Glass Window Repair

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

Wearing protective clothing, cut off the glazing points made of metal and all glazing putty with an utility knife. A heat gun can help soften the old glue and speed up removal.

Replacement

If a window pane breaks, it can be tempting to repair the glass rather than replace it. It is more cost-effective to replace a window, and it can also help avoid other issues that could affect your home's efficiency. Take a look at the type of broken glass to determine if it's a temporary fix, or if a more permanent solution is needed.

The first step to repair a broken window is to take off the sash, also known as the frame and place it flat on a work table. While wearing eye protection, carefully move the frame and remove any remaining shards within the window. Then, use a knife to remove the glazing compound and glazing points that keep the glass in place. Be sure to keep track of the components and their locations to ensure that they can be put back in place later.

Once the frame and sash have been removed, you can begin preparing to install new glass. Before you begin, make sure that the opening in the frame is designed for the replacement window. To allow for the expansion of the frame and glass and installer contraction, measure both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Afterwards, purchase double glazing repair Maldon-strength glass cut to these precise dimensions. 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 in which case you must contact them to file a claim. After the new glass has been installed, it needs to be covered with a thin coating of the compound used by glaziers. After letting the compound dry, you can paint it to match the rest of the window frame.

If you have a crack that is more than an inch, cutting the crack with a razor blade just beyond the crack will help prevent it from spreading any further. This method isn't infallible, but it will slow the growth of the crack down to a manageable size until you can take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers know how to handle a variety of glass types, and they have the tools needed to complete an excellent job. They are able to dispose of waste properly and are therefore less likely than other people to leave behind pieces of glass which could cause harm to family pets or family members. They're also used to working with various types of windows, and they may be capable of identifying issues that aren't apparent to an inexperienced homeowner.

Before you begin the process of repairing cracked window glass, ensure to wear safety goggles and gloves. Even a tiny crack can cause glass shards to fly away and could pose a danger to anyone in or around the home. It's important to determine the cause of the crack, as this will help prevent any future issues.

Start by making an epoxy mixture that has two parts. They typically are composed of a 50/50 blend of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. After the mixture is made then apply it directly to the crack and let it dry. It should take only about a few minutes, but it is important to be quick as the mixture is extremely thick and drys very quickly.

After the epoxy has dried, you can take off excess epoxy using a putty blade. After that, you'll need clean the area around the cracked glass. If you don't do this correctly, the resulting residue could cause further damage to the glass. Use a putty blade smooth out the compound around the edge of your window and then match it to the wood frame.

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

If you're not able to reach the window in a timely manner and you're not able to get there quickly, you can use silicone sealant to create a temporary repair. Apply a small amount silicone sealant on the edge of the damaged glass. It won't seal the gap between the glass and the frame completely, but it will hold the broken piece in place until you are able to fix it.

Repainting

If your glass windows are old, you might consider repainting them. This is a low-cost alternative to replace windows and give your home a fresh look. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Wash the window with water and soap or ruby alcohol to eliminate oil smudges and other residues which can hinder the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to avoid transferring oils from your hands onto the glass. Also you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a single thick layer. This will help the paint last longer and make your windows appear smooth and even.

Make sure you have the right tools in your arsenal if you plan to repaint glass windows. You'll need brushes or sponges, painter's tap as well as a ruler and toothpicks. You'll also need the brushes and paint you'll be using for the project in your possession. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Be patient because it could take a while for the paint to fully dry.

If you're using solvent-based paint, you should make sure that the area where you work is adequately ventilated. This will decrease the risk of breathing into toxic chemicals and allow the paint to dry faster. Use a mask that is protective when using spray paints.

For older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface prior painting. Use soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, use rubbing alcohol on any oil or grease residues that might hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure the windows are completely dry before you begin coating them.

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

Sealing

There are several ways to address the issue regardless of regardless of whether you have an older double-pane window with a cracked seal, or if you own an insulated unit (IGU) that has experienced fogging. It is the most expensive option to replace the insulation unit and the frame. However, it might be necessary in cases where condensation or fog is causing energy loss. Other alternatives include replacing the current IGU with a single pane or repairing it by drilling a small hole in the bottom of the unit and 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 or vinyl v-strip. Felt is inexpensive and can be fixed with glue, nailed, or stapled into place however it doesn't provide much protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strips are easy to install and durable however, it can be costly. It is generally reserved for areas subjected to high abrasion. Door sweeps are easy to nail in place and are cheap. However, they offer only a small amount of protection between the threshold and the air.

To fix a cracked window seal, first use a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves, carefully pry out the glazing points -- small fasteners that pin the glass to the frame's recess, with sharp and pointed ends. After removing the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand down the wood. Clean any sanding residue and then seal the unfinished wood using a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.

A caulking knife or putty can be used to apply traditional glazing putty, however using a knife will give an easier application and a better seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass, as it will last longer and will adhere better.

Apply a small amount the putty to the inner edge of the frame where it touches the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that scribed line on the glass is aligned with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to force the putty into a tight seal. Smooth the compound using an ungloved finger and clean up any caulk that was applied incorrectly or spills that are not properly wiped away before it is dry.