Glass Window Repair

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

While wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and metal glazing points with a utility knife. A heat gun can help soften the old putty and window replacement speed up removal.

Replacement

It's tempting to fix the glass on your windows instead of replacing it when a pane breaks. It is cheaper to replace windows and it can also help you prevent other problems in the efficiency of your home. Take a look at the kind of glass damaged to determine whether it's a temporary fix or if a long-term solution is needed.

The first step in repairing a broken window is to take off the frame, or sash and lay it flat on a work table. While wearing eye protection, gently move the frame and remove any shards that remain in the window. Then, use a knife to cut off the glazing compound and points that help to hold the glass in place. Be sure to keep the track of these components and their locations to ensure that they can be put back in place later.

After you have removed the frame and sash you can begin preparing to replace the 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, buy double-strength glass cut to these exact measurements. It is also recommended to purchase enough new glazier's points or clips to be positioned every 6 inches around the window pane.

Based on the window doctor's warranty, this may be covered by the manufacturer and in this case, you must contact them to file a claim. Once the new glass is installed, it needs to be sprayed with a thin layer of glazier's compound. After drying the compound, you can paint it to match the rest of the frame.

If your crack is more than an inch You can stop it from expanding by slicing a small arc just beyond the crack. This trick is not foolproof however it can slow the progression of the cracked until you can take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors know how to handle various kinds of glass, and they have the tools to do an excellent job. They also know the best ways to dispose of waste, so they're less likely to leave crumbs behind, which could potentially cause harm to pets or family members. They're also accustomed to working with various types of windows, and may be able to spot problems that a novice home owner would not notice.

Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to starting the process of repairing damaged glass. Even a small crack can cause glass shards to fly around and could pose a danger to anyone within or around the home. It is important to determine the cause of the crack, as this will help prevent any future issues.

Begin by creating an epoxy mix that is two-part. They are typically 50/50 mix of resin and hardener, and they must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture is done apply it to the glass crack and let it dry. It should only take some minutes, but you need to be quick because the mixture is extremely thick and dries quickly.

Once the epoxy has dried, you can take off excess epoxy with a putty blade. You'll then need to clean around the cracked glass. If you don't clean the area correctly the residue could cause further damage to your glass. Make use of a putty knife to smooth the compound around the edge of your window and then match it to the wood frame.

If you want a more durable solution, consider using a plastic cover. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is the best option, but you can also use masking tape to cover the glass. This will prevent the crack from spreading, and will also keep water, wind and bugs out.

You can create an interim solution in the event that you are unable to access the window in time. Simply place a tiny amount of the stuff around the outside of the damaged pane. It won't completely seal the gap between the glass and the frame completely but it will hold the break in place until you are able to fix it.

Repainting

If your windows with glass are old, you may want to repaint them. This is a low-cost alternative to window replacement and can give your home a new look. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to remove oil smudges, as well as other residues that could prevent paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass to prevent the transfer of your own oils onto the glass surface. Finally it is recommended to apply several thin coats of paint instead of a thick layer. This will help the paint last longer, and keep your windows looking even and smooth.

Make sure you have the appropriate tools in your arsenal if you plan to repaint glass windows. You'll require either a brush or sponge, painter's tap along with a ruler, toothpicks and a ruler. It is also recommended to have the paint and brushes you'll be using for the project in your possession. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Be patient because it could take some time for the paint to completely dry.

If you are using solvent-based paint, you should also ensure that the room in which you work is adequately ventilated. This will decrease the risk of breathing into toxic chemicals and permit the paint to dry quicker. You should also make sure you wear a mask that is protective for any spray paints you apply.

You'll need to wash the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water before you paint it. Use soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, use rubbing alcohol on any oil or grease remnants that may hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure the windows are dry before you start coating them.

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

Sealing

If you have double-pane windows with a cracked seal or newer insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging or fog, there are many options to fix the issue. The most costly option is to replace the frame and insulated unit, but it may be necessary if condensation or fog is causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with just one pane, or repairing the IGU that is in place by drilling a hole in the bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging solution.

You can also fill in the gap between a window frame and a sill or threshold using a felt strip or vinyl V-strip. Felt is inexpensive and can be fixed by gluing, nailing, or stapled into place, but it does not offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl weather stripping that is v-strip is strong and simple to install however it can be costly and is generally reserved for areas that are exposed to high abrasion. Door sweeps are inexpensive and can be nailed to the floor but they create virtually no barrier between the threshold or sill and air, dust, and debris.

To repair a damaged window seal using a putty knife, you need to take off the caulk. Wearing protective eyewear and gloves carefully remove the glazing points, which are tiny fasteners that pin the glass to the frame's recess, with sharp, pointed ends. After getting rid of the glazing points remove the grooves and sand the wood. Wipe away any sanding sludge then seal the wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.

A caulking knife or putty can be used to apply the traditional glazing putty, however a knife will provide a more precise application, and a more secure seal. Choose a putty specifically for glass as it will be more durable and adhere better.

Apply a thin bead of the putty on the inside edge of the frame where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the scribed line on glass aligns with edge of frame. Apply pressure to the glass to force the putty into a tight seal. Smooth the compound using an ungloved finger, and wipe away any mistakenly applied caulk or spills that are not properly wiped away before it dries.