Glass window repair Chiswick Repair

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

Wearing protective clothing, cut off the metal glazing points as well as the glazing putty by using a utility knife. A heat gun can 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 if a pane breaks. It is more cost-effective to replace a window and it will also help to avoid other issues in your home's efficiency. You should also consider the type of glass that is broken to determine if this is an interim fix or if you'll require a more permanent solution.

To repair a broken window, take off the frame or sash, and place it on the floor. Wearing eye protection, carefully move around and pull out any remaining shards in the window. Use a utility blade to scrape off the glazing compound, as well as the glazing points that hold the window in place. Be sure to keep track of these components and their locations to make sure they can be reinstalled later.

Once the frame and sash have been removed and the frame is removed, you can begin preparation to install new glass. Before you begin, make sure that the opening in the frame is sized for your replacement window. Take measurements both ways across the opening, and then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement in order to leave the expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, purchase double-strength glass made to these exact measurements. It is also recommended to purchase enough new glazier's clips or glazier's points to be installed every 6 inches around the window pane.

If the manufacturer is responsible, you can call them and file a claim. Once the new glass is installed, it should be sprayed with a thin layer of glazier's compound. After the compound has dried, you can paint the frame to match.

If you have a crack that is more than an inch, cutting a small arc with a razor blade just beyond the crack could help prevent it from spreading any further. This technique isn't 100% infallible, but it will slow the growth of the crack to a manageable size until you can take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers have the proper tools and know how to handle different types of glass. They also understand the best ways to dispose of waste, so they're less likely to leave waste that are left behind, which could injure family members or pets. They are also experienced in working with different kinds of windows, and may be able to spot issues that a home owner with no experience would not notice.

Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to starting the process of repairing cracked glass. Even a small crack can cause shards of glass to fly and could pose a danger to anyone within or around the home. It's also important to determine the cause of the crack in the first place, so that it could help avoid future problems.

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. After the mixture is made, apply it directly to the crack and allow it to dry. It should take only some minutes, but you need to work quickly because the mixture is thick and will dry very quickly.

After the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of excess epoxy with a putty blade. You'll then need to clean around the cracked glass. If you don't do this correctly, the residue could cause further damage to the glass. After cleaning the glass using a putty knife, you can use it to smooth the compound along the edges of the window, and then match it with the frame made of wood.

For a more durable solution think about using a plastic covering. A trash bag that is heavy-duty or tarp is ideal, but you can also apply masking tape to the glass. This will stop the crack from spreading and will also keep wind, water and insects out.

You can come up with an interim fix in the event that you are unable to reach the window in time. Apply a small amount silicone sealant on the edges of the broken glass. It won't completely fill the gap between the frame and glass but it will help keep the broken piece in place while you repair it.

Repainting

Repainting old glass windows is a great idea. This is an affordable alternative to window replacement and will give your home a new look. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to wash away oil smudges, and other traces of dirt that can hinder paint from adhering. You should also wear rubber gloves while working on glass to prevent the transfer of your own oils onto the window's surface. Apply several thin coats instead of a single thick one. This will make the paint last longer, and ensure that your windows appear smooth and even.

If you're planning to paint your glass windows, make sure you have the appropriate tools at hand. You'll require a brush or sponge, painter's adhesive, toothpicks, a ruler and a few other tools such as a rag or paper towel. You should also have the paint and brushes you'll use to complete the project. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Have patience because it could take some time for the paint to fully dry.

Also, ensure that the area you're working in is ventilated when you're using solvent-based paint. This will decrease the risk of breathing into toxic chemicals and allow the paint to dry more quickly. Use a protective mask when using spray paints.

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

If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, you may be in a position to submit a claim to the dealer or window company who sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if your windows are still under warranty and you've had several issues with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

If you have double-pane windows with a broken seal or a newer version of insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging, there are several methods to address the issue. The most expensive option is to replace the frame and insulated unit but it may be required if fog or condensation is causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the existing IGU with a single-pane, or fixing it by drilling a small hole into 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 with a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or a 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 put in, but it can be costly and is generally reserved for areas exposed to high abrasion. Door sweeps can be easily nailed to the floor and are affordable. However, they provide only a small amount of protection between the threshold and the air.

To repair a damaged window seal first, employ a putty knife to remove the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection take out the glazing point -- small fasteners with sharp pointed tips that secure the glass to the recess of the frame. After removing the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood until it is smooth. Wipe away any sanding sludge then seal the wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.

A putty or caulking knife can be used to apply traditional glazing putty, but a knife will provide a more precise application, and a stronger seal. Make sure you choose a putty specifically designed for glass windows as it has better adhesion and long-lasting.

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