Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen are able to maneuver large glass panes from a height higher than the ground. They follow strict safety protocols and frequently work in extreme weather conditions.

While wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and metal glazing points with a utility knife. A heat gun can help soften and remove the old putty.

Replacement

When a window's pane breaks, it can be tempting to try and repair the glass instead of replace it. It is cheaper to replace a window, and it will also help avoid other issues that could affect the efficiency of your home. Examine the type of glass that is broken to determine whether it's a temporary fix, or if a more permanent solution is needed.

To repair a broken window, you must remove the frame or sash, and place it on the work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window's frame and pull out any remaining shards. Then, use a utility knife to peel off the glazing compound as well as the glazing points that keep the glass in the position. Make sure you keep track of the location of these components to ensure that they can be replaced later.

After removing the frame and sash you can begin preparing to replace the glass. Before you do so make sure that the opening in the frame is properly sized for your replacement window. To allow for frame and glass expansion and contraction, measure both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. After that, you can purchase double-strength glasses cut to these precise dimensions. It is a good idea 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 make a claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it must be covered with a thin coating of glazier's compound. After drying the compound and dry, you can paint it to match the frame of the window.

If you have a crack that is more than an inch, scoring a small arc with a razor blade that is just above the crack can help to prevent it from spreading any further. This trick is not foolproof but it can slow the progression of the cracked until you can take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors know how to handle a variety of glass and have the tools necessary to do a proper job. They know how to dispose of waste properly, so they are less likely than other people to leave behind pieces of glass which could cause harm to family pets or family members. They are also experienced in working with various types of windows, and may be able to spot problems that a home owner with no experience might not be able to notice.

Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to beginning repair work on cracked glass. Even a small break can cause shards to fly, posing a danger to anyone who lives in or around the home. It is important to determine what caused the crack, since this could prevent future problems.

Start by making a two-part epoxy mixture. These are usually 50/50 mixture of hardener and resin and they need to be mixed quickly. When the mixture is ready, apply it to the glass crack and allow it to dry. It should take only some minutes, but you need to work quickly because the mixture is extremely thick and will dry very quickly.

After the epoxy has dried, you can remove excess epoxy with a putty blade. Then, you'll need to clean the area around the crack of glass. If you don't clean the area properly, the leftovers could cause further damage to your glass. Use a putty blade to smooth out the compound around the window's edge and match it to the frame of wood.

You could consider using a plastic cover to make a more durable choice. You can cover the glass using masking tape or a strong-duty trashbag. This will prevent the crack from spreading and will also keep water, wind and insects out.

You can come up with an interim solution when you are unable get to the window in a timely manner. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant on the edge of the damaged glass. It won't close the gap between the frame and the glass completely, but it will hold the break in place until you can repair it.

Repainting

Repainting your old glass windows is a great idea. This is a low-cost alternative to replace your windows and will give your house a new 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 that could 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 it is recommended to 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.

If you're planning on repainting your glass windows, ensure that you have all the right tools at hand. You'll need brushes or sponges as well as a painter's tamper as well as a ruler and toothpicks. You should have the brushes and paints you'll use on hand. Be sure to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and have a good amount of patience because it may take awhile for the paint to dry.

Also, ensure that the room you're working in is well ventilated if you're using solvent-based paint. This will reduce the chance of breathing in toxic chemicals and allow the paint to dry quicker. Use a protective mask when using spray paints.

You'll need to clean the glass window thoroughly with warm water and soap before you paint it. Clean the glass thoroughly with soap and warm water, then apply rubbing alcohol to wash away any grease or oil that could hinder adhesion of the paint. Make sure that 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 make a claim with the window company or dealer who sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is particularly the case if you've experienced multiple problems with broken glass or condensation while the windows are still covered under warranty.

Sealing

There are many ways to fix the problem regardless of regardless of whether you have an old double-pane glass with cracks in the seal or if you have an insulated unit (IGU) that has experienced fogging. It is the most expensive option to replace the insulation unit and the frame. However, it may be necessary if condensation or fog is causing energy loss. Other alternatives include replacing the current IGU with a single-pane, or fixing it by drilling a small hole in the bottom of the unit, and then 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 is inexpensive and can be fixed with glue, nailed or stapled in place however it doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip weather stripping is durable and easy to put in, but it is costly and is typically reserved for areas that are exposed to abrasions that are high. door repair sweeps are easy to nail in place and are inexpensive. However, they offer only a small amount of protection between the threshold and the air.

To repair a cracked window seal, first use a putty knife to scrape off the caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection, pry out the glazing point, which are small fasteners with sharp, pointed tips that pin the glass to the recess of the frame. After you have removed the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood smooth. Wipe away any sanding sludge then seal the wooden surface with a linseed-oil-based paint or clear sealer.

Traditional glazing putty can be applied with a putty knife or caulking gun. However, the knife is a better application that is more precise and will provide a better seal. Choose a putty specifically for glass, as it is more durable and stick better.

Apply a thin bead of the putty to the inner edge of the frame where it touches the glass. Slide the window into frame in a way that the scribed line on glass lines up with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to press the putty and glass to form an elongated seal. Smooth the compound using an ungloved finger, and wipe away any caulk that is applied incorrectly or spills that are not properly wiped away before it is dry.