Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work up above the ground, navigating huge glass panes. They work under extreme weather conditions and adhere to strict safety protocols.

Wearing protective clothing, remove the metal glazing points and all glazing putty with an utility knife. A heat gun can to soften and eliminate the old putty.

Replacement

It is tempting to repair the window glass instead of replacing it if panes break. However, replacing a window is typically more cost-effective and may help prevent other problems that could affect your home's energy efficiency. Consider the type of glass that is broken to determine if it's a temporary fix, or if a more permanent solution is required.

To fix a damaged window, take off the sash or frame and place it on the floor. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window's frame and remove any remaining shards. Then, use a utility knife to peel off the glazing compound as well as the glazing points that hold the glass in place. Keep track of the components and where they are so they can be reinstalled.

After the frame and sash are removed then you can begin the process of preparing to install the new glass. Make sure that the opening of the frame is the proper size for your replacement window. Take measurements both ways across the opening, and then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to allow the expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, purchase double-strength glass made to these exact measurements. It is also an excellent idea to buy enough new glazier's glazier's pointing or clips 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 need to contact them to make a claim. Once the new glass is installed, it should be bedded in with a thin coating of glazier's compound. After letting the compound dry then you can paint it to match the rest of the frame.

If you have a crack that extends more than an inch, scoring the crack with a razor blade that is just above the crack can help to prevent it from spreading any further. This trick won't be foolproof, but it can slow the development of the crack down to a manageable size until you are able to take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors are equipped with the right tools and know how to handle different kinds of glass. They also know the best practices for disposing of garbage, which means they're less likely to leave scraps in the trash, which could injure family members or pets. They're also accustomed to working with different kinds of windows, and may be able to spot issues that an inexperienced home owner might not be able to notice.

Before you begin the process of repairing damaged window glass, be sure that you wear safety goggles and gloves. Even a tiny crack can cause glass shards to fly away and could pose a danger to anyone in or around the home. It's important to determine the cause of the crack, as this will help prevent any future problems.

Make a two-part mixture of epoxy. They typically are made up of a 50/50 mix of hardener and resin. They must be mixed quickly. When the mixture is prepared, apply it to the glass crack and let it dry. It should take only a few minutes, but it's essential to get it done quickly as the mixture is very dense and fast drying.

Once the epoxy is dried, you can take off any excess with a putty knife. You'll need to clean the cracks in the glass. If you do not clean the area correctly the residue could cause further damage to your glass. After cleaning the glass using a putty knife, you can use it to smooth the compound along the edges of the window and to match it with the frame made of wood.

You could consider using a plastic cover for a more robust option. 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 wind, water and insects out.

If you're unable to reach the window in a timely manner then you can apply silicone sealant to make an interim repair. Simply apply a small amount of the substance around the outside of the broken window repair near me. It won't fully seal the gap between frame and glass but it will help keep the crack in place while you repair it.

Repainting

If your windows with glass are old, you may need to paint them. This is a cost-effective alternative to replacing windows, 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 and other residues which can prevent paint from adhering. It is also recommended to wear rubber gloves while working on glass to prevent the transfer of your own oils onto the surface of the window. Apply several thin coats instead of 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 in your arsenal when you are planning to repaint glass windows. You'll need brushes or sponges as well as a painter's tamper along with a ruler, toothpicks and a ruler. It is also recommended to have the brushes and paint you'll be using for the project in your possession. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Have patience, as it may take a while for the paint to completely dry.

You should also make sure the room you're working in is ventilated when you're using solvent-based paint. This will lower the risk of breathing into toxic chemicals and permit the paint to dry more quickly. You should also make sure you have a mask to protect yourself for any spray paints you apply.

For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior painting. Clean the glass thoroughly with soap and warm water. Then, apply rubbing alcohol to wash off any grease or oil that could affect the adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are completely dry before you start coating them.

If you have energy efficient double pane windows on your windows, it may be possible to file an insurance claim for repair or replacement with the window company or dealer who sold the windows. This is especially true if your windows are still under warranty and you've had several problems with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

There are many ways to fix the problem depending on regardless of whether you have an old double-pane window with cracks in the seal, or if you own a newer insulated unit (IGU) that has experienced defogging. It is the most expensive option to replace both the insulation unit and the frame. However, it might be required in situations where condensation or fog 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 then filling the solution with anti-fog.

You can also seal the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill with a felt strip, vinyl v-strip, or a door sweep. Felt can be stapled, glued or placed in place, but does not offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strips are easy to install and durable however, it can be costly. It is generally reserved for areas that are exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are inexpensive and can be fixed to the floor however they provide very little or no protection between the sill or threshold and window repair dust, air, and other debris.

To repair a damaged window seal make use of a putty blade to scrape off the caulk. Wearing protective eyewear and gloves carefully remove the glazing points -- small fasteners that hold the glass in the frame's recess with sharp edges and pointed edges. After you have removed the glazing points, scrub the grooves and sand the wood until it is smooth. Wipe off any sanding traces and then seal the unfinished wood with a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.

Traditional glazing putty can be applied with the help of a putty blade or caulking gun, however the knife is a better precision and precise application. It also will provide a better seal. Select a putty specifically designed for glass windows, as it will be more adhesive and long-lasting.

Apply a thin layer of glue along the inside edge of frame where it joins the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the scribed line on the glass is aligned with the frame's edge. Apply pressure on the glass to compress the putty into a tight seal. Smooth the compound with gloves and get rid of any drips or caulk that were not applied correctly before it dries.