Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work up off the ground, maneuvering massive glass panes. They work under extreme weather conditions and adhere to strict safety protocols.

Wearing protective clothing, take off the metal glazing points as well as all glazing putty using an utility knife. A heat gun can to soften the old putty and speed up removal.

Replacement

It is tempting to repair the glass of your window instead of replacing it when the glass breaks. It is cheaper to replace a window and it will also help to avoid other issues in the efficiency of your home. You should also take into consideration the type of glass that is broken to determine if this is a temporary fix or if you will require an alternative that is more durable.

To repair a broken window, remove the frame or sash and place it on your work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window's frame and pull out any remaining fragments. Utilize a utility blade to cut off the glazing compound, as well as the glazing points that keep the window in place. Make sure you keep the track of the location of these components to ensure that they can be replaced later.

After you've removed the frame and sash, you can start preparing to replace the glass. Before you do so make sure that the opening in the frame is properly sized for your replacement window. To allow for frame and glass expansion and contraction, measure both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, you can purchase double-strength glasses that are cut to these exact dimensions. It is recommended also to purchase enough glazier's clips or points to place them every 6 inches around each window pane.

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

If the crack is greater than an inch You can stop it from expanding by slicing a small arc just beyond the crack. This trick is not foolproof however it can slow the development of the crack until you can take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers know how to handle various kinds of glass types, and they have the tools needed to complete a proper job. They know how to dispose of waste in a safe manner, so they are less likely than others to leave behind a mess that could harm family members or pets. They're also familiar with different types of windows and may be able to spot problems that might not be apparent to an inexperienced homeowner.

Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to starting the process of repairing cracked glass. A small crack could cause shards of glass to fly away and could pose a danger to anyone in or around the home. It is important to determine what caused the crack, so that you could prevent future issues.

Create a two-part mixture of epoxy. They are usually made up of a 50/50 mix of hardener and resin. They must be mixed quickly. When the mixture is done, apply it to the crack in the glass and allow it to dry. It should only take a couple of minutes, but you must be quick because the mixture is thick and will dry very quickly.

Once the epoxy is dried, you can take off any excess with a putty knife. After that, you'll need clean the area around the crack of glass. If you don't clean it correctly, the resulting 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 frame made of wood.

For a more durable solution, consider using a plastic covering. You can cover the glass using masking tape or a sturdy trashbag. This will stop the crack from spreading, and will also keep wind, water and insects out.

You can make an interim solution if you are unable to access the window in a timely manner. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant around the edge of the damaged glass. It won't completely seal the gap between glass and frame however it will keep the broken piece in place while you repair it.

Repainting

Repainting old glass windows is a great idea. This is a low-cost alternative to replacing windows, and will give your home a new appearance. Make sure the window is clean before painting. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to wash away oil smudges, as well as other residues which can prevent paint from adhering. It is also recommended to wear rubber gloves while working on glass to avoid transferring your own oils onto the window's surface. Finally it is recommended to apply several thin coats of paint instead of a thick layer. This will help the paint last longer and will keep your windows looking smooth and even.

If you're planning to paint your glass windows, be sure you have all the right tools nearby. You'll require brushes or sponges, painter's tap along with a ruler, toothpicks and a ruler. You should also have the brushes and paint you'll use for window repair the project on hand. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Be patient, as it may take a while for the paint to fully dry.

Also, ensure that the area you're working in is ventilated when you're using solvent-based paint. This will help to reduce the chance of inhaling harmful chemicals, and the paint will dry quicker. You should also make sure you wear a mask that is protective for any spray paints that you use.

For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior painting. Use soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, use rubbing alcohol on any grease or oil remnants that may hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure the windows are completely dry before you begin painting them.

If you have energy-efficient double glazed window repair-pane windows on your windows, it may be possible to file claims for repair or replacement with the company that makes the windows or dealer that sold the windows. This is especially true if the windows are still under warranty and you've experienced several problems with condensation or damaged glass.

Sealing

There are many ways to address the issue regardless of whether you have an old double-pane window with a cracked seal, or if you have an insulated unit (IGU) that has experienced fogging. The most costly option is to replace the insulated unit and frame, but it may be necessary if condensation or fog are causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with just one pane, or repairing the IGU that is in place by drilling a hole in its bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging agent.

You can also close the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill by using a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or door sweep. Felt is cheap and can be fixed with glue, nailed or stapled to the frame however it doesn't provide much protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strips are easy to install and long-lasting however it can be expensive. It is typically reserved for areas exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are affordable and can be nailed into place however they provide very little or no protection between the sill or threshold and dust, air, and debris.

To repair a damaged window seal using a putty knife, you need to take off the caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves, carefully pry out the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that hold the glass into the frame's recess using sharp, pointed edges. After removing the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood until it is smooth. Wipe off any sanding traces Then, seal the bare wood using a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.

Traditional glazing putty is applied using the help of a putty blade or caulking gun. However, the knife is a better, more precise application and provides a stronger seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass windows, since it will have higher adhesion and long-lasting.

Apply a thin layer of glue along the inside edge of frame where it joins the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the drawn line on the glass lines up with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure to the glass to compress the putty and glass into an elongated seal. Smooth the compound using a gloved hand and remove any drips or caulk that were not applied correctly before it has dried.