Glazing Repair - How to Repair a Cracked Window

Glazing can have a significant effect on the energy efficiency of your home. This is especially true for older double-glazed windows.

While it is possible to change the glazing points while the window is still in place, it's faster and simpler when the frame and glass are removed. It is a good idea to replace the rubber seals.

Broken Glass

Cracked glass isn't just unsightly but can also let valuable heat and sunlight escape from your home. It is possible to repair the glass that is cracked without having to replace the entire window.

Wear safety glasses and gloves. You should also place a piece of tape in an "X" shape on the glass you intend to remove (duct or painter's tape work well). This will prevent any broken pieces from falling while you work, which can save you from serious injury.

Cover a small crack in your window glass using tape to keep water, insects and wind from getting. One strip of tape is sufficient for cracks with a superficial appearance, but if you're worried about the weather becoming worse before you can replace your window, use an extra-strong plastic cover such as a tarp or a trash bag, to keep the glass in place until you get a permanent fix.

Make use of an adhesive that is strong and specifically designed for windows to fix cracks. Loctite Super Glue Glass is a good choice. This high-tech glue is made to bond to glass, and it dries crystal clear to give the perfect finish. Apply it to the cracks in the glass and let it dry completely before applying a new layer.

Glass windows may also develop stress cracks. They are usually caused by large changes in temperature, and can quickly spread across the entire glass window if it's not fixed. To avoid stress fractures using a glass cutter, you need to score a small arc close to the crack. This will stop the crack from expanding and reducing the severity for some days.

If you're replacing a broken window, measure the frame for the new pane. It should be slightly smaller than the opening to allow expansion and contraction and to compensate for any imperfections in the frame or glass. Once you've cut your new glass to size apply glaziers' compound around the edges of the frame and the glass. Once the compound has dried, paint it to match the frame.

Double Glazed Windows Condensation Inside

Condensation inside double-glazed windows is typically an indication that the seal along the window unit has failed. This is a serious issue and could indicate that heat is lost from your home through the window.

New double glazing is designed to prevent heat transfer between the two glass panes by sandwiching a layer air or a vacuum between them. This creates a seal that stops warm air from venting. If the glass is warmer than the frame, condensation could form on the glass and cause damage to the window. If you are unable resolve condensation on a double-glazed window by opening windows, using extractors, using dehumidifiers, or trickle venting, you may require the assistance of professional help.

It's less likely for condensation to form on the outside of double-glazed windows but it can happen in the event that the seal between the glass and frame has begun to weaken. This is more common in winter when the temperatures are lower and it's more easy for condensation to form. This is due to a defect in the spacer that is used between the frame and the window. The spacer is often filled with desiccant which is highly absorbent and can absorb excess moisture.

The issue with this is that once the desiccant gets saturated, it will start to break down, and eventually moisture will begin to enter the gap between the glass units. This can lead to condensation and water leaking into the gap, and can be very difficult to eliminate.

The majority of reputable window manufacturers offer a warranty and fitters will replace the glass and unit of the window if it's damaged by condensation. Report any problems as soon as possible to the window replacement manufacturer so that the condensation can be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Shattering Window Glass

A window that is cracked isn't just a cosmetic issue, it could also be a security risk, particularly if the crack is growing. It's best to get it repaired as quickly as possible. You can use glass adhesives for windows in vehicles which you can purchase on the internet or at many auto maintenance shops. Alternatively, you can make use of a glazing compound formulated for use in homes that can be found at a variety of hardware or home improvement stores.

Before starting any work, put on thick cut-proof gloves and safety glasses and sweep the area to get rid of large shards. Also, you should remove any chips that fell. This will prevent them from causing injury to you or a glazing repair worker later on.

It is better to stand on a ladder instead of on the ground. This will allow you to reach all parts of the frame, and will protect you from falling glass. It is also a good idea to clean the rabbet before proceeding with the installation. This is the area around the perimeter of the window frame that is where the glass will go. Clean it off and then apply the linseed oil to the rabbet. This will allow the new putty to stick in place.

After the frame is cleaned and the rabbet prepared, it is time to put together the replacement pane. Take measurements of the width and height of the opening both ways Then, you can order an item of double-strength glass that is 1/8 inch smaller in both directions. You'll need glass points which is a metallic triangle that holds the glass in place.

With the window sash removed from the way, gently pry it away from the wood molding with a flat pry bar. You may need to scrape old glazing off with a utility blade or chisel. Then you can use the heating gun to warm any putty that won't easily fall off. This will make it easier to peel it off.

When the frame is out of the molding, carefully press the glass in the frame. Then, with a glazier's or putty knife's point, fill the gaps around it and smooth the edges. Once the putty is dry, paint the frame in a similar color to the putty. Paint it slightly over the edge of the compound and onto the glass to completely seal it.

Replacement Window Glass

Wear eye protection and gloves when replacing a damaged pane of glass. Tape off the area around the damaged window to stop it from breaking again in a different location when you remove it.

Utilize a utility blade to cut off the old glazing compound from the wood frame and glazing points (small triangles of metal). Clean the frame opening and apply a coat of linseed oil to help the new putty stick to it better.

Once the frame is ready to be measured, you can make sure you measure it to get the new window pane. Then buy it from a home improvement store or another retailer. Choose the panes 1/6th inch smaller in each direction than your measurement. This will ensure a snug fit.

It's much easier than you think to install the new window. But, it's crucial to follow the directions given by the manufacturer to ensure a good fit and long-lasting replacement pane. Use a wirebrush for removing any paint or wood gunk from the frame opening. Then sand the wood until it is the wood's surface to increase the seal.

When you are putting the new window in place, use the tip of your putty knife and gently bed the new window against the frame of wood. The glazier's tips should be pressed into the frame every six inches. This will hold the new window securely in the frame.

After the frame has dried, paint the new joint several times to match the frame. Let the paint dry completely before proceeding to cleaning and maintaining your window. Maintaining windows in good condition and ensuring they work properly will increase their lifespan and increase the energy efficiency of your home. You might want to replace your windows if they are older or in poor condition. If you choose to go this route, we suggest choosing a high-quality, insulated window that will lower the cost of your utility bills. The type of window you choose will also impact the total cost of your project.