Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen are able to move large panes of tempered glass from a height above the ground. They work in extreme weather conditions and adhere to strict safety guidelines.

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

Replacement

It can be tempting to fix the glass of your window instead of replacing it if a pane breaks. However, replacing a window is typically more cost-effective, and can also assist in preventing other issues with your home's energy efficiency. Take a look at the kind of glass damaged to determine if it's a temporary fix or if a long-term solution is needed.

The first step in repairing broken windows is to take off the sash, also known as the frame and lay it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window's frame and then remove any remaining fragments. Then, use a knife to cut off the glazing compound and glazing points that hold the glass in the position. Keep track of the components and their locations so that they can be put back in place.

After removing the frame and Glass Window Repair sash you can begin preparing to replace the glass. Be sure to check that the opening of the frame is the right size for your replacement window. Measure both sides of the opening, and then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to allow room for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, you can purchase double-strength glasses made to these exact measurements. It is also an excellent idea to buy enough new glazier's glazier's pointing or clips to be positioned every 6 inches around the window pane.

Based on the window's warranty, this may be covered by the manufacturer in which case you need to contact them to file an claim. Once the new glass is installed, it needs to be bedded in with a thin coating of the compound used by glaziers. Once the compound has dried, you can paint the frame to be a perfect match.

If you have a crack that is more than an inch, cutting a small arc with a razor blade that is just above the crack will help stop it from spreading further. This method isn't completely foolproof, but it could slow the development of the crack down to a manageable level until you can take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers have the appropriate tools and know how to work with different types of glass. They know how to dispose of waste in a safe manner, so they are less likely than other people to leave behind pieces of glass that could inflict harm on 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 might not be able to notice.

Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to starting the process of repairing damaged glass. Even a tiny crack can cause glass shards to fly around and pose a risk to anyone within or around the home. It's important to determine the cause of the crack, so that you will help prevent any future issues.

Make a two-part mix of epoxy. They are typically 50/50 mixture of resin and hardener, and they need to be quickly mixed. When the mixture is done, apply it to the glass crack and leave it to dry. It should only take some minutes, but it is important to be quick because the mixture is very thick and drys quickly.

Once the epoxy has dried, you can remove excess epoxy with a putty blade. The next step is to clean the cracks in the glass. If you don't do 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 edges of the window and match it to the wood frame.

Think about using a plastic lid for a more durable option. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is the best option, but you can also apply masking tape to the glass. This will stop the crack from spreading, and will also keep wind, water and insects out.

If you're unable to get to the window in a timely manner, you can use silicone sealant to make a temporary repair. Apply a small amount silicone sealant around the edges of the broken glass. It won't completely fill the gap between glass and frame however it will keep the broken piece in place while you fix it.

Repainting

Repainting old glass windows is a good idea. This is an affordable alternative to window replacement and will give your home a new appearance. Make sure the window is clean prior to painting. Wash the window with soap and water or use rubbing alcohol to remove oil smudges and other residues that can prevent the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to avoid the transfer of oils from your hands onto the surface. Finally it is recommended to apply several thin coats of paint instead of a single thick layer. This will allow the paint to last longer and will keep your windows looking even and smooth.

Make sure you have the right tools on hand if you plan to repaint glass windows. You'll need a brush, sponge, painter's tape toothpicks, a ruler and other tools like paper towels or a rag. It is also recommended to have the brushes and paint you'll use to complete the project. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and be prepared with plenty of patience because it may take some time for the paint to dry.

If you're using solvent-based paint, also ensure that the room in which you work is well ventilated. This will decrease the chance of inhaling toxic chemicals, and the paint will dry more quickly. Wear a mask to protect yourself when using spray paints.

For older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface prior painting. Use soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, rub alcohol on any oil or grease residues that might hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure the windows are completely dry before you begin to paint them.

If you have energy efficient double pane windows on your windows, it may be possible to file an insurance claim for repair or replacement with the company that makes the windows or dealer who sold them. This is particularly true if you have experienced several issues with broken glass or condensation and the windows are covered under warranty.

Sealing

Whether you have old double glazed window repair-pane windows with broken seal or a newer version of insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced defogging or fog, there are many options to fix the issue. The most costly option is to replace the insulated unit and frame however it could be necessary if condensation or fog are causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with just one pane, or fixing the IGU that is in place by drilling a hole in its bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging product.

You can also seal up the gap between a window frame and a threshold or sill by with a felt strip or vinyl v-strip. Felt is affordable and can be glued, nailed or stapled in place however it doesn't provide a lot of protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strip weather stripping is durable and easy to put in, but it can be costly and is typically used for areas that are subject to high abrasion. Door sweeps are cheap and can be put into place however they provide virtually no barrier between the threshold or sill and dust, air, and other debris.

To fix a cracked window seal first, you must use a putty blade to scrape off the caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection, Glass Window Repair carefully pry out the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that fix the glass in the frame's recess with sharp and pointed ends. After getting rid of the glazing points remove the grooves, then sand the wood. Wipe off any sanding debris, then seal the bare wooden surface with a linseed-oil-based paint or clear sealer.

Traditional glazing putty is applied using the help of a putty blade or caulking gun. However, the knife is a better application that is more precise and creates a better seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass as it is more durable and 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 drawn line on the glass lines up with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure on the glass to compress the putty to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound using a gloved hand and remove any caulk or drips that were applied incorrectly before it dries.