Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen can maneuver large panes of tempered glass from a high point above the ground. They work in extreme weather conditions and adhere to strict safety protocols.

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

Replacement

If a window pane breaks, it could be tempting to repair the glass instead of replace it. However, replacing a window is typically more cost-effective and may aid in preventing other issues in your home's energy efficiency. Consider 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, take off the frame or sash, and place it flat on the work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window's frame and then remove any remaining shards. Then, use a utility knife to cut off the glazing compound and points that help to hold the glass in place. Be sure to keep an eye on these components and their locations so that they can be replaced later.

Once the frame and sash have been removed and the frame is removed, you can begin preparation to install the new glass. Make sure you check the opening of the frame is of the correct size 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. After that, you can purchase double glazing repair-strength glasses cut to these exact dimensions. It is a good idea to also purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to be installed every 6 inches around the window pane.

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

If the crack is greater than an inch in length you can stop it from expanding by scoring a small arc just beyond the crack. This trick won't be completely foolproof, but it could slow the development of the crack down to a manageable size until you can take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers have the right tools and know how to handle various types of glass. They also understand the best ways to dispose of garbage, which means they're less likely to leave crumbs behind, which could potentially hurt pets or family members. They're also familiar with different types of windows, and they may be able to spot problems that aren't apparent to the uninitiated homeowner.

Wear safety goggles and gloves before you begin the process of repairing cracked glass. Even a small break can cause shards to fly, which could pose a risk to anyone in or around the home. It's also crucial to figure out what caused the crack in the first place, since it can help prevent future problems.

Make a two-part mix of epoxy. They are usually made up of a 50/50 mix of hardener and resin. They must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture is done, apply it to the glass crack and leave it to dry. It should take only a few minutes but it's important to get it done quickly as the mixture is very thick and quick drying.

After the epoxy has dried, you can remove excess epoxy with a blade. Then, you'll need to clean the area around the cracked glass. If you do not clean the area in a proper manner, the leftovers could cause further damage to the glass. After the glass has been cleaned with a putty blade, use it to smooth the compound along the edge of the window and to align it with the frame made of wood.

Think about using a plastic lid to make a more durable choice. A trash bag that is heavy-duty or tarp is ideal, but you can also apply masking tape to the glass. This will keep the crack from expanding, and will also block out water, wind insects, water, and other debris.

If you're not able to reach the window quickly and you're not able to get there quickly, you can use silicone sealant to create a temporary repair. Simply run a bead of the substance around the outside edge of the broken window. It won't fully seal the gap between frame and glass but it will help keep the broken piece in place while you repair it.

Repainting

If your windows with glass are old, you might need to paint them. This is a low-cost alternative to window replacement and will give your home a new look. Make sure the surface is clean before painting. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to remove oil smudges, and other residues which can prevent paint from adhering. You should also wear rubber gloves while working on glass to avoid the risk of transferring your own oils onto the surface of the window. Finally you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a single thick layer. This will help the paint last longer and make your windows appear smooth and even.

Make sure you have the appropriate tools on hand in case you want to paint glass windows. You'll need a brush, sponge, painter's adhesive, a ruler, toothpicks, as well as a few other tools such as paper towels or a rag. You'll need the paints and brushes that you'll use on hand. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Be patient, as it may take a while for the paint to fully dry.

If you are using solvent-based paints, you must also ensure that the room where you work is well-ventilated. This will decrease the risk of inhaling toxic chemicals, and the paint will dry more quickly. Use a mask that is protective when using spray paints.

You'll need to wash the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water before you paint it. Make use of soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, use rubbing alcohol on any oil or grease residues that could interfere with the adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are dry prior to coating them.

If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, then you might be able to make a claim with the window company or dealer that sold them to pay any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if you have experienced multiple problems with broken glass or Window replacement condensation and the windows are covered by warranty.

Sealing

Whether you have old double glazing-pane windows with a damaged seal or more recent insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced defogging, there are several methods for fixing the problem. The most costly option is to replace the insulated unit and frame, but it may be required if fog or condensation are causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with just one pane, or repairing the existing IGU by drilling a hole in the bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging product.

You can also close the gap between a window frame and a threshold or sill using a felt strip or vinyl v-strip. Felt is inexpensive and can be fixed by gluing, nailing, or stapled into place but it doesn't provide much protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strips are easy to put up and is durable, but can be expensive. It is typically reserved for areas exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are affordable and can be nailed to the floor, but they create virtually no barrier between the threshold or sill and dust, air and debris.

To repair a broken window seal, use a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing protective eyewear and gloves carefully remove the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that fix the glass in the frame's recess, with sharp and pointed edges. After taking out the glazing points, clean the grooves, then sand the wood. Wipe away any sanding residue Then, seal the bare wood with a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.

A putty or caulking knife can be used to apply the traditional glazing putty, but using a knife will give the most precise application and a more secure seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass windows as it will have higher adhesion and durability.

Apply a small amount the putty on the inside edge of the frame where it touches the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the scribed line on the glass lines up with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to compress the putty and glass to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound using gloves and then remove any drips or caulk that were applied incorrectly before it dries.