Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen can maneuver large glass panes from a high point above the ground. They follow strict safety protocols and are often working in harsh weather conditions.

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

Replacement

When a window pane breaks, it could be tempting to try and repair the glass instead of replace it. However, replacing a window is often more cost-effective and may help prevent other problems that could affect your home's energy efficiency. You should also consider the kind of glass that is broken to determine if it is an interim fix or if you will require a more permanent solution.

To fix a damaged window, take off the sash or frame and lay it flat on the floor. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window's pane and Glass Window Repair pull out any remaining fragments. Utilize a utility knife to remove the glazing compound, and the glazing points that hold the window in place. Keep the track of the components and their location to ensure they are reinstalled.

After you have removed the frame and sash you can begin preparing to replace the glass. Before you begin make sure that the opening in the frame is designed for the replacement window. Measure both sides of the opening, 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-strength glasses cut to these exact dimensions. It is also an excellent idea to buy enough new glazier's points or clips to be positioned every 6 inches around the window pane.

Based 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 essential to cover it with a thin layer of glaziers compound. After drying the compound and dry, you can paint it to match the frame of the window.

If your crack is longer than an inch, you can prevent it from expanding by cutting a small arc just beyond the crack. This method isn't foolproof, but it can slow the progression of the cracked until you are able to take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors know how to deal with a variety of glass, and they have the tools to do a proper job. They also understand the best practices for disposing of waste, and are less likely to leave scraps that are left behind, which could injure family members or pets. They're also accustomed to working with different types of windows and could be able to spot problems that an inexperienced home owner might not see.

Wear safety glasses and gloves before you begin the process of repairing cracked glass. Even a small break can cause shards to fly off, which could pose a risk to anyone who lives in or around the home. It is important to determine the cause of the crack, so that you will help prevent any future issues.

Make a two-part mixture of epoxy. It is usually a 50/50 mix of hardener and resin, and they must be mixed quickly. When the mixture is ready put it in the glass crack and let it dry. It should take only some minutes, but it is important to work quickly because the mixture is very thick and dries very quickly.

After the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of any excess with a putty knife. After that, you'll need clean the area around the broken glass. If you do not clean the area properly, the leftovers could cause further damage to the glass. Once the glass is cleaned, use a putty knife to smooth the compound along the edge of the window, and then align it with the frame made of wood.

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

You can make an interim fix if you are unable to get to the window in a timely manner. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant to the edge of the broken glass. It won't completely fill the gap between frame and glass, but it will keep the break in place while you fix it.

Repainting

Repainting old glass windows is a great idea. This is a low-cost alternative to replacing windows, and it can give your home a fresh new look. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Clean the window with water and soap or ruby alcohol to eliminate oil smudges and other traces that could hinder the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves while working on glass to prevent the transfer of your own oils onto the window's surface. Apply several thin coats rather than a single thick one. This will help the paint last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.

Make sure you have the right tools on hand when you are planning to repaint glass windows. You'll need a brush, sponge, painter's tape, a ruler, toothpicks, and other tools like a rag or paper towel. You should also have the paint and brushes you'll be using for the project in your possession. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's directions and be prepared with plenty of patience since it may take a while for the paint to dry.

You should also make sure the area you're working in is well ventilated, especially if you're using solvent-based paint. This will decrease the risk of breathing into harmful chemicals and allow the paint to dry quicker. Also, make sure you wear a mask that is protective for any spray paints you apply.

For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior painting. Clean the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water. You can then use rubbing alcohol to scrub off any oil or grease that could affect the adhesion of the paint. Make sure the windows are dry before you begin to paint them.

If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, you might be in a position to file a claim with the window manufacturer or dealer that sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if your windows are still under warranty and have experienced multiple problems with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

There are many ways to address the issue, regardless of whether you have an old double-pane glass with cracks in the seal, or if you have a newer IGU (IGU) that has experienced fogging. It is the most expensive option to replace both the insulated unit as well as the frame. However, it might be necessary in cases where fog or condensation is causing energy losses. Other options include replacing the existing IGU with a single-pane, or repair it by drilling a small hole into the bottom of the unit and filling the solution with anti-fog.

You can also seal up the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill by with a felt strip or vinyl V-strip. Felt is inexpensive and can be glued, nailed or stapled to the frame but it doesn't provide much protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strip weather stripping is durable and easy to put in however it can be expensive and is generally reserved for areas that are exposed to high abrasion. Door sweeps are easy to nail in place and are cheap. However, they offer only a small amount of protection between the threshold and air.

To repair a cracked window seal, first use a putty knife to scrape off the caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves take out the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp, pointed tips that pin the glass into the recess of the frame. After getting rid of the glazing points clean out the grooves and sand down the wood. Clean any sanding residue, then seal the bare wood using a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.

Traditional glazing putty can be applied using a putty knife or caulking gun, however 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 window repair, as it is more durable and will adhere better.

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 scribed line on glass aligns with edge of frame. Apply pressure to the glass in order to compress the putty to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound using an ungloved finger and clean up any caulk that was applied incorrectly or errant drips before it is dry.