Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen are able to move large glass panes from a height above the ground. They adhere to strict safety guidelines and often work under extreme weather conditions.

Wearing protective clothing, cut off the metal glazing points as well as all glazing putty using an utility knife. A heat gun can help soften and remove the old putty.

Replacement

When a window Doctor pane is broken, it may be tempting to repair the glass rather than replace it. However, replacing a window is usually more cost-effective and may aid in preventing other issues in your home's energy efficiency. You should also take into consideration the type of glass that is broken to determine if this is an interim fix or if you'll need to invest in a more permanent solution.

To repair a broken window, take off the sash or frame and lay it flat on your work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window's pane and remove any remaining fragments. Then, use a knife to remove the glazing compound and glazing points that hold the glass in place. Keep the track of the components and their location so they can be reinstalled.

After the frame and sash are removed then you can begin the process of preparing to install new glass. Before doing this ensure 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. Then, you can purchase double-strength glasses made to these exact measurements. It is also an excellent idea to buy enough new glazier's clips or glazier's points to be installed every 6 inches around the window pane.

Depending on the window's warranty the window may be covered by the manufacturer in which case you should call them to file an claim. After the new glass has been installed it is crucial to cover it with a thin layer glaziers compound. After drying the compound, you can paint it to match the frame of the window.

If you have a crack that is more than an inch, cutting a small arc with a razor blade just beyond the crack can help to prevent it from spreading any further. This trick won't be completely foolproof, but it could slow the growth of the crack down to a manageable amount until you can take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers have the appropriate tools and know how to handle various types of glass. They also know the best ways to dispose of waste, and are less likely to leave scraps that are left behind, which could cause harm to pets or family members. They're also used to working with different types of windows and may be capable of identifying issues that aren't obvious to the uninitiated homeowner.

Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to beginning the process of repairing damaged glass. Even a small break can cause shards to fly off, posing a danger to anyone in or around the home. It is also crucial to determine the cause of the crack in the first place, so that it can help prevent future problems.

Start by making an epoxy mix that is two-part. They usually consist of a 50/50 mixture of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. When the mixture is done put it in the crack in the glass and let it dry. It will take just about a minute but it's important to get it done quickly as the mixture is very thick and quick drying.

Once the epoxy is dried, you can remove any excess using a putty knife. Then, you'll have 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. Once the glass is cleaned, use a putty knife to smooth the compound along the edges of the window, and then match it with the frame of wood.

If you want a more durable solution think about using a plastic cover. You can cover the glass using masking tape or a strong-duty trash bag. This will keep the crack from expanding, and will also block out water, wind, bugs, and debris.

You can create an interim solution in the event that you are unable to get to the window in an efficient manner. Simply run a bead of the substance around the outside of the broken pane. It won't completely seal the gap between the glass and the frame completely, but it will hold the broken piece in place until you can fix it.

Repainting

If your windows with glass are old, you might want to repaint them. This is an affordable alternative to replace windows and give your home a fresh appearance. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to remove oil smudges and other residues which can prevent paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass to avoid transferring your own oils onto the glass surface. Also you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of one thick layer. This will make the paint last longer, and keep your windows looking smooth and even.

If you're planning on repainting your glass windows, be sure you have the proper tools at hand. You'll require a brush or sponge, painter's tape toothpicks, a ruler and other tools, such as paper towels or a rag. You should have the brushes and paints you'll be using in your kit. Follow the manufacturer's directions. Have patience because it could take some time for the paint to fully dry.

If you are using solvent-based paint, you should make sure that the area where you work is well ventilated. This will decrease the chance of inhaling toxic chemicals, and also the paint will dry quicker. Also, make sure you wear a mask that is protective for any spray paints you use.

For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior to painting. Clean the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water. You can then apply rubbing alcohol to wash off any oil or grease that could hinder paint's adhesion. Make sure that the windows are completely dry prior to coating them.

If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, you may be able to make a claim with the dealer or window company that sold them to pay any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if the windows are still under warranty and you've had several problems with condensation or damaged glass.

Sealing

Whether you have old double-pane windows with a cracked seal or newer insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging, Double glazing there are several methods to address the issue. It is the most expensive option to replace both the insulation unit and the frame. However, it may be necessary in cases where 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 filling the solution with anti-fog.

You can also seal the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill by using a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or door sweep. Felt can be stapled, glued or placed in place, but is not a great protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strips are simple to install and durable however it can be expensive. It is typically reserved for areas that are subject to high abrasion. Door sweeps are affordable and can be fixed to the floor but they create virtually no barrier between the sill or threshold and dust, air and debris.

To repair a damaged window seal make use of a putty blade 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 into the frame's recess. After taking out the glazing points, remove the grooves and sand the wood. Clean any sanding residue, then seal the bare wood using a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.

Traditional glazing putty is applied using either a putty knife or a 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, since it will be more adhesive and long-lasting.

Apply a thin layer of glue on the inside of the frame where it joins the glass. Slide the window into the frame, so that the scribed line on the glass lines up with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure on the glass to press the putty into a tight seal. Smooth the compound using fingers that are gloved and clean up any caulk that is applied incorrectly or spills that are not properly wiped away before it is dry.