Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work up above the ground, moving massive glass panes. They adhere to strict safety guidelines and are often working in harsh weather conditions.

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

Replacement

It is tempting to repair the glass of your window instead of replacing it when the glass breaks. However, replacing a window is typically more cost-effective and can assist in preventing other issues that could affect your home's energy efficiency. You should also consider the type of glass that is broken to determine if it is temporary or if you'll require an alternative that is more durable.

To repair a broken window, you must remove the frame or sash and place it flat on the work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window pane and pull out any remaining shards. Then, use a knife to remove the glazing compound as well as the glazing points that hold the glass in place. Keep the track of the components and their locations so that they can be put back in place.

After removing the frame and sash, you can begin preparing to replace the glass. Make sure you check the opening of the frame is the proper size 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, buy double-strength glasses that are cut to these exact dimensions. It is recommended to also purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to install every 6 inches around each window pane.

If the manufacturer is accountable then you should call them and submit a claim. Once the new glass is installed, it needs to be covered with a thin layer of the compound used by glaziers. After the compound has dried it is possible to paint the frame to match.

If your crack is more than an inch You can stop it from expanding by slicing a small arc just beyond the crack. This method isn't foolproof, but it will slow down the development of the crack until you are able to take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers are equipped with the proper tools and know how to handle different types of glass. They also know the best ways to dispose of garbage, which means they're less likely to leave scraps that are left behind, which could injure family members or pets. They're also used to working with different types of windows and may be capable of identifying issues that aren't apparent to the uninitiated homeowner.

Wear safety goggles and gloves before you begin the process of repairing cracked glass. A small crack could cause shards of glass to fly and could pose a danger to anyone within or around the home. It is important to determine the cause of the crack, since this could prevent future issues.

Make a two-part mixture of epoxy. These are usually a 50/50 mix of hardener and resin and they must be mixed quickly. When the mixture is prepared, apply it to the crack in the glass and allow it to dry. It should only take some minutes, but it is important to work quickly because the mixture is very thick and nearby drys quickly.

Once the epoxy is dried, you can get rid of any excess using a putty knife. Then, you'll have to clean the area around the crack of glass. If you don't clean the area properly the residue could cause further damage to your glass. After cleaning the glass with a putty blade, use it to smooth the compound along the edges of the window, and then match it to the frame of wood.

For a more durable solution, consider using a plastic covering. A trash bag that is heavy-duty 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 water, wind and bugs out.

You can come up with a temporary fix in the event that you are unable to get to the window in a timely manner. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant to the edge of the broken glass. It won't fully seal the gap between frame and glass however it will keep the broken piece in place while you fix it.

Repainting

Repainting your old glass windows is a good idea. This is a cost-effective alternative to replacing windows and it can give your home a fresh new appearance. Make sure the surface is clean before painting. Clean the window using water and soap or rubbing alcohol to remove oil smudges and other residues that can prevent the paint from adhering. You should also wear rubber gloves when working on glass to prevent the transfer of your own oils onto the window's surface. Apply several thin coats instead of one thick coat. This will help the paint last longer and will keep your windows looking smooth and even.

If you're planning on repainting your glass windows, be sure you have all the right tools nearby. You'll need a brush, sponge, painter's tape, toothpicks, a ruler and other tools, such as a rag or paper towel. It is recommended to have the brushes and paints you will be using in your kit. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and have a good amount of patience because it may take awhile for the paint to dry.

You should also make sure the space you're working is ventilated when you're using solvent-based paint. This will reduce 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, you'll need 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 could interfere with the paint's adhesion. Make sure that the windows are completely dry before you begin painting them.

If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, then you might be able to file a claim with the window company or dealer that sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if your windows are still under warranty and have experienced numerous issues with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

If you have double-pane windows that have a damaged seal or more recent insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging and fogging, there are a variety of options for fixing the problem. It is the most expensive option to replace both the IGU that is insulated as well as the frame. However, it could be necessary in cases where condensation or fog is causing energy losses. Other alternatives include replacing the current IGU with a single pane or fixing it by drilling a small hole into the bottom of the unit, and then filling the solution with anti-fog.

You can also fill in the gap between the window frame and the sill or threshold with a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or door sweep. Felt can be stapled, glued or nailed into place but is not a great protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip weather stripping is durable and simple to install however it can be costly and is usually reserved for areas that are exposed to high abrasion. Door sweeps are cheap and can be put into place, but they create very little or no protection between the threshold or sill and dust, air and other debris.

To repair a damaged window seal, use a putty blade to scrape off the caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves take out the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp pointed tips that hold the glass to the recess of the frame. After taking out the glazing points, remove the grooves and sand the wood. Wipe away any sanding sludge and then seal the unfinished wooden surface with a linseed-oil-based paint or clear sealer.

Traditional glazing putty can be applied using the help of a putty blade or caulking gun. However, using a knife allows for a more efficient, more precise application and provides a stronger seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass as it will last longer and adhere better.

Apply a thin layer along the inside edge of frame where it meets with the glass. Slide the window repair near me into the frame in a way that the scribed line on the glass is aligned with edge of frame. Apply pressure on the glass to force the putty and glass to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound using fingers that are gloved and clean up any caulk that is applied incorrectly or spills that are not properly wiped away before it is dry.