Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen can maneuver large glass panes from a height higher than the ground. They work under extreme weather conditions and follow strict safety protocols.

Wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and metal glazing points using a knife. A heat gun will help to soften and take off the old putty.

Replacement

It is tempting to fix the glass on your windows instead of replacing it when a pane breaks. It is more cost-effective to replace a window, and it can also help avoid other issues that could affect the efficiency of your home. It is also important to consider the type of glass that's broken to determine if it is an interim fix or if you'll require an option that is more permanent.

The first step in repairing broken windows is to remove the sash, also known as the frame and place it flat on a table. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window pane and pull out any remaining shards. Utilize a utility blade to scrape off the glazing compound, and the glazing points that keep the window in place. Keep the track of the components and their locations so that they can be replaced later.

Once the frame and sash have been removed and the frame is removed, you can begin preparation to install the new glass. Be sure to check that the opening of the frame is of the correct size for the replacement window. Measure both sides of the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to give the expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, purchase double-strength glass cut to these exact dimensions. It is a good idea to also purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to place them every 6 inches around the window pane.

If the manufacturer is responsible you should contact them and file an claim. Once the new glass is installed, it must be covered with a thin layer of glazier's compound. After the compound is dry it is possible to paint the frame to be a perfect match.

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

Repair

Professional window installers know how to deal with a variety of glass, and they have the tools necessary to do the job correctly. They also know the best ways to dispose of waste, and are less likely to leave scraps that are left behind, which could injure family members or pets. They're also accustomed to working with different types of windows and may be aware of issues that aren't apparent to the uninitiated homeowner.

Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to starting the process of repairing damaged glass. A small crack could cause shards of glass to fly and pose a risk to anyone within or around the home. It is important to determine what caused the crack, since this can prevent future problems.

Create a two-part mixture of epoxy. They typically are a 50/50 mixture of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. After the mixture is prepared and applied, simply apply it to the crack and let it dry. It should only take some minutes, but it is important to be quick because the mixture is extremely thick and dries very quickly.

After the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of excess epoxy with a putty blade. You'll then need to clean the cracks in the glass. If you don't do this correctly, the residue could cause further damage to the glass. Once the glass is cleaned with a putty blade, use it to smooth the compound along the edge of the window, and then match it to the frame made of wood.

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

You can create an interim solution if you are unable to access 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 frame and the glass completely however it will keep the break in place until you are able to repair it.

Repainting

Repainting old glass windows is a great idea. This is a cost-effective alternative to replacing your windows and will give your house a new appearance. Make sure the window is clean prior to painting. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to wash away oil smudges, and other traces of dirt that can hinder paint from adhering. You should also wear rubber gloves while working on glass to avoid the risk of transferring your own oils onto the window's surface. Apply several thin coats rather than one thick coat. This will make the paint last longer and will keep your windows repair looking smooth and even.

If you're planning to repaint your glass windows, ensure that you have the appropriate tools at hand. You'll require a brush or sponge, painter's tape, toothpicks, a ruler and a few other tools such as paper towels or a rag. It is recommended to have the brushes and paints you'll use on hand. Be sure to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and be prepared with plenty of patience because it may take a while for the paint to dry.

If you're using solvent-based paints, you must make sure that the area where you work is well ventilated. This will decrease the risk of inhaling toxic chemicals, and the paint will dry quicker. Wear a mask to protect yourself when using spray paints.

For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface before painting. Use warm water and soap to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, rub alcohol on any oil or grease residues that could interfere with the adhesion of the paint. Make sure the windows are completely dried before you begin painting them.

If you have energy efficient double pane windows on your windows, it may be possible to file claims for repair or replacement with the window manufacturer or dealer that sold the windows. This is especially relevant if you've had several issues with condensation or broken glass while the windows are still covered by warranty.

Sealing

There are a variety of options to fix the problem, whether you have an old double-pane glass with cracks in the seal or if you have an IGU (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 existing IGU with a single-pane or fixing it by drilling a small hole in the bottom of the unit and then filling the solution with anti-fog.

You can also close the gap between a window repairs frame and a threshold or sill by with a felt strip or vinyl v-strip. Felt can be stapled, glued or put in place, but it doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl weather stripping v-strip is durable and easy to put in, but it is costly and is usually used for areas that are subject to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are inexpensive and can be fixed to the floor but they create virtually no barrier between the threshold or sill and dust, air and debris.

To repair a damaged window seal using a putty knife, you need to scrape off the caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection remove the glazing point -- small fasteners with sharp, pointed tips that pin the glass into the frame's recess. After taking out the glazing points, clean out the grooves and Glass Window Repair sand the wood. Clean any sanding residue and then seal the unfinished wood with a linseed oil based paint or clear wood sealer.

A caulking knife or putty can be used to apply traditional glazing putty. However, using a knife will give the most precise application and a better seal. Select a putty specifically designed for glass windows as it will be more adhesive and a longer life.

Apply a thin layer across the inside of the frame where it joins the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the scribed line on the glass aligns with the frame's edge. Apply pressure on the glass to force the putty and glass into an elongated seal. Smooth the compound using gloves and then remove any caulk or drips that were not applied correctly before it dries.