Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen are able to move large panes of tempered glass from a height above the ground. They follow strict safety protocols and are often working in extreme weather conditions.

While wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and metal glazing points using a knife. A heat gun can help to soften and eliminate the old putty.

Replacement

When a window pane is broken, it may be tempting to try and repair timber windows the glass rather than replace it. It is more cost-effective to replace windows and it will also help prevent other problems in your home's efficiency. Consider the kind of glass damaged 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 place it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, carefully move around and pull out any shards remaining within the window. Utilize a utility blade to cut off the glazing compound, as well as the glazing points that hold the window in place. Be sure to keep the track of the location of these components so that they can be replaced later.

Once the frame and sash have been removed then you can begin the process of preparing to install the new glass. Be sure to check that the opening of the frame is the proper size for your replacement window. To allow for frame and glass expansion and contraction, measure both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Afterwards, purchase double-strength glass cut to these exact dimensions. It is also an excellent idea to buy enough new glazier's clips or glazier's points to be positioned every 6 inches around the window pane.

If the manufacturer is responsible for this, you can call them and submit a claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it must be covered with a thin coating of glazier's compound. After letting the compound dry and dry, you can paint it to match the rest of the frame.

If you have a crack that is more than an inch, cutting an arc of the edge of a blade just over the crack will help stop it from spreading further. This trick won't be completely foolproof, but it could 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 to do a proper job. They also know the best methods for Repair Double Glazed Windows disposing of waste, so they're less likely to leave waste behind, which could potentially hurt pets or family members. They're also accustomed to working with different types of windows, and may be able to spot issues that an inexperienced home owner might not be able to notice.

Before beginning the process of repairing damaged window glass, make sure that you wear safety goggles and gloves. A small crack could cause shards of glass to fly around and pose a risk to anyone within or around the home. It's also crucial to determine what caused the crack in the first place, as it could help avoid future problems.

Make a two-part mixture of epoxy. They are usually composed of a 50/50 blend of hardener and resin. They must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture is done, apply it to the glass crack and allow it to dry. It should take only a few minutes, but it's essential to do it quickly because the mixture is extremely thick and fast drying.

Once the epoxy has dried, you can remove excess epoxy using a putty blade. You'll need to clean around the cracked glass. If you do not clean the area correctly 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 edges of the window and match it to 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 the best option, but you can also use masking tape to cover the glass. This will prevent the crack from spreading and will also keep water, wind and bugs out.

You can make an interim solution in the event that you are unable to reach the window in an efficient manner. Apply a small amount silicone sealant around the edges of the broken glass. It won't completely seal the gap between frame and glass but it will help keep the crack in place while you fix it.

Repainting

If your windows with glass are old, you might need to paint them. This is a cost-effective alternative to window replacement and can give your home a fresh new appearance. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Wash the window with water and soap or rubbing alcohol to remove oil smudges and other traces that could hinder the paint from adhering. It is also recommended to wear rubber gloves while working on glass to prevent the transfer of your own oils onto the surface of the window. In the end it is recommended to apply several thin coats of paint instead of one thick layer. This will make the paint last longer and will keep your windows looking smooth and even.

Make sure you have the appropriate tools available if you plan to repaint glass windows. You'll need a brush, sponge, painter's tape toothpicks, a ruler and a few other tools such as a rag or paper towel. You should have the brushes and paints you will be using in your kit. Follow the manufacturer's directions. Be patient because it could take a while for the paint to fully dry.

You should also make sure the area you're working in is well ventilated if you're using solvent-based paint. This will reduce the risk of inhaling harmful chemicals, and the paint will dry quicker. Wear a mask to protect yourself when using spray paints.

For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface before painting. Clean the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water, then use rubbing alcohol to scrub off any oil or grease that might hinder the paint's adhesion. Make sure the windows are dry before you begin to paint them.

If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, you may be eligible to make a claim with the window manufacturer or dealer who sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if the windows are still under warranty and you've experienced multiple issues with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

Whether you have old double-pane windows with a damaged seal or more recent insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging, there are several methods for fixing the problem. It is the most expensive option to replace the insulation unit and the frame. However, it could be required in situations where fog or condensation is creating energy loss. Other alternatives include replacing the current IGU with a single pane or repairing it by drilling a small hole through the bottom of the unit, and then filling the solution with anti-fog.

You can also seal the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill with a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or a door sweep. Felt is inexpensive and can be glued, nailed, Repair Double Glazed Windows or stapled into place, but it does not offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strips are easy to put up and is durable however it can be expensive. It is generally used in areas that are subject to high abrasion. Door sweeps are able to be easily nailed in place and are inexpensive. However, they offer only a small amount of protection between the threshold and the air.

To repair double glazed windows (updated blog post) a cracked window seal first, use a putty blade to take off the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves, pry out the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp, pointed tips that pin the glass in the recess of the frame. After getting rid of the glazing points remove the grooves and sand down the wood. Wipe away any sanding residue and then seal the unfinished wood with a linseed oil based paint or clear wood sealer.

Traditional glazing putty can be applied using a putty knife or caulking gun, but the knife is a better, more precise application and provides a stronger seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass, since it is more durable and adhere better.

Apply a thin layer on the inside of the frame where it meets with the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the scribed line on the glass is aligned with the frame's edge. Apply pressure on the glass to press the putty and create a tight seal. Smooth the compound using gloves and get rid of any drips or caulk that were applied incorrectly before it dries.