Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work high above the ground, navigating massive glass panes. They work in extreme weather conditions and adhere to strict safety guidelines.

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

Replacement

When a window pane is broken, it may be tempting to try and repair the glass rather than replace it. It is cheaper to replace a window, and it can also help to avoid other issues in your home's efficiency. You should also take into consideration the type of glass that's damaged to determine if it is an interim fix or if you'll require an alternative that is more durable.

The first step to repair a broken window is to take off the frame, or sash, and lay it flat on a work table. While wearing eye protection, gently wiggle and pull out any shards remaining in the window pane. Then, use a knife to peel off the glazing compound and glazing points that keep the glass in the position. Keep the track of the components and their locations so that they can be put back in place.

After removing the frame and sash you can begin to prepare to replace the glass. Be sure to check that the opening of the frame is the proper size for the replacement window repairs. Measure both ways across the opening, and then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement in order to leave the expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. 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.

Depending on the warranty of the window it could be covered by the manufacturer in which case you must contact the company to file an claim. After the new glass has been installed, it is important to cover it with a thin layer of glaziers compound. After the compound has dried you can paint the frame to match.

If the crack is greater than an inch in length You can stop it from expanding by cutting an arc that is just a little beyond the crack. This trick is not foolproof but it can slow the progression of the cracked until you are able to take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers have the right tools and know how to work with different types of glass. They know how to dispose of waste safely which means they are less likely than others to leave behind pieces of glass that could inflict harm on family pets or members of the family. They're also accustomed to working with different kinds of windows, and may be able to spot issues that a novice home owner would not notice.

Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to starting repair work on cracked glass. Even a small crack can cause shards of glass to fly away and put anyone at risk within or around the home. It is crucial to determine what caused the crack, as this could prevent future problems.

Start by making an epoxy mixture that has two parts. They typically are made up of a 50/50 mix of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture is ready apply it to the glass crack and leave it to dry. It will take just about a minute, but it's essential to do it quickly because the mixture is extremely thick and quick drying.

Once the epoxy is dried, you can take off any excess with a putty knife. The next step is to scrub the cracked glass. If you don't do it correctly, the resulting residue could cause further damage to the glass. Make use of a putty knife to smooth out the compound around the edge of the window and match it to the frame made of wood.

To make a more durable option you can consider using a plastic cover. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is the best option, but you can also apply masking tape to the glass. This will stop the crack from spreading and will also keep wind, water and bugs out.

You can create a temporary fix in the event that you are unable to get to the window in a timely manner. Simply place a tiny amount of the material around the outside edge of the damaged pane. It won't completely seal the gap between the frame and glass completely but it will hold the fracture until you can fix it.

Repainting

Repainting your old glass windows is a great idea. This is a cost-effective alternative to replacing windows, and it can give your home a fresh new look. Make sure the surface is clean prior to painting. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to remove oil smudges, and other residues which can prevent paint from adhering. It is also recommended to wear rubber gloves while working on glass to avoid the risk of transferring your own oils onto the window's surface. In the end it is recommended to apply several thin coats of paint instead of one thick layer. This will allow the paint to last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.

If you're planning to repaint your glass windows, ensure that you have the proper tools in your arsenal. You'll need a sponge or brush as well as a painter's tamper, a ruler and toothpicks. You'll need the paints and brushes that you'll be using in your kit. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Be patient as it can take a while for the paint to completely dry.

It is also important to ensure that the area you're working in is ventilated when you're using solvent-based paint. This will lower the risk of breathing in toxic chemicals and permit the paint to dry more quickly. 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 before painting. Use soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, rub alcohol on any oil or grease remnants that may hinder the paint's adhesion. Make sure that the windows are dry before you start coating them.

If you have energy-efficient double pane windows on your windows, it might be possible to submit an insurance claim for repair or replacement with the window repair near me company or the dealer who sold the windows. This is especially the case if you've experienced several issues with condensation or broken glass while the windows are still covered by warranty.

Sealing

There are a variety of options to address the issue depending on regardless of whether you have an old double-pane window that has cracks in the seal, or if you have an insulated unit (IGU) that has experienced defogging. The most expensive 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 a single-pane, or repair it by drilling a small hole in the bottom of the unit and then filling the solution with anti-fog.

You can also seal up the gap between a window frame and a threshold or sill by with a felt strip or vinyl v-strip. Felt can be stapled, glued, or placed in place, but doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip weather stripping is durable and easy to install however, it can be expensive and is typically used for areas that are subject to high abrasion. Door sweeps are affordable and can be fixed to the floor however they provide little to no barrier between the threshold or sill and dust, air, and debris.

To repair a damaged window seal using a putty knife, you need to take off the caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection remove the glazing point -- small fasteners with sharp pointed tips that hold the glass into the frame's recess. After taking out the glazing points, remove the grooves and sand the wood. Wipe off any sanding debris and then seal the unfinished wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.

A caulking knife or putty can be used to apply the traditional glazing putty, but the use of a knife allows for an easier application and a better seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass, as it will last longer and adhere better.

Apply a small amount of the putty on the inside edge of the frame, where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the scribed line on the glass lines up with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure on the glass to force the putty and glass to form an elongated seal. Smooth the compound with a gloved finger and then wipe off any caulk that is applied incorrectly or drips that have escaped before it dries.