Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen are able to maneuver large glass panes from a high point above the ground. They follow strict safety protocols and are often working in 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 speed up removal.

Replacement

It's tempting to repair the glass on your windows instead of replacing it when panes break. It is more cost-effective to replace a window and it can also help avoid other issues that could affect your home's efficiency. Examine 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 broken windows is to remove the sash, or frame, and lay it flat on a table. Wearing eye protection, carefully wiggle and pull out any remaining shards in the window pane. Use a utility blade to remove the glazing compound and the glazing points that keep the window in place. Keep track of the components and where they are so that they can be put back in place.

Once the frame and sash are removed and the frame is removed, you can begin preparation to install the new glass. Be sure to check that the opening of the frame is of the correct size for the replacement window. To allow for frame and glass expansion and contraction to both directions, measure the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, you can purchase double-strength glasses made to these exact measurements. It is recommended to also purchase enough glazier's clips or points to install every 6 inches around each window pane.

Depending on the window's warranty, this may be covered by the manufacturer and in this case, you must contact them to make an claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it should be sprayed with a thin coating of glazier's compound. Once the compound has dried you can paint the frame to be a perfect match.

If you have a crack that extends more than an inch, cutting an arc of a razor blade just beyond the crack could help prevent it from spreading any further. This trick is not foolproof but it can slow the growth of the cracked until you are able to take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors know how to handle a variety of glass, and they have the tools necessary to do an excellent job. They know how to dispose of waste properly and are therefore less likely than others to leave behind pieces of glass that could inflict harm on family members or pets. They are also experienced in working with various types of windows, and may be able to spot problems that a novice home owner might not see.

Wear safety goggles and gloves before you begin the process of repairing cracked glass. Even a tiny crack can cause shards of glass to fly away and pose a risk to anyone in or around the home. It's important to determine what caused the crack, as this will help prevent any future issues.

Begin by creating an epoxy mix that is two-part. They typically are a 50/50 mixture of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture has been made, apply it directly to the crack and glazing allow it to dry. It should only take a couple of minutes, but you need to work quickly because the mixture is thick and will dry 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 cracked glass. If you don't clean it correctly, the residue could cause further damage to the glass. Once the glass is cleaned with a putty blade, use it to smooth the compound along the edges of the window and to match it to the frame of wood.

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

If you're unable to reach the window fast enough then you can apply silicone sealant to create temporary repairs. Apply a small amount silicone sealant on the edges of the broken glass. It won't completely seal the gap between the glass and the frame completely however it will keep the broken piece in place until you can repair it.

Repainting

If your windows with glass are old, you might need to paint them. This is a cost-effective alternative to replacing windows, and will give your home a fresh new look. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to get rid of oil smudges, as well as other traces of dirt that can hinder paint from adhering. It is also recommended to wear rubber gloves when working on glass to avoid transferring your own oils onto the surface of the window. Apply multiple 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 to repaint your glass windows, ensure that you have the appropriate tools in your arsenal. You'll need a brush or sponge, painter's adhesive, a ruler, toothpicks, as well as a few other tools such as paper towels or a rag. You'll also need the brushes and paint you'll be using for the project in your possession. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Have patience because it could take a while for the paint to fully dry.

If you're using solvent-based paint, you should make sure that the area where you work is well-ventilated. This will reduce the chance of inhaling harmful chemicals, and the paint will dry more quickly. Use a mask that is protective when using spray paints.

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

If you have energy efficient double pane windows on your windows, it could be possible to make an insurance claim for repair or replacement with the window company or the dealer who sold the windows. This is especially true if your windows are still under warranty and have experienced numerous issues with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

Whether you have old double-pane windows with cracked seal or newer insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging or fog, there are many options for fixing the problem. 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 a single pane or fixing it by drilling a small hole through 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 using a felt strip or vinyl V-strip. Felt is affordable and can be fixed by gluing, nailing or stapled in place however it doesn't provide a lot of protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strips are easy to put up and is durable however, it can be costly. It is usually reserved for areas subject to high abrasion. Door sweeps can be easily nailed in place and are inexpensive. However, they provide very little or no protection between the threshold and air.

To repair a damaged local window repair seal first, you must use a putty blade to scrape off the caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection take out the glazing point, which are small fasteners with sharp pointed tips that secure the glass in the frame's recess. Once you have removed the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood to a smooth finish. Wipe away any sanding sludge and then seal the unfinished wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.

Traditional glazing putty can be applied with either a putty knife or a caulking gun, but a knife provides a better precision and precise application. It also creates a better seal. Make sure you choose a putty made specifically for glass windows, since it will be more adhesive and durability.

Apply a small amount of the putty to 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 compress the putty and glass into a tight seal. Smooth the compound using an ungloved finger and then wipe off any caulk that is applied incorrectly or spills that are not properly wiped away prior to drying.