Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work from high above the ground, moving massive glass panes. They adhere to strict safety standards and often work under extreme weather conditions.

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

Replacement

When a window's pane breaks, it can be tempting to repair the glass rather than replace it. However, replacing a window is often more cost-effective, and can also help prevent other problems in your home's energy efficiency. It is also important to consider the type of glass that is damaged to determine if it is a temporary fix or if you will require an option that is more permanent.

To repair a broken window, take off the sash or frame and lay it flat on your work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently move around and pull out any remaining shards in the window pane. Utilize a utility blade to cut off the glazing compound, as well as the glazing points that secure the window. Be sure to keep track of these components and their locations to ensure that they can be replaced later.

After removing the frame and sash you can begin to prepare to replace the glass. Before doing this ensure that the opening in the frame is size for the replacement window. To allow for frame and glass expansion and contraction take measurements in both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Afterwards, purchase double-strength glass cut to these precise dimensions. It is also a good idea to purchase enough new glazier's clips or glazier's points to be placed every 6 inches around the window pane.

Depending on the warranty of the window it could be covered by the manufacturer in which case you need to contact them to file a claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it must be sprayed with a thin coating of the compound used by glaziers. After the compound has dried, you can paint it to match the rest of the frame.

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

Repair

Professional window contractors know how to deal with a variety of glass types, and they have the tools necessary to do a proper job. They are able to dispose of waste in a safe manner and are therefore less likely than other people to leave behind scraps that could inflict harm on family pets or members of the family. They're also used to working with different types of windows, and they may be capable of identifying issues that aren't apparent to the uninitiated homeowner.

Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to starting repair work on cracked glass. A small crack can cause shards of glass to fly away, posing a danger to anyone in or around the home. It is also crucial to determine what caused the crack in the first place, since it could help avoid future problems.

Start by making an epoxy mix that is two-part. It is usually 50/50 mixture of hardener and resin, and glass Window Repair must be mixed quickly. After the mix has been made and applied, simply apply it to the crack and let it dry. It should take only some minutes, but it's essential to do it quickly because the mixture is very dense and fast-drying.

Once the epoxy is dried, you can get rid of any excess with a putty knife. You'll need to scrub the cracked glass. If you do not clean the area properly the residue could cause further damage to the glass. Use a putty blade to smooth the compound around the window's edge and match it to the frame of wood.

For a more durable solution, consider using a plastic covering. A trash bag that is heavy-duty or tarp is ideal, but you can also use masking tape to cover the glass. This will stop the crack from expanding, and will also block out water, wind, bugs, and debris.

You can come up with an interim fix if you are unable to access the window in an efficient manner. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant to the edges of the broken glass window repair. It won't close the gap between the glass and the frame completely however it will keep the broken piece in place until you can fix it.

Repainting

If your windows with glass are old, you may need to paint them. This is a cost-effective alternative to replace your windows and can provide your home with a new look. Before painting, Glass Window Repair make sure the surface is clean. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to remove 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 surface of the window. In the end it is recommended to apply several thin coats of paint instead of one thick layer. This will allow the paint to last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.

If you're planning to paint your glass windows, be sure you have the proper tools in your arsenal. You'll require a brush or sponge, painter's adhesive, toothpicks, a ruler and a few other tools like a rag or paper towel. You should have the brushes and paints you'll be using on hand. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions and be prepared with plenty of patience as it can take a while for the paint to dry.

You should also make sure the space you're working is ventilated when you're using solvent-based paint. This will help to reduce the risk of breathing toxic chemicals, and the paint will dry quicker. Also, make sure you have a mask to protect yourself for any spray paints you use.

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

If you have energy-efficient double-pane windows on your windows, it might be possible to make a claim for repair or replacement with the company that makes the windows or dealer that sold them. This is particularly relevant if you've had several issues with broken glass or condensation while the windows are still covered under warranty.

Sealing

If you have double-pane windows with a damaged seal or more recent 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 filling the solution with anti-fog.

You can also seal the gap between the window repairs frame and the threshold or sill by using a felt strip vinyl v-strip, or a door sweep. Felt can be stapled, glued, or placed in place, but doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl weather stripping v-strip is durable and easy to put in however it is costly and is usually reserved for areas exposed to high abrasion. Door sweeps are inexpensive and can be put 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 first, you must employ a putty knife to take off the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection remove the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp pointed tips that hold the glass into the recess of the frame. After getting rid of the glazing points remove the grooves and sand the wood. Clean any sanding residue, then seal the bare wood with a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.

Traditional glazing putty can be applied using either a putty knife or a caulking gun, but using a knife allows for a more efficient application that is more precise and will provide a better seal. Choose a putty specifically for glass, since it is more durable and will adhere better.

Apply a thin bead of the putty on the inside edge of the frame where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame, so that the cut line on the glass lines up with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure to the glass to press the putty and create a tight seal. Smooth the compound using an ungloved finger, and wipe away any mistakenly applied caulk or errant drips before it is dry.