Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work high off the ground, maneuvering huge panes of glass. They work in extreme conditions and follow strict safety guidelines.

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

Replacement

When a window pane is broken, it may be tempting to try and repair the glass rather than replace it. However, replacing windows is usually more cost-effective and can aid in preventing other issues in your home's energy efficiency. It is also important to consider the type of glass that's damaged to determine if it is temporary or if you'll require an option that is more permanent.

To fix a damaged window, remove the frame or sash and lay it flat on your work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window's pane and then remove any remaining shards. Utilize a utility knife to cut off the glazing compound, as well as the glazing points that keep the window in place. Keep an eye on the components and their location so they can be reinstalled.

After you have removed the frame and sash you can begin to prepare to replace the glass. Before doing this make sure that the opening in the frame is properly sized for your replacement window. To allow for expansion and contraction of the glass and frame and contraction take measurements in both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, you can purchase double glazing repair-strength glasses made to these exact measurements. It is recommended also to purchase enough glazier's clips, glaziers or points to be installed every 6 inches around the window pane.

If the manufacturer is responsible you should contact them and submit a claim. Once the new glass is installed, it must be covered with a thin coating of the compound used by glaziers. After drying the compound then you can paint it to match the rest of the frame.

If the crack is greater than an inch, you can prevent it from spreading by slicing the crack with a small arc, just above the crack. This method isn't foolproof, however it can slow the growth of the cracked until you can take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors know how to handle various kinds of glass types, and they have the tools needed to complete the job correctly. They also know the best practices for disposing of waste, so they're less likely to leave crumbs that are left behind, which could cause harm to pets or family members. They are also experienced in working with different types of windows, and may be able spot problems that an inexperienced home owner might not be able to notice.

Before beginning the process of repairing damaged window glass, ensure to wear safety glasses and gloves. A small crack could cause glass shards to fly around and pose a risk to anyone within or around the home. It's also important to determine the cause of the crack in the first place, since it can help prevent future issues.

Make a two-part mix of epoxy. They usually consist of a 50/50 mixture of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture has been prepared and applied, simply apply it to the crack and let it dry. It will take just some minutes however it is important to get it done quickly as the mixture is very thick and fast-drying.

Once the epoxy is dried, you can get rid of any excess with a putty knife. You'll then need to clean the cracks in the glass. If you don't clean it correctly, the residue could cause further damage to the glass. Use a putty blade smooth out the compound around the window's edge and match it with the wood frame.

Think about using a plastic lid to make a more durable choice. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is ideal, however you can also use masking tape to cover the glass. This will stop the crack from spreading, and will also keep wind, water and bugs out.

You can make an interim solution when you are unable access the window in a timely manner. Simply place a tiny amount of the material around the outside of the broken pane. It won't fully seal the gap between the frame and glass but it will help keep the broken piece in place while you repair it.

Repainting

Repainting your old glass windows is a good idea. This is a low-cost 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, and other traces of dirt that can hinder paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass to avoid the risk of transferring your own oils onto the surface of the window. Also you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a thick layer. This will allow the paint to last longer, and ensure that your windows appear even and smooth.

Make sure you have the proper tools on hand in case you want to paint glass windows. You will need brushes or sponges painter's tap as well as a ruler and toothpicks. You should have the paints and brushes that you will be using on hand. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's directions and be prepared with plenty of patience as it can take a while for the paint to dry.

Also, ensure that the area you're working in is well ventilated, especially if you're using solvent-based paint. This will help to reduce the chance of inhaling toxic chemicals, and also the paint will dry faster. Wear a mask to protect yourself when using spray paints.

For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior painting. Clean the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water. You can then apply rubbing alcohol to wash off any grease or oil that could hinder paint's adhesion. Be sure that the windows are completely dry before you begin painting them.

If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, then you might be eligible 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 several problems with condensation or damaged glass.

Sealing

There are a variety of options to address the issue depending on regardless of whether you have an old double-pane glass with cracks in the seal or if you have an upgraded insulation unit (IGU) that has experienced defogging. It is the most expensive option to replace the insulation unit and the frame. However, it might be required in situations where fog or condensation is creating energy losses. Other options include replacing the IGU by a single pane, or fixing the IGU that is in place by drilling a hole in its bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging solution.

You can also seal the gap between the window frame and the sill or threshold by using a felt strip vinyl v-strips, or a door sweep. Felt can be stapled, glued or placed in place, but doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip weather stripping is durable and easy to put in, but it can be expensive and is generally reserved for areas exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are inexpensive and can be put to the floor but they create very little or no protection between the sill or threshold and dust, air and debris.

To fix a damaged window seal make use of a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves carefully remove the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that fix the glass to the frame's recess with sharp edges and pointed edges. After you have removed the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood until it is smooth. Clean any sanding dust, then seal the bare wooden surface with a linseed-oil-based paint or clear sealer.

Traditional glazing putty can be applied with the help of a putty blade or caulking gun, but using a knife allows for a more efficient, more precise application and will provide a better seal. Choose a putty specifically for glass as it will last longer and will adhere better.

Apply a thin layer across the inside of the frame, where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the scribed line on the glass is aligned with edge of frame. Apply pressure on the glass to press the putty and create an elongated seal. Smooth the compound using fingers that are gloved and then wipe off any mistakenly applied caulk or errant drips prior to drying.