Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work up off the ground, maneuvering massive glass panes. They adhere to strict safety guidelines and are often working in extreme weather conditions.

While wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and metal glazing points using a knife. A heat gun may help to soften the old putty and speed up removal.

Replacement

It can be tempting to fix the window glass instead of replacing it if panes break. However, replacing a window is usually more cost-effective and Window Doctor can aid in preventing other issues with your home's energy efficiency. Examine the kind of glass damaged to determine if it's a temporary fix, or if a more permanent solution is needed.

To fix a damaged window, you must remove the frame or sash and lay it flat on the work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window's pane and pull out any remaining fragments. Utilize a utility blade to scrape off the glazing compound and the glazing points that keep the window in place. Be sure to keep track of these components and their locations to make sure they can be reinstalled later.

Once the frame and sash have been removed, you can begin preparing to install the new glass. Before doing this ensure that the opening in the frame is designed 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. After that, you can purchase double glazing repair-strength glasses cut to these precise dimensions. It is also an excellent idea to buy enough new glazier's clips or glazier's points to be positioned every 6 inches around the window pane.

If the manufacturer is accountable you should contact them and file a claim. After the new glass has been erected it is essential to cover it with a thin layer of glaziers compound. After the compound has dried and dry, you can paint it to match the rest of the frame.

If you have a crack that is more than an inch, cutting the crack with a razor blade just beyond the crack could help prevent it from spreading any further. This technique isn't 100% infallible, but it will slow the growth of the crack down to a manageable amount until you are able to take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors are equipped with the proper tools and know how to work with different types of glass. They are able to dispose of waste in a safe manner, so they are less likely than other people to leave behind scraps that could harm family pets or family members. They're also familiar with various types of windows, and they may be able to spot problems that aren't obvious to a homeowner who isn't experienced.

Before you begin the process of fixing cracked window doctor glass, ensure that you wear safety goggles and gloves. A small crack could cause shards of glass to fly away and could pose a danger to anyone inside or around the house. It's also important to determine the cause of the crack in the first place, since it could help avoid future issues.

Start by making an epoxy mix that is two-part. These are usually 50/50 mix of resin and hardener, and they need to be mixed quickly. When the mixture is ready, apply it to the glass crack and let it dry. This should only take some minutes, but it's essential to work quickly since the mixture is very dense and quick drying.

After the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of any excess using a putty knife. You'll need to clean the cracks in the glass. If you don't do it correctly, the resulting residue could cause further damage to the glass. Make use of a putty knife to smooth the compound around the edge of your window doctor and match it with the frame of wood.

Think about using a plastic lid 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 stop the crack from spreading, and will also keep wind, water and bugs out.

You can make a temporary fix when you are unable get to the window in a timely manner. Apply a small amount silicone sealant around the edge of the broken glass. It won't close the gap between the frame and the glass completely but it will hold the fracture until you are able to repair it.

Repainting

If your windows with glass are old, you might want to repaint them. This is a cost-effective alternative to replace windows and provide your home with a new appearance. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Clean the window with water and soap or ruby alcohol to get rid of oil smudges as well as other residues which can hinder the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent the transfer of oils from your fingers onto the surface. In the end, you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a single thick layer. This will allow the paint to last longer and make your windows appear smooth and even.

Make sure you have the proper tools on hand if you plan to repaint glass windows. You'll require either a brush or sponge, painter's tap, a ruler and toothpicks. You should also have the brushes and paint you'll be using for the project on hand. Follow the manufacturer's directions. Be patient because it could take some time for the paint to fully dry.

If you're using solvent-based paints, you must also ensure that the space in which you work is well-ventilated. This will reduce the risk of breathing harmful chemicals, and the paint will dry more quickly. Also, make sure you wear a mask that is protective for any spray paints you apply.

For older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface prior to painting. Use warm water and soap to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, rub alcohol on any grease or oil residues that might hinder the paint's adhesion. Be sure that the windows are dry before you begin painting 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 dealer that sold the windows. This is especially true if the windows are still under warranty and you've experienced several problems with condensation or damaged glass.

Sealing

If you have double-pane windows with cracked seal or newer insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging or fog, there are many options to address the issue. The most costly option is to replace the frame and insulated unit but it may be required if fog or condensation cause energy loss. Other options include replacing the existing IGU with a single-pane or fixing it by drilling a small hole in the bottom of the unit and filling the solution with anti-fog.

You can also seal the gap between the window frame and the sill or threshold by using a felt strip vinyl v-strip, or a door sweep. Felt can be stapled, glued or placed in place, but doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strips are easy to install and long-lasting however it can be expensive. It is typically used in areas that are exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are easy to nail in place and are cheap. However, they provide little or no protection between the threshold and air.

To repair a broken window seal make use of a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection, carefully pry out the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that fix the glass in the frame's recess using sharp and pointed ends. After getting rid of the glazing points clean the grooves and sand down the wood. Clean any sanding dust then seal the wooden surface with a linseed-oil-based paint or clear sealer.

Traditional glazing putty is applied using a putty knife or Window Doctor caulking gun, however the knife is a better precision and precise application. It also will provide a better seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass windows as it will have higher adhesion and durability.

Apply a thin bead of the putty to the inner edge of the frame where it meets 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 and create a tight seal. Smooth the compound with a gloved hand and remove any caulk or drips that were not applied correctly before it dries.