Glass Window Repair

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

While wearing protective clothing remove all glazing putty and glazing points using a utility knife. A heat gun can help to soften the old putty and make it easier to remove.

Replacement

When a window pane breaks, it can be tempting to repair the glass rather than replace it. However, replacing windows is often more cost-effective and can aid in preventing other issues in your home's energy efficiency. Consider the type of broken glass to determine if it's a temporary fix or if a more permanent solution is needed.

The first step in fixing broken windows is to take off the sash, or frame, and lay it flat on a table. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window pane and then remove any remaining shards. Then, use a knife to remove the glazing compound and points that keep the glass in the position. Keep an eye on the components and their locations to ensure they are reinstalled.

After the frame and sash have been removed and the frame is removed, you can begin preparation to install new glass. Before you begin, make sure that the opening in the frame is size for the replacement window. Measure both sides of the opening, and then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement in order to leave room for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, you can purchase double-strength glasses that are cut to these exact dimensions. It is recommended to purchase enough glazier's clips or points to place them every 6 inches around the window pane.

If the manufacturer is responsible, you can call them and submit a claim. After the new glass has been installed, it is important to cover it with a thin layer glaziers compound. Once the compound is dry you can paint the frame to match.

If you have a crack that is more than an inch, scoring the crack with the edge of a blade just over the crack could help prevent it from spreading any further. This technique isn't 100% foolproof, but it can slow the development of the crack to a manageable size until you can take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers are equipped with the appropriate tools and know how to handle various types of glass. They know how to dispose of waste in a safe manner and are therefore less likely than other people to leave behind pieces of glass which could cause harm to family pets or members of the family. They are also experienced in working with various types of windows, and may be able spot problems that a novice home owner would not notice.

Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to beginning repair work on cracked glass. A minor crack could cause shards to fly, which could pose a risk to anyone in or around the home. It is important to determine the cause of the crack, since this could prevent future problems.

Begin by creating an epoxy mixture that has two parts. They usually consist of a 50/50 mixture of hardener and resin. They must be mixed quickly. After the mix has been made then apply it directly to the crack and let it dry. This should only take about a minute, but it's essential to get it done quickly as the mixture is very dense and fast drying.

After the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of any excess with a putty knife. The next step is to clean the cracks in the glass. If you do not clean the area in a proper manner, the residue 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 align it with the frame of wood.

If you want a more durable solution, consider using a plastic cover. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a sturdy trash bag. This will prevent the crack from spreading and will also keep water, wind and bugs out.

You can create an interim fix in the event that you are unable to get to the window in a timely manner. Simply apply a small amount of the stuff around the outside edge of the broken pane. It won't completely seal the gap between the frame and glass completely however it will keep the break in place until you can repair it.

Repainting

Repainting your old glass windows is a good idea. This is an affordable alternative to replacing your windows and can give your home a fresh appearance. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Clean the window with soap and water or use ruby alcohol to get rid of oil smudges and other traces which can hinder the paint from adhering. You should also wear rubber gloves while working on glass to avoid transferring your own oils onto the glass surface. Finally, you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of one 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 in your arsenal if you plan to repaint glass windows. You'll need a brush or sponge, painter's tape toothpicks, a ruler and other tools, such as a rag or paper towel. You'll need the paints and brushes that you'll be using on hand. Be sure to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and be prepared with plenty of patience because it may take awhile for the paint to dry.

It is also important to ensure that the room you're working in is well ventilated if you're using solvent-based paint. This will reduce the risk of inhaling toxic chemicals, and the paint will dry more quickly. Use a protective mask when using spray paints.

You'll need to clean the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water before you paint it. Clean the glass thoroughly with soap and warm water, then use rubbing alcohol to clean off any oil or grease that could hinder adhesion of the paint. Be sure that the windows are completely dried before you begin to paint them.

If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, you may be eligible to submit a claim to the window repair near me 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 you've had multiple issues with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

There are many ways to fix the problem, whether you have an old double-pane window with cracks in the seal, or if you own an upgraded insulation unit (IGU) that has experienced defogging. The most expensive option is to replace the insulated unit and frame, but it may be necessary if condensation or fog are causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single pane, or repairing the existing IGU by drilling a hole in its bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging agent.

You can also fill in the gap between the window frame and the sill or threshold using a felt strip, or vinyl v-strip. Felt can be stapled, glued or put in place, but it doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strips are simple to install and long-lasting however, it can be costly. It is typically reserved for areas subjected to high abrasion. Door sweeps are cheap and can be put into place, but they create very little or no protection between the threshold or sill and air, dust, and debris.

To fix a damaged window seal, use a putty blade to take off the caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection carefully remove the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that hold the glass into the frame's recess, with sharp, pointed ends. Once you have removed the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood until it is smooth. Wipe away any sanding sludge then seal the wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or installers clear sealer.

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

Apply a small amount the putty to the inner edge of the frame where it touches the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the scribed line on glass lines up with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass in order to compress the putty into a tight seal. Smooth the compound with a gloved finger and clean up any mistakenly applied caulk or spills that are not properly wiped away before it is dry.