Glass window doctor Repair

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

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

Replacement

When a window pane breaks, it can be tempting to repair the glass rather than replace it. However, replacing windows is often more cost-effective and can help prevent other problems in your home's energy efficiency. You should also take into consideration the type of glass that is broken to determine if it is an interim fix or if you will need to invest in an option that is more permanent.

The first step in fixing damaged windows is to remove the sash, also known as the frame and lay it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle and pull out any remaining shards in the window. Then, use a knife to peel off the glazing compound and points that help to hold the glass in the position. Be sure to keep an eye on these components and their locations so that they can be put back in place later.

After the frame and sash are removed and the frame is removed, you can begin preparation to install the new glass. Before you begin ensure that the opening in the frame is properly designed for the replacement window. Measure both ways across the opening, and then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to give room for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, purchase double-strength glass made to these exact measurements. It is also an excellent idea to buy enough new glazier's clips or glazier's points to be installed every 6 inches around the window pane.

If the manufacturer is accountable you should contact them and make an claim. After the new glass has been installed, it must be bedded in with a thin coating of glazier's compound. After letting the compound dry, you can paint it to match the rest of the frame.

If you have a crack that extends more than an inch, scoring the crack with a razor blade just beyond the crack can help to prevent it from spreading any further. This trick is not foolproof but it can slow the progression of the cracked until you are able to take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers know how to deal with a variety of glass, and they have the tools to do a proper job. They know how to dispose of waste in a safe manner and are therefore less likely than other people to leave behind scraps which could cause harm to family members or pets. They are also familiar with working with different kinds of windows and could be able to spot issues that an inexperienced home owner might not be able to notice.

Before beginning the process of repairing cracked window glass, make sure to wear safety glasses and gloves. A small crack could cause glass shards to fly away and could pose a danger to anyone in or around the home. It is crucial to determine what caused the crack, since this could prevent future issues.

Make a two-part mixture of epoxy. It is usually 50/50 mix of hardener and resin, and must be quickly mixed. Once the mixture has been prepared, apply it directly to the crack and let it dry. It should take only some minutes but it's important to work quickly since the mixture is extremely thick and quick drying.

After the epoxy has dried, you can remove excess epoxy with a blade. Then, you'll need to clean the area around the crack of glass. If you do not clean the area in a proper manner the leftovers could cause further damage to your glass. After cleaning the glass using a putty knife, you can use it to smooth the compound along the edge of the window and to match it to the wood frame.

You could consider using a plastic cover for a more durable option. A heavy-duty trash bag 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 come up with an interim solution when you are unable reach the window in time. Apply a small amount silicone sealant on the edge of the broken glass. It won't completely fill the gap between the frame and glass however it will keep the broken piece in place while you fix it.

Repainting

Repainting old glass windows is a good idea. This is an affordable alternative to replace windows and give your home a fresh appearance. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to wash away oil smudges, as well as other residues that could prevent paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent the transfer of oils from your fingers onto the surface. Apply several thin coats instead of just one large coat. This will help the paint last longer and make your windows appear smooth and even.

Make sure you have the appropriate tools in your arsenal if you plan to repaint glass windows. You'll need a brush, sponge, painter's tape a ruler, toothpicks, as well as a few other tools such as a rag or paper towel. You'll also need the brushes and paint you'll be using for the project in your possession. Make sure you adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and have a good amount of patience as it can take some time for the paint to 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 quicker. You should also make sure you have a protective mask for any spray paints that you use.

For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior painting. 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 painting them.

If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, you might be eligible to file a claim with the window company or dealer who sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially relevant if you've had several issues with condensation or broken glass even though the windows are covered by warranty.

Sealing

Whether you have old double-pane windows that have a broken seal or a newer version of insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging or fog, there are many options to address the issue. It is the most expensive option to replace both the insulation unit and the frame. However, it could be necessary if fog or condensation is creating energy losses. Other alternatives include replacing the current IGU with a single-pane, or fixing it by drilling a small hole into the bottom of the unit and filling the solution with anti-fog.

You can also seal up the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill using a felt strip, or vinyl V-strip. Felt can be stapled, glued, or placed in place, but is not a great protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strips are simple to install and durable, but can be expensive. It is generally used in areas that are exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps can be easily nailed to the floor and are affordable. However, they offer only a small amount of protection between the threshold and the air.

To fix a cracked window seal first, you must use a putty blade to take off the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves remove the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp pointed tips that hold the glass in the frame's recess. After removing the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand down the wood. Clean any sanding residue Then, seal the bare wood using a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.

Traditional glazing putty is applied using a putty knife or caulking gun, but using a knife allows for a more efficient precision and precise application. It also creates a better seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass windows, as it will have higher adhesion and a longer life.

Apply a thin layer across the inside of the frame, where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame, so that the drawn line on the glass lines up with the frame's edge. Apply pressure on the glass to compress the putty and glass to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound with fingers that are gloved and clean up any caulk that was applied incorrectly or spills that are not properly wiped away before it dries.