs putty, however the use of a knife allows for an easier application and a better seal. Make sure you choose a putty made specifically for glass windows, as it has better adhesion and a longer life.

Apply a small amount the putty to the inside edge of the frame, where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that scribed line on glass lines up with edge of frame. Apply pressure to the glass to compress the putty and create a tight seal. Smooth the compound using a gloved finger and then wipe off any caulk that was applied incorrectly or drips that have escaped before it is dry.