Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work high above the ground, navigating huge glass panes. They follow strict safety protocols and often work under extreme weather conditions.

Wearing protective clothing, Glass Window Repair remove the metal glazing points and the glazing putty by using a utility knife. A heat gun can help to soften and eliminate the old putty.

Replacement

It is tempting to repair the glass on your windows instead of replacing it when the glass breaks. However, replacing windows is typically more cost-effective and may assist in preventing other issues that could affect your home's energy efficiency. It is also important to consider the type of glass that is damaged to determine if it is temporary or if you will need to invest in an option that is more permanent.

The first step to repair broken windows is to take off the sash, also known as the frame and place it flat on a table. While wearing eye protection, carefully wiggle and pull out any shards that remain in the window. Then, use a knife to cut off the glazing compound and glazing points that keep the glass in place. Keep the track of the components and where they are to ensure they are reinstalled.

After you've removed the frame and sash, you can start preparing to replace the glass. Before you begin make sure that the opening in the frame is properly sized for your replacement window. Measure both sides of the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to allow room for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. After that, you can purchase double-strength glasses cut to these precise dimensions. It is also a good idea to purchase enough new glazier's clips or glazier's points to be positioned every 6 inches around the window pane.

Depending on the window's warranty it could be covered by the manufacturer in which case you should call 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 the compound has dried, you can paint it to match the rest of the frame.

If your crack is longer than an inch in length, you can prevent it from expanding by cutting a small arc just beyond the crack. This method isn't foolproof, but it can slow the growth of the crack down to a manageable level until you are able to take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers have the appropriate tools and know how to work with different types of glass. 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 pets or family members. They're also accustomed to working with different kinds of windows and could be able to spot issues that an inexperienced home owner might not see.

Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to starting repair work on cracked glass. A small crack could cause shards of glass to fly away and pose a risk to anyone inside or around the house. It's also important to determine what caused the crack in the first place, so that it can help prevent future issues.

Make a two-part mix of epoxy. These are usually a 50/50 mix of resin and hardener, and they need to be quickly mixed. When the mixture is done apply it to the glass crack and leave it to dry. This should only take about a minute however it is important to work quickly since the mixture is extremely thick and fast-drying.

After the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of any excess with a putty knife. Then, you'll have to clean the area around the broken glass. If you don't do it properly, the residue can cause further damage to the glass. Use a putty blade smooth out the compound around the edge of the window and match it to the frame of wood.

Consider using a plastic cover for a more durable option. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a sturdy trash bag. This will prevent the crack from expanding, and will also keep out water, wind, bugs, and debris.

You can come up with a temporary fix if you are unable to get to the window repairs in a timely manner. Apply a small amount silicone sealant to the edges of the broken glass. It won't close the gap between the frame and the glass completely, but it will hold the break 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 fresh new appearance. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Clean the window with water and soap or ruby alcohol to get rid of oil smudges as well as other residues that can prevent the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent the transfer of oils from your fingers onto the glass. Apply several thin coats rather than a single thick one. This will help the paint last longer, and will keep your windows looking smooth and even.

Make sure you have the right tools available when you are planning to repaint glass windows. You will need brushes or sponges, painter's tap, a ruler and toothpicks. It is also recommended to have the brushes and paint you'll use to complete the project. Be sure to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and have a good amount of patience as it can take awhile for the paint to dry.

Also, ensure that the area you're working in is well ventilated if you're using solvent-based paint. This will reduce the risk of breathing harmful chemicals, and the paint will dry more quickly. You should also make sure you have a mask to protect yourself for any spray paints you use.

For older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface prior to painting. Clean the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water. You can then use rubbing alcohol to clean away any grease or oil that might hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are completely dried before you begin to paint them.

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

Sealing

There are a variety of options to resolve the issue depending on regardless of whether you have an old double-pane glass with a cracked seal, or if you own an upgraded insulation unit (IGU) that has experienced defogging. The most expensive option is to replace the frame and insulated unit, but it may be necessary if condensation or fog are causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with just one pane, or repairing the existing IGU by drilling a hole through the bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging agent.

You can also seal the gap between the window frame and the sill or threshold by using a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or door sweep. Felt can be stapled, glued or nailed into place but does not offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strips are easy to install and durable however it can be expensive. It is usually reserved for Glass Window Repair areas exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are easy to nail in place and are inexpensive. However, they offer little or no protection between the threshold and air.

To fix a cracked window seal first, you must use a putty knife to remove the old caulk. Wearing protective eyewear and gloves carefully remove the glazing points, which are tiny fasteners that pin the glass into the frame's recess with sharp and pointed ends. After getting rid of the glazing points clean the grooves and sand down the wood. Clean any sanding dust, then seal the bare wooden surface with a linseed-oil-based paint or clear 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 made specifically for glass windows as it will be more adhesive and long-lasting.

Apply a small amount the putty on the inside edge of the frame, where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame, so that the scribed line on the glass is aligned with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure to the glass in order to force the putty into a tight seal. Smooth the compound using an ungloved finger and then wipe off any caulk that is applied incorrectly or errant drips prior to drying.