Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work up off the ground, maneuvering huge panes of glass. They work under extreme conditions and follow strict safety protocols.

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

Replacement

When a window's pane is broken, it may be tempting to try and repair the glass rather than replace it. It is cheaper to replace a window and it will also help avoid other issues that could affect your home's efficiency. You should also consider the type of glass that is broken to determine if this is a temporary fix or if you will need to invest in an option that is more permanent.

The first step in repairing broken windows is to remove the sash, or frame and lay it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window's pane and remove any remaining shards. Utilize a utility blade to scrape off the glazing compound, as well as the glazing points that keep the window in place. Keep the track of the components and where they are to ensure they are reinstalled.

After you've removed the frame and sash, you can begin preparing to replace the glass. Make sure you check the opening of the frame is the proper size for your replacement window. Take measurements both ways across the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to allow room for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, buy double-strength glass cut to these exact dimensions. It is a good idea to also purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to place them every 6 inches around the window pane.

Depending on the window's warranty, this may be covered by the manufacturer, in which case you should call the company to file a claim. Once the new glass is installed, it should be bedded in with a thin layer of the compound used by glaziers. 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 expanding by slicing the crack with a small arc, just above the crack. This method isn't infallible, but it will slow the growth of the crack to a manageable amount until you can take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window doctor installers know how to handle a variety of glass, and they have the tools needed to complete the job correctly. They are able to dispose of waste safely, so they are less likely than other contractors to leave behind pieces of glass that could inflict harm on family members or pets. They are also experienced in working with different types of windows and could be able spot problems that a home owner with no experience might not see.

Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to starting the process of repairing damaged glass. A small crack could cause shards of glass to fly away and pose a risk to anyone inside or around the house. It's also important to determine what caused the crack in the first place, since it can help prevent future issues.

Make a two-part mix of epoxy. They typically are made up of a 50/50 mix of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. When the mixture is done put it in the crack in the glass and allow it to dry. It should take only some minutes, but you need to work quickly because the mixture is thick and drys quickly.

After the epoxy has dried, you can remove any excess using a putty knife. The next step is to scrub the cracked glass. If you do not clean the area properly, the residue could cause further damage to the glass. After cleaning the glass, use a putty knife to smooth the compound along the edges of the window, and then align it with the frame of wood.

To make a more durable option you can consider using a plastic covering. You can cover the glass using masking tape or a sturdy trashbag. This will stop the crack from spreading and will also keep wind, water and insects out.

If you're not able to get to the window in a timely manner, you can use silicone sealant to create an interim repair. Simply place a tiny amount of the substance around the outside edge of the broken pane. It won't close the gap between the frame and the glass completely but it will hold the fracture until you can repair it.

Repainting

Repainting old glass windows is a great idea. This is a low-cost alternative to window replacement and will give your home a new look. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Clean the window using water and soap or rubbing alcohol to remove oil smudges as well as other residues that can prevent the paint from adhering. It is also recommended to wear rubber gloves while working on glass to avoid transferring your own oils onto the window's surface. Apply several thin coats rather than a single thick one. This will help the paint last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.

Make sure you have the proper tools in your arsenal if you plan to repaint glass windows. You'll need a brush or sponge, painter's adhesive, a ruler, toothpicks, as well as a few other tools such as paper towels or a rag. You should also have the brushes and paint you'll need for the project in your possession. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions and have plenty of patience because it may take some time for the paint to dry.

It is also important to ensure that the space you're working is well ventilated, especially if you're using solvent-based paint. This will help to reduce the chance of inhaling toxic chemicals, and the paint will dry quicker. Wear a mask to protect yourself when using spray paints.

It is necessary to clean the glass window thoroughly using warm water and soap before you paint it. Make use of soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, rub alcohol on any oil or grease remnants that may hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are dry before you begin coating them.

If you have energy-efficient double-pane windows on your windows, it could be possible to make claims for repair or replacement with the window manufacturer or dealer who sold the windows. This is especially true if you have experienced numerous issues with broken glass or condensation while the windows are still covered under warranty.

Sealing

There are several ways to fix the problem, regardless of whether you have an older double-pane window with a cracked seal, or if you have an insulated unit (IGU) that has experienced defogging. The most costly option is to replace the frame and insulated unit, but it may be required if fog or condensation are causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the existing IGU with a single-pane, or repairing it by drilling a small hole into the bottom of the unit and filling the solution with anti-fog.

You can also fill in the gap between the window frame and the sill or threshold by using a felt strip, vinyl v-strip, or a door sweep. Felt is affordable and can be glued, nailed or stapled in place, but it does not provide much protection from moisture. Vinyl weather stripping that is v-strip is strong and simple to install however, it can be expensive and is usually used for areas that are subject to high abrasion. Door sweeps can be easily nailed in place and are cheap. However, they provide little or no protection between the threshold and the air.

To repair a damaged window seal using a putty knife, you need to remove the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection take out the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp pointed tips that secure the glass into the recess of the frame. After removing the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood to a smooth finish. Clean any sanding dust, 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 traditional glazing putty, but using a knife will give the most precise application and a more secure seal. Make sure you choose a putty made specifically for glass windows as it will be more adhesive and a longer life.

Apply a thin layer of glue across the inside of the frame where it joins the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the scribed line on the glass is aligned with edge of frame. Apply pressure to the glass to force the putty to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound with gloves and get rid of any caulk or drips that were not applied correctly before it dries.