Glass Window Repair

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

Wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and metal glazing points using a utility knife. A heat gun will help soften and remove the old putty.

Replacement

When a window's pane breaks, it can be tempting to try and repair the glass rather than replace it. It is more cost-effective to replace a window and it can also help to avoid other issues 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 required.

The first step in repairing broken windows is to remove the sash, also known as the frame and lay it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window's pane and then remove any remaining fragments. Utilize a utility blade to scrape off the glazing compound, and the glazing points that hold the window in place. Keep track of the location of these components so that they can be reinstalled later.

After removing the frame and sash you can start preparing to replace the glass. Make sure you check the opening of the frame is the right size for the replacement window. Take measurements both ways across the opening, and then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement in order to leave space for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, buy double glazing repair-strength glasses made to these exact measurements. It is a good idea to also purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to be installed every 6 inches around the 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 a claim. After the new glass has been installed, it is important to cover it with a thin layer glaziers compound. After the compound is dry, you can paint the frame to be a perfect match.

If your crack is longer than an inch in length You can stop it from spreading by cutting an arc that is just a little beyond the crack. This technique isn't 100% foolproof but it can slow the development of the crack until you can take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors are trained to handle various kinds of glass and have the tools needed to complete a proper job. They know how to dispose of waste safely and are therefore less likely than other people to leave behind scraps that could inflict harm on family pets or members of the family. 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 repairing cracked window glass, ensure to wear safety goggles and gloves. A minor crack could cause shards to fly, creating a risk for anyone living in or around the home. It's important to determine the cause of the crack, as this could prevent future issues.

Start by making an epoxy mix that is two-part. They typically are composed of a 50/50 blend of hardener and resin. They must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture is prepared, apply it to the crack in the glass and leave it to dry. This should only take some minutes but it's important to work quickly since the mixture is very thick and fast drying.

Once the epoxy is dried, you can remove any excess using a putty knife. The next step is to clean the cracks in the glass. If you don't do this correctly, the residue could cause further damage to the glass. Make use of a putty knife to smooth the compound around the window's edge and match it with the wood frame.

Consider using a plastic cover to make a more durable choice. You can cover the glass using masking tape or a sturdy trash bag. This will prevent the crack from growing and will also block out water, wind insects, water, and other debris.

If you're not able to reach the window quickly then you can apply silicone sealant to make an interim repair. Apply a small amount silicone sealant to the edge of the damaged glass. It won't fully seal the gap between the frame and glass but it will help keep the crack in place while you fix it.

Repainting

Repainting your old glass windows is a great idea. This is a low-cost alternative to window replacement and it can give your home a fresh new appearance. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Clean the window with soap and water or use ruby alcohol to get rid of oil smudges as well as other residues that can prevent the paint from adhering. It is also recommended to wear rubber gloves when working on glass to avoid the risk of transferring your own oils onto the window's surface. Apply several thin coats rather than one thick coat. This will help the paint last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.

If you're planning on repainting your glass windows, be sure you have all the right tools in your arsenal. You'll require a brush or sponge, painter's tape a ruler, toothpicks, and other tools like paper towels or a rag. You should have the brushes and paints you'll use on hand. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Be patient as it can take some time for the paint to completely dry.

You should also make sure the room you're working in is well ventilated if you're using solvent-based paint. This will decrease the chance of inhaling toxic chemicals, and the paint will dry faster. Also, make sure you have a protective mask for any spray paints you apply.

For older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface prior painting. Clean the glass window doctor 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. Make sure that the windows are dry before you start coating them.

If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, then you might be eligible to file a claim with the window manufacturer or dealer who sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is particularly true if the windows are still under warranty and you've had numerous issues with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

There are many ways to resolve the issue, whether you have an old double-pane window with cracks in the seal, or if you own a newer IGU (IGU) that has experienced defogging. It is the most expensive option to replace both the insulation unit and the frame. However, it could be required in situations where fog or condensation is creating energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single pane, or fixing the IGU that is in place by drilling a hole in its bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging agent.

You can also fill in the gap between a window frame and a threshold or sill by using a felt strip, or vinyl V-strip. Felt can be stapled, glued or placed in place, but does not offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip is easy to put up and is durable however, it can be costly. It is typically reserved for areas that are subjected to high abrasion. Door sweeps are easy to nail in place and are cheap. However, they provide only a small amount of protection between the threshold and the air.

To fix a cracked window seal first, you must use a putty knife to take off the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and window Doctor gloves, pry out the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp, pointed tips that pin the glass in the recess of the frame. After removing the glazing points, clean out the grooves and sand the wood. Wipe away any sanding residue, then seal the bare wood using a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.

Traditional glazing putty is applied using a putty knife or caulking gun. However, the knife is a better application that is more precise and provides a stronger seal. Select a putty specifically designed for glass windows, as it will be more adhesive and long-lasting.

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 glass aligns with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to compress the putty and create an elongated seal. Smooth the compound with a gloved finger, and window doctor wipe away any caulk that is applied incorrectly or drips that have escaped prior to drying.