Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen are able to move large glass panes from a height higher than the ground. They adhere to strict safety guidelines and often work under harsh weather conditions.

Wearing protective clothing, remove the glazing points made of metal and the glazing putty by using a utility knife. A heat gun can soften the old glue and make it easier to remove.

Replacement

When a window's pane breaks, it can be tempting to repair the glass instead of replace it. However, replacing windows is often more cost-effective and can help prevent other problems that could affect 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.

To fix a damaged window, take off the frame or sash, and place it flat on the work surface. While wearing eye protection, carefully wiggle and pull out any remaining shards in the window. Use a utility blade to scrape off the glazing compound, and the glazing points that keep the window in place. Keep an eye on these components and their locations to ensure that they can be replaced later.

After removing the frame and sash you can begin to prepare to replace the glass. Make sure that the opening of the frame is the proper size for the replacement window. Measure both sides of the opening, and then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to allow space for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. After that, you can purchase double-strength glasses cut to these exact measurements. It is also an excellent idea to buy enough new glazier's clips or glazier's points to be placed every 6 inches around the window pane.

Depending on the warranty of the window it could be covered by the manufacturer, in which case you should call them to file an claim. After the new glass has been erected it is essential to cover it with a thin layer glaziers compound. After drying the compound and dry, you can paint it to match the rest of the frame.

If you have a crack that extends more than an inch, scoring a small arc with a razor blade just beyond the crack can help to stop it from spreading further. This technique isn't 100% infallible, but it will slow the growth of the crack down to a manageable amount until you can take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers are equipped with the proper tools and know how to work with different types of glass. They know how to dispose of waste safely, so they are less likely than others to leave behind pieces of glass that could harm family members or pets. They are also familiar with working with different types of windows and could be able to spot problems that a home owner with no experience might not see.

Before you begin the process of repairing damaged window glass, be sure to wear safety goggles and gloves. A minor crack could cause shards to fly off, creating a risk for anyone in or around the home. It's also important to determine the cause of the crack in the first place, since it can help prevent future issues.

Make a two-part mix of epoxy. They usually consist of a 50/50 mixture of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture is done, apply it to the crack in the glass and let it dry. It should only take a couple of minutes, but you need to be quick because the mixture is thick and dries very quickly.

Once the epoxy is dried, you can take off any excess with a putty knife. Then, you'll need to clean the area around the broken glass. If you do not clean the area correctly, the debris could cause further damage to your glass. Use a putty blade smooth the compound around the edge of the window and then match it to the frame made of wood.

For a more durable solution you can consider using a plastic covering. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a strong-duty trash bag. This will stop the crack from spreading, and will also keep water, wind and bugs out.

You can come up with an interim fix in the event that you are unable to get to the window in a timely manner. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant on the edges of the broken glass. It won't fully seal the gap between frame and glass but it will help keep the crack in place while you fix it.

Repainting

Repainting your old glass windows is a great idea. This is an affordable alternative to replace windows and give your home a fresh appearance. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to remove oil smudges, as well as 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 glass surface. Apply multiple thin coats instead of a single thick one. This will allow the paint to last longer and make your windows appear smooth and even.

Make sure you have the proper tools in your arsenal if you plan to repaint glass windows. You'll need a brush, sponge, painter's tape toothpicks, a ruler and a few other tools, such as a rag or paper towel. You should also have the paint and brushes you'll need to complete the project. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Be patient, as it may take some time for the paint to completely 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 breathing in harmful chemicals and allow the paint to dry faster. Wear a mask to protect yourself when using spray paints.

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

If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, then you might be in a position to submit a claim to the dealer or window company who sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if you have experienced several issues with broken glass or condensation and the windows are covered by warranty.

Sealing

There are a variety of options to fix the problem depending on regardless of whether you have an old double glazing repair-pane glass with cracks in the seal or if you own a newer insulated unit (IGU) that has experienced fogging. It is the most expensive option to replace both the insulation unit and the frame. However, it may be necessary if fog or condensation is creating energy losses. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single pane, or repairing the IGU that is in place by drilling a hole in its bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging agent.

You can also seal up the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill by using a felt strip, or vinyl V-strip. Felt is cheap and can be fixed by gluing, nailing or stapled to the frame but it doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl weather stripping that is v-strip is strong and easy to install however it can be expensive and is usually reserved for areas exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are able to be easily nailed to the floor and are affordable. However, they offer very little or no protection between the threshold and air.

To repair a damaged window seal using a putty knife, you need to remove the old caulk. Wearing protective eyewear and gloves, carefully pry out the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that pin the glass to the frame's recess, with sharp and pointed edges. After you have removed the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood until it is smooth. Clean any sanding residue, then seal the bare wood with a linseed oil based paint or clear wood sealer.

Traditional glazing putty can be applied with a putty knife or caulking gun, but using a knife allows for a more efficient precision and precise application. It also creates a better seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass windows, since it will be more adhesive and durability.

Apply a small amount the putty to the inner edge of the frame where it touches the glass. Slide the window into frame in a way that the scribed line on glass lines up with the frame's edge. Apply pressure on the glass to force the putty and create a tight seal. Smooth the compound with fingers that are gloved, and wipe away any mistakenly applied caulk or spills that are not properly wiped away before it is dry.