Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen are able to maneuver large glass panes from a height above the ground. They adhere to strict safety guidelines and often work under harsh weather conditions.

Wearing protective clothing, remove the metal glazing points and all glazing putty with an utility knife. A heat gun can to soften the old putty and speed up removal.

Replacement

When a window pane is broken, it may be tempting to repair the glass rather than replace it. It is cheaper to replace a window and it can also help you avoid other issues that could affect the efficiency of your home. Take a look at the kind of glass damaged to determine if it's a temporary fix, or if a permanent solution is required.

To repair a broken window, take off the frame or sash and place it flat on the work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window's pane and pull out any remaining shards. Use a utility blade to scrape off the glazing compound, as well as the glazing points that keep the window in place. Keep track of the location of these components to ensure that they can be put back in place later.

After the frame and sash have been removed and the frame is removed, you can begin preparation to install new glass. Before doing this, make sure that the opening in the frame is size for the replacement window. To allow for the expansion of the frame and glass and contraction take measurements in both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, purchase double-strength glass that are cut to these exact dimensions. It is also a good idea to purchase enough new glazier's clips or glazier's points to be installed every 6 inches around the window pane.

Depending on the warranty of the window the window may be covered by the manufacturer and in this case, you need to contact them to file a claim. Once the new glass is installed, it must be sprayed with a thin coating of the compound used by glaziers. After letting the compound dry then you can paint it to match the rest of the window frame.

If you have a crack that extends more than an inch, scoring the crack with the edge of a blade just over the crack can help to stop it from spreading further. This trick is not foolproof however it can slow the development of the crack until you are able to take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors are equipped with the proper tools and know how to work with different kinds of glass. They also know the best ways to dispose of waste, and are less likely to leave crumbs that are left behind, which could cause harm to pets or family members. They're also used to working with various types of windows and are aware of issues that might not be apparent to an inexperienced homeowner.

Before you begin the process of repairing damaged window glass, ensure to wear safety goggles and gloves. A small crack could cause glass shards to fly away and put anyone at risk inside or around the house. It's also crucial to determine what caused the crack in the first place, as it could help avoid future issues.

Begin by creating an epoxy mixture that has two parts. They are usually a 50/50 mixture of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. When the mixture is ready put it in the glass crack and let it dry. It will take just about a minute however it is important to work quickly since the mixture is extremely thick and fast-drying.

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

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

You can create a temporary fix when you are unable reach the window in an efficient manner. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant to the edges of the broken glass. It won't seal the gap between the glass and the frame completely, but it will hold the break in place until you can fix it.

Repainting

If your glass windows are old, you may consider repainting them. This is an affordable alternative to replacing your windows and will provide your home with a new look. Make sure that the surface is clean prior to painting. Wash the window with soap and water or use ruby alcohol to get rid of oil smudges and other residues that could hinder the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass to prevent the transfer of your own oils onto the surface of the window. Apply multiple thin coats instead of a single thick one. This will help the paint last longer and will keep your windows looking smooth and even.

Make sure you have the appropriate 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, a ruler and toothpicks. You'll also need the brushes and paint you'll use to complete the project. Follow the manufacturer's directions. Have patience because it could take some time for the paint to completely dry.

If you're using solvent-based paints, you must also ensure that the space where you work is well ventilated. This will reduce the risk of breathing harmful chemicals, and the paint will dry quicker. Use a protective mask when using spray paints.

You'll need to clean the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water prior to you paint it. Make use of soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, use rubbing alcohol on any oil or grease residues that might hinder the paint's adhesion. Make sure the windows are completely dry before you begin to paint them.

If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, you might be able to make a claim with the dealer or window company that sold them to pay any repair or replacement costs. This is especially the case if you've experienced numerous issues with cracked glass or condensation even though the windows are covered by warranty.

Sealing

If you have double-pane windows with a cracked seal or newer insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced defogging and fogging, there are a variety of options for fixing the problem. 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 causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU by a single pane, or fixing the existing IGU by drilling a hole through the bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging agent.

You can also close the gap between the window frame and the sill or threshold by using a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or door sweep. Felt can be stapled, glued or put in place, Sash Windows Repair but it is not a great protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip weather stripping is durable and easy to install, but it can be costly and is usually reserved for areas exposed to high abrasion. Door sweeps can be easily nailed in place and are inexpensive. However, they provide only a small amount of protection between the threshold and air.

To repair a broken window seal make use of a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves take out the glazing point -- small fasteners with sharp pointed tips that hold the glass into the frame's recess. After getting rid of the glazing points clean the grooves, then sand the wood. Wipe away any sanding sludge then seal the 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 application that is more precise and provides a stronger seal. Choose a putty that is made specifically for glass windows, as it has better adhesion and long-lasting.

Apply a thin bead of the putty on the inside edge of the frame where it meets the glass. Slide the window into frame so that scribed line on glass lines up with edge of frame. Apply pressure on the glass to press the putty and create a tight seal. Smooth the compound with a gloved finger and then wipe off any caulk that is applied incorrectly or spills that are not properly wiped away prior to drying.