Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work from high above the ground, moving huge panes of glass. They follow strict safety protocols and often work under harsh weather conditions.

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

Replacement

When a window pane breaks, it can be tempting to repair the glass rather than replace it. It is cheaper to replace a window and it will also help prevent other problems in your home's efficiency. It is also important to consider the kind of glass that is broken to determine if it is a temporary fix or if you'll need to invest in an alternative that is more durable.

To fix a damaged window, remove the frame or sash, and place it on the work surface. While wearing eye protection, carefully wiggle and pull out any remaining shards within the window. Use a utility blade to scrape off the glazing compound, and the glazing points that hold the window in place. Keep track of the components and where they are so that they can be put back in place.

After removing the frame and sash you can begin to prepare to replace the glass. Be sure to check that the opening of the frame is the right size for your replacement window. Measure both ways across the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to give space for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, you can purchase double-strength glasses that are cut to these exact dimensions. It is recommended to purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to install every 6 inches around each window pane.

Depending on the warranty of the window it could be covered by the manufacturer, in which case you need to contact the company to file a claim. After the new glass has been put in place it is essential to cover it with a thin layer glaziers compound. After the compound has dried then you can paint it to match the rest of the window frame.

If your crack is longer than an inch, you can prevent it from expanding by scoring the crack with a small arc, just above the crack. This method isn't infallible, but it will slow the growth of the crack to a manageable level until you can take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers know how to handle a variety of glass and have the tools necessary to do an excellent job. They are able to dispose of waste properly which means they are less likely than other people to leave behind a mess which could cause harm to family members or pets. They are also experienced in working with various types of windows and Glass Window Repair could be able spot problems that an inexperienced home owner might not see.

Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to beginning the process of repairing cracked glass. Even a small crack can cause glass shards to fly around and put anyone at risk within or around the home. It is important to determine the cause of the crack, as this can prevent future problems.

Begin by creating an epoxy mixture that has two parts. It is usually a 50/50 mix of resin and hardener, and they need to be mixed quickly. When the mixture is ready, apply it to the crack in the glass and allow it to dry. It should take only a couple of minutes, but you must be quick because the mixture is extremely thick and dries very quickly.

After the epoxy has dried, you can take off excess epoxy with a putty blade. After that, you'll need clean the area around the broken glass. If you do not clean the area correctly, the debris could cause further damage to your glass. Use a putty blade smooth out the compound around the window's edge and match it to the frame of wood.

If you want a more durable solution, consider 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 keep the crack from growing and will also block out water, wind bugs, debris, and water.

You can make an interim solution when you are unable access the window in an efficient manner. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant on the edge of the damaged glass. It won't seal the gap between the frame and glass completely however it will keep the broken piece in place until you can fix it.

Repainting

Repainting old glass windows is a good idea. This is a cost-effective alternative to replacing your windows and will give your house a new look. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to get rid of oil smudges, and other residues which can prevent paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent transferring oils from your hands onto the surface. Apply several thin coats rather than a single thick one. This will allow the paint to last longer, and ensure that your windows appear smooth and even.

Make sure you have the proper tools in your arsenal in case you want to paint glass windows. You'll require a sponge or brush, painter's tap as well as a ruler and toothpicks. It is recommended to have the brushes and paints you'll use in your kit. Follow the manufacturer's directions. Have patience as it can take a while for the paint to fully dry.

You should also make sure the room you're working in is well ventilated if you're using solvent-based paint. This will reduce the chance of breathing in toxic chemicals and Glass Window Repair permit the paint to dry more quickly. Use a protective mask when using spray paints.

You'll need to wash the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water before you paint it. Clean the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water. Then, apply rubbing alcohol to wash off any oil or grease 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 eligible to make a claim with the window manufacturer or dealer that sold them to pay any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if you have experienced several issues with broken glass or condensation while the windows are still covered by warranty.

Sealing

There are several ways to address the issue, regardless of whether you have an old double-pane window that has cracks in the seal or if you own a newer insulation unit (IGU) that has experienced defogging. It is the most expensive option to replace both the IGU that is insulated as well as the frame. However, it could be necessary in cases where fog or condensation is creating energy losses. Other options include replacing the IGU with just one pane, or fixing the existing IGU by drilling a hole in its bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging agent.

You can also close the gap between windows and a threshold or sill by using a felt strip, or vinyl v-strip. Felt can be stapled, glued, or nailed into place but doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strips are simple to install and long-lasting however it can be expensive. It is typically reserved for areas that are subjected to high abrasion. Door sweeps are affordable and can be fixed to the floor however they provide very little or no protection between the threshold or sill and dust, air and debris.

To repair a damaged window seal, use a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves remove the glazing point -- small fasteners with sharp, pointed tips that pin the glass window repair in the frame's recess. Once you have removed the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood to a smooth finish. Wipe off any sanding debris, then seal the bare wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.

Traditional glazing putty is applied using the help of a putty blade or caulking gun, but the knife is a better precision and precise application. It also provides a stronger seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass windows, as it will be more adhesive and long-lasting.

Apply a thin layer of putty on the inside of the frame where it meets with the glass. Slide the window into the frame, so that the cut line on the glass is aligned with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure to the glass to force the putty and glass into an elongated seal. Smooth the compound with gloves and get rid of any caulk or drips that were not properly applied before it has dried.