Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen can maneuver large panes of tempered glass from a high point above the ground. They adhere to strict safety guidelines and are often working in extreme weather conditions.

Wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and glazing points using a utility knife. A heat gun may help soften the old glue and accelerate the removal process.

Replacement

When a window's pane is broken, it may be tempting to repair the glass instead of replace it. It is cheaper to replace windows and it will also help avoid other issues that could affect the efficiency of your home. You should also consider the type of glass that is broken to determine if it is an interim fix or if you will need to invest in an option that is more permanent.

The first step in fixing a broken window is to take off the sash, also known as the frame and lay it flat on a table. Wearing eye protection, gently move the frame and remove any shards that remain in the window pane. Use a utility blade to scrape off the glazing compound, and the glazing points that hold the window in place. Make sure you keep track of the location of these components to ensure that they can be reinstalled later.

After you have removed the frame and sash you can begin to prepare to replace the glass. Be sure to check that the opening of the frame is of the correct size for the replacement window. To allow for expansion and contraction of the glass and frame and contraction take measurements in both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, buy double-strength glasses made to these exact measurements. It is also a good idea to purchase enough new glazier's glazier's pointing or clips to be installed every 6 inches around the window pane.

Depending on the window's warranty it could be covered by the manufacturer and in this case, you must contact them to file an claim. Once the new glass is installed, it should be covered with a thin coating of glazier's compound. After drying the compound, you can paint it to match the frame of the window.

If your crack is longer than an inch You can stop it from spreading by scoring the crack with a small arc, just above the crack. This method isn't foolproof, but it can slow the growth of the cracked until you can take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers have the proper tools and know how to handle different types of glass. They know how to dispose of waste in a safe manner which means they are less likely than others to leave behind scraps which could cause harm to family members or pets. They're also accustomed to working with different kinds of windows, and may be able spot problems that a novice home owner would not notice.

Before beginning the process of repairing damaged window glass, be sure that you wear safety goggles and gloves. A small crack could cause glass shards to fly around and put anyone at risk inside or around the house. It is important to determine the cause of the crack, as this will help prevent any future problems.

Make a two-part mixture of epoxy. They usually consist of a 50/50 mixture of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture is ready put it in the glass crack and leave it to dry. It should take only about a few minutes, but you need to work quickly because the mixture is very thick and will dry very quickly.

After the epoxy has 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 do not clean the area properly, the residue could cause further damage to your glass. Use a putty blade to smooth the compound around the window's edge and then match it to the frame of wood.

For a more durable solution think about using a plastic cover. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a sturdy trash bag. This will prevent the crack from spreading, and will also keep wind, water and insects out.

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

Repainting

Repainting your old glass windows is a great idea. This is an affordable alternative to replacing windows and will give your home a fresh new look. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to wash away oil smudges, as well as other residues that could prevent paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent transferring oils from your hands onto the surface. Finally 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 on repainting your glass windows, be sure you have the proper tools in your arsenal. You'll need a brush, sponge, painter's tape a ruler, toothpicks, as well as a few other tools, such as a rag or paper towel. You'll need the paints and brushes that you'll be using on hand. Follow the manufacturer's directions. Have patience as it can take a while for the paint to fully dry.

If you're using solvent-based paints, you must make sure that the area in which you work is well ventilated. This will decrease the risk of inhaling harmful chemicals, and the paint will dry faster. Also, make sure you wear a mask that is protective for any spray paints that you use.

For older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface before painting. Clean the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water. You can then use rubbing alcohol to clean off any oil or grease that could hinder paint's adhesion. Make sure that the windows repair are dry prior to coating them.

If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, then you might be in a position to make a claim with the window manufacturer or dealer who sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if the windows are still under warranty and you've experienced multiple issues with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

If you have double-pane windows that have a cracked seal or newer insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging, there are several methods for fixing the problem. It is the most expensive option to replace both the insulation unit and the frame. However, it may be required in situations where fog or condensation is causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single-pane, or repairing 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 a window frame and a threshold or sill with a felt strip or vinyl V-strip. Felt can be stapled, glued, or placed in place, but doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip weather stripping is durable and easy to put in, but it can be expensive and is usually reserved for areas that are exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are able to be easily nailed to the floor and are affordable. However, they offer little or no protection between the threshold and the air.

To fix a cracked window seal first, use a putty knife to scrape off the caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection remove the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp, pointed tips that pin the glass into the frame's recess. Once you have removed the glazing points, scrub the grooves and sand the wood to a smooth finish. Wipe away any sanding sludge, then seal the bare wooden surface with a linseed-oil-based paint or clear sealer.

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

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 the scribed line on glass aligns with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to press the putty and create a tight seal. Smooth the compound using a gloved hand and Glass Window Repair remove any caulk or drips that were applied incorrectly before it dries.