Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work from high above the ground, navigating huge glass panes. They adhere to strict safety guidelines and frequently work in harsh weather conditions.

Wearing protective clothing, cut off the metal glazing points and all glazing putty using an utility knife. A heat gun can help to soften and eliminate the old putty.

Replacement

It is tempting to repair the glass of your window instead of replacing it if panes break. It is cheaper to replace a window, and it will also help to avoid other issues in your home's efficiency. Take a look at the type of glass that is broken to determine if it's a temporary fix, or if a permanent solution is required.

The first step in fixing damaged windows is to take off the sash, also known as the frame and place it flat on a table. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window's pane and Glass Window Repair remove any remaining fragments. Then, use a knife to cut off the glazing compound and points that help to hold the glass in place. Keep an eye on the components and their locations to ensure that they can be replaced later.

After removing the frame and sash, you can begin preparing to replace the glass. Before you begin ensure that the opening in the frame is designed for the replacement window. Measure both ways across the opening, and then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to give 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 recommended to purchase enough new glazier's clips or glazier's points 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 make a claim. After the new glass has been erected, it is important to cover it with a thin layer glaziers compound. After letting the compound dry then you can paint it to match the frame of the window.

If you have a crack that is more than an inch, cutting an arc of the edge of a blade just over the crack could help prevent it from spreading any further. This technique isn't 100% foolproof, but it can slow the development of the crack down to a manageable level until you can take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional upvc window repair contractors are trained to deal with a variety of glass types, and they have the tools necessary to do the job correctly. They know how to dispose of waste in a safe manner, so they are less likely than other contractors to leave behind pieces of glass that could inflict harm on family members or pets. They're also used to working with different window types and are able to spot problems that aren't apparent to the uninitiated homeowner.

Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to starting repair work on cracked glass. Even a small break can cause shards of glass to fly away, posing a danger to anyone who lives in or around the home. It's also crucial to determine the cause of the crack in the first place, so that it can help prevent future issues.

Create a two-part mixture of epoxy. These are usually 50/50 mix of resin and hardener, and must be quickly mixed. When the mixture is prepared put it in the crack in the glass and allow it to dry. It will take just about a minute, but it's essential to work quickly since the mixture is very dense and quick drying.

Once the epoxy is dried, you can remove any excess using a putty knife. After that, you'll need clean the area around the cracked glass. If you don't clean the area properly the debris could cause further damage to your glass. After the glass has been cleaned using a putty knife, you can use it to smooth the compound along the edges of the window, and then align it with the frame of wood.

If you want a more durable solution, consider using a plastic cover. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a heavy-duty trashbag. This will stop the crack from spreading and will also keep water, wind and bugs out.

You can create an interim fix if you are unable to access the window in a timely manner. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant around the edge of the broken glass. It won't seal the gap between the frame and the glass completely but it will hold the broken piece in place until you can repair it.

Repainting

Repainting your old glass windows is a great idea. This is a low-cost alternative to replacing windows, and can give your home a new look. Make sure the window is clean before painting. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to remove oil smudges, and other traces of dirt that can hinder paint from adhering. You should also wear rubber gloves when working on glass to avoid the risk of transferring your own oils onto the window's surface. Apply several thin coats rather than a single thick one. This will help the paint last longer and make your windows appear smooth and even.

Make sure you have the appropriate tools on hand if you plan to repaint glass windows. You'll need a sponge or brush, painter's tap as well as a ruler and toothpicks. It is also recommended to have the paint and brushes you'll be using for the project on hand. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Be patient, as it may take some time for the paint to fully dry.

If you are using solvent-based paint, also ensure that the room where you work is well-ventilated. This will reduce the chance of inhaling harmful 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 prior to painting. Use warm water and soap to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, rub alcohol on any oil or grease remnants that may hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are dry before you begin to paint 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 that sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if you have experienced numerous issues with condensation or broken glass and the windows are covered under warranty.

Sealing

Whether you have old double-pane windows that have a broken seal or a newer version of insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging or fog, there are many options to fix the issue. It is the most expensive option to replace both the insulation unit and the frame. However, it could be required in situations where fog or condensation is causing energy loss. Other alternatives include replacing the current 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 sill or threshold using a felt strip, or vinyl v-strip. 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 easy to install however, it is costly and is generally used for areas that are subject to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are inexpensive and can be nailed into place, but they create very little or no protection between the sill or threshold and air, dust, and other debris.

To repair a damaged window seal, first use a putty knife to take off the old caulk. Wearing protective eyewear and gloves, carefully pry out the glazing points -- small fasteners that pin the glass into the frame's recess, with sharp edges and pointed ends. After taking out the glazing points, remove the grooves and sand the wood. Wipe away any sanding sludge, then seal the bare wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.

Traditional glazing putty is applied using the help of a putty blade or caulking gun, but a knife provides a better, more precise application and creates a better seal. Make sure you choose a putty made specifically for glass windows, as it will have higher adhesion and durability.

Apply a small amount 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 force the putty and create an elongated seal. Smooth the compound with fingers that are gloved and clean up any caulk that was applied incorrectly or errant drips before it is dry.