Glass Window Repair

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

While wearing protective clothing remove all glaze putty and glazing points with a utility knife. A heat gun can soften the old glue and make it easier to remove.

Replacement

When a window pane breaks, it could be tempting to try and repair the glass instead of replace it. However, replacing windows is typically more cost-effective, and can also help prevent other problems that could affect your home's energy efficiency. Take a look at the kind of glass damaged to determine whether it's a temporary fix, or if a permanent solution is required.

To repair a broken window, remove the sash or frame and lay it flat on the work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window pane and remove any remaining shards. Then, use a utility knife to cut off the glazing compound and glazing points that help to hold the glass in place. Make sure you keep track of the components and their locations so that they can be replaced later.

After you've removed the frame and sash you can begin preparing to replace the glass. Before doing this make sure that the opening in the frame is sized for your replacement window. To allow for frame and glass expansion and contraction take measurements in both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, buy double-strength glasses that are cut to these exact dimensions. It is a good idea to purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to install every 6 inches around each window pane.

If the manufacturer is accountable, you can call them and submit a claim. Once the new glass is installed, it should be sprayed with a thin coating of the compound used by glaziers. After the compound has dried and dry, you can paint it to match the frame of the window.

If you have a crack that extends more than an inch, cutting the crack with a razor blade that is just above the crack will help stop it from spreading further. This method isn't foolproof, however it can slow the growth of the cracked until you can take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window doctor near me installers have the right tools and know how to work with different kinds of glass. They are able to dispose of waste properly and are therefore less likely than other people to leave behind pieces of glass that could harm family pets or members of the family. They're also accustomed to working with different kinds of windows, and may be able spot problems that a home owner with no experience would not notice.

Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to starting repair work on cracked glass. A small crack can cause shards to fly off, posing a danger to anyone living in or around the home. It's also important to determine what caused the crack in the first place, since it could help avoid future issues.

Make a two-part mixture of epoxy. These are usually a 50/50 mix of resin and hardener, and must be quickly mixed. Once the mixture is ready, apply it to the crack in the glass and let it dry. It will take just a couple of minutes, but you need to be quick as the mixture is thick and will dry quickly.

After the epoxy has dried, you can remove any excess with a putty knife. After that, you'll need clean the area around the crack of glass. If you don't do it correctly, the residue could cause further damage to the glass. Once the glass is cleaned using a putty knife, you can use it to smooth the compound along the edge of the window and to match it with the wood frame.

To make a more durable option think about using a plastic covering. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is the best option, but you can also apply masking tape to the glass. This will prevent the crack from expanding, and will also block out water, wind insects, water, and other debris.

If you're not able to get to the window in a timely manner then you can apply silicone sealant to make a temporary repair. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant on the edge of the damaged glass. It won't completely seal the gap between the frame and the glass completely but it will hold the broken piece in place until you are able to repair it.

Repainting

If your windows with glass are old, you might want to repaint them. This is a low-cost alternative to replacing windows, and can give your home a fresh new look. Make sure that the surface is clean prior to painting. Clean the Window Doctor using soap and water or use rubbing alcohol to remove oil smudges as well as other residues which can hinder the paint from adhering. You should also wear rubber gloves while working on glass to avoid transferring your own oils onto the glass surface. Apply multiple thin coats instead of one thick coat. This will make the paint last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.

Make sure you have the right tools in your arsenal in case you want to paint glass windows. You will need brushes or sponges as well as a painter's tamper along with a ruler, toothpicks and a ruler. You should have the brushes and paints you will be using on hand. Follow the manufacturer's directions. Have patience, as it may take a while for the paint to completely dry.

If you're using solvent-based paints, you must also ensure that the room where you work is well-ventilated. This will decrease the chance of inhaling toxic chemicals, and the paint will dry faster. Also, make sure you have a mask to protect yourself for any spray paints you apply.

You'll need to clean the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water before you paint it. Clean the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water, then use rubbing alcohol to scrub off any grease or oil that could hinder paint's adhesion. Make sure that the windows are completely dry prior to coating them.

If you have energy-efficient double pane windows on your windows, it could be possible to file an insurance claim for repair or replacement with the window manufacturer or the dealer who sold the windows. This is particularly relevant if you've had multiple problems with broken glass or condensation even though the windows are covered under warranty.

Sealing

There are a variety of options to address the issue regardless of whether you have an old double-pane window doctor that has cracks in the seal, or if you have a newer IGU (IGU) that has experienced defogging. The most expensive option is to replace the frame and insulated unit however it could be required if fog or condensation cause energy loss. Other options include replacing the 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 close the gap between windows and a sill or threshold using a felt strip or vinyl V-strip. Felt is cheap and can be glued, nailed or stapled to the frame, but it does not offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl weather stripping that is v-strip is strong and simple to install however it is costly and is generally reserved for areas exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are inexpensive and can be nailed to the floor, but they create virtually no barrier between the sill or threshold and dust, air, and debris.

To fix a damaged window seal using a putty knife, you need to remove the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves carefully remove the glazing points -- small fasteners that fix the glass in the frame's recess using sharp, pointed edges. After removing the glazing points, clean out 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.

A caulking knife or putty can be used to apply traditional glazing putty, however the use of a knife allows for a more precise application, and a better seal. Choose a putty that is made specifically for glass windows, as it will have higher adhesion and a longer life.

Apply a thin bead of the putty to the inside edge of the frame, where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the scribed line on glass lines up with edge of frame. Apply pressure to the glass in order to compress the putty to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound with a gloved finger and then wipe off any caulk that is applied incorrectly or drips that have escaped before it dries.