Glass Window Repair

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

While wearing protective clothing remove all glazing putty and metal glazing points using a utility knife. A heat gun may help soften the old glue and accelerate the removal process.

Replacement

When a window pane breaks, it can be tempting to try and repair the glass instead of replace it. It is cheaper to replace windows and it will also help to avoid other issues in the efficiency of your home. Examine the kind of glass damaged to determine whether it's a temporary fix, or if a long-term solution is required.

To fix a broken window, remove the frame or sash and place it on the floor. While wearing eye protection, cheaper carefully wiggle and pull out any shards that remain within the window. Utilize a utility blade to cut off the glazing compound, and the glazing points that hold the window in place. Keep track of the components and their locations so they can be reinstalled.

After the frame and sash have been removed and the frame is removed, you can begin preparation to install new glass. Before you do so make sure that the opening in the frame is sized for your replacement window. Measure both sides of the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement in order to leave room for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, purchase double-strength glass made to these exact measurements. It is a good idea to also purchase enough glazier's clips or points to install every 6 inches around each window pane.

Depending on the window's warranty the window may be covered by the manufacturer, in which case you should call the company to file an claim. After the new glass has been erected, it is important to cover it with a thin layer glaziers compound. After letting the compound dry, you can paint it to match the rest of the window frame.

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

Repair

Professional window contractors are equipped with the right tools and know how to handle different kinds of glass. They are able to dispose of waste safely which means they are less likely than other people to leave behind scraps that could inflict harm on family members or pets. They are also experienced in working with different types of windows, and may be able spot problems that a home owner with no experience might not see.

Before beginning the process of fixing cracked window glass, ensure to wear safety glasses and gloves. A small crack could cause glass shards to fly and put anyone at risk within or around the home. It's important to determine what caused the crack, so that you will help prevent any future problems.

Begin by creating a two-part epoxy mixture. They are usually a 50/50 mixture of hardener and resin. They must be mixed quickly. When the mixture is ready put it in the crack in the glass and let it dry. It should take only about a minute but it's important to work quickly since the mixture is extremely thick and fast-drying.

After the epoxy has dried, you can remove any excess with a putty knife. You'll need to clean around the cracked glass. If you do not clean the area in a proper manner, the leftovers could cause further damage to your glass. Once the glass is cleaned using a putty knife, you can use it to smooth the compound along the edges of the window and to match it to the wood frame.

Consider using a plastic cover for a more robust option. A trash bag that is heavy-duty or tarp is ideal, however you can also use masking tape to cover the glass. This will prevent the crack from spreading, and will also keep wind, water and bugs out.

You can come up with a temporary fix in the event that you are unable to access the window in a timely manner. Simply apply a small amount of the stuff around the outside of the damaged pane. It won't seal the gap between the frame and glass completely but it will hold the broken piece in place until you can fix it.

Repainting

If your windows with glass are old, you may consider repainting them. This is a low-cost alternative to replace your windows and will give your house a new look. Make sure the surface is clean prior to painting. Wash the window with soap and water or use ruby alcohol to eliminate oil smudges as well as other residues that could hinder the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent the transfer of oils from your hands onto the surface. Also, you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a single thick layer. This will help the paint last longer and will keep your windows looking smooth and even.

Make sure you have the proper tools on hand if you plan to repaint glass windows. You will need a sponge or brush painter's tap along with a ruler, toothpicks and a ruler. It is recommended to have the paints and brushes that you will be using on hand. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Have patience as it can take a while for the paint to completely dry.

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

You'll need to wash the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water prior to you paint it. Clean the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water, then use rubbing alcohol to scrub away any grease or oil that might hinder the paint's adhesion. Make sure that the windows are completely dry before you begin to paint them.

If you have energy efficient double pane windows on your windows, it might be possible to file an insurance claim for repair or replacement with the company that makes the windows or the dealer who sold the windows. This is especially the case if you've experienced multiple problems with broken glass or condensation even though the windows are covered under warranty.

Sealing

Whether you have old double-pane windows with damaged seal or more recent insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced defogging and fogging, there are a variety of options for fixing the problem. It is the most expensive option to replace the insulated unit as well as the frame. However, it may be necessary in cases where condensation or fog is causing energy losses. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single pane, or repairing the existing IGU by drilling a hole through the bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging product.

You can also close the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill using a felt strip or vinyl V-strip. Felt is cheap and can be fixed by gluing, nailing or stapled in place, but it does not provide much protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strips are easy to install and long-lasting, but can be expensive. It is typically reserved for areas subject to high abrasion. door repair sweeps are easy to nail to the floor cheaper and are affordable. However, they offer only a small amount of protection between the threshold and the air.

To fix a damaged window seal, use a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing protective eyewear and gloves take care to remove the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that fix the glass into the frame's recess, with sharp and pointed edges. Once you have removed the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood to a smooth finish. Wipe away any sanding sludge then seal the wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.

A putty or caulking knife can be used to apply traditional glazing putty, however the use of a knife allows for a more precise application, and a more secure seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass, since it will last longer and will 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 so that scribed line on glass aligns with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to press the putty into a solid seal. Smooth the compound using an ungloved finger, and wipe away any mistakenly applied caulk or errant drips before it is dry.