The Leading Reasons Why People Achieve In The Glass Window Repair Industry

Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen can maneuver large panes of tempered glass from a height above the ground. They work under extreme weather conditions and follow strict safety guidelines.

Wearing protective clothing, cut off the metal glazing points as well as all glazing putty with an utility knife. A heat gun can help soften the old glue and make it easier to remove.

Replacement

It is tempting to fix the glass on your windows instead of replacing it when the glass breaks. It is cheaper to replace a window and it can also help you prevent other problems in the efficiency of your home. You should also consider the type of glass that's damaged to determine if it is temporary or if you will require an option that is more permanent.

To repair a broken window, take off the frame or sash, and place it on your work surface. While wearing eye protection, gently move around and pull out any shards that remain in the window. Then, use a knife to peel off the glazing compound and points that help to hold the glass in place. Keep track of the components and where they are so that they can be put back in place.

After the frame and sash have been removed, you can begin preparing to install the new glass. Make sure you check the opening of the frame is of the correct size for the replacement window. Measure both sides of the opening, and then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to allow the expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, buy double-strength glasses cut to these exact dimensions. It is also recommended to purchase enough new glazier's points or clips to be placed every 6 inches around the window pane.

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

If you have a crack that extends more than an inch, scoring the crack with a razor blade just beyond the crack can help to prevent it from spreading any further. This method isn't completely foolproof, but it could slow the development of the crack to a manageable level until you are able to take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window repairs contractors are trained to deal with a variety of glass, and they have the tools necessary to do a proper job. They also understand the best methods for disposing of waste, and are less likely to leave crumbs that are left behind, which could cause harm to pets or family members. They're also accustomed to working with various types of windows and could be able to spot problems that a novice home owner might not be able to notice.

Before you begin the process of repairing damaged window glass, be sure to wear safety glasses and gloves. A small crack can cause shards of glass to fly away, posing a danger to anyone who lives in or around the home. It is important to determine what caused the crack, so that you can prevent future problems.

Begin by creating a two-part epoxy mixture. They are typically 50/50 mix of resin and hardener, and they must be quickly mixed. When the mixture is ready apply it to the crack in the glass and leave it to dry. It should only take some minutes, but it is important to be quick as the mixture is thick and dries quickly.

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

To make a more durable option think about using a plastic cover. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is ideal, however you can also use masking tape to cover the glass. This will stop the crack from spreading, and will also keep water, wind and insects out.

If you're not able to reach the window in a timely manner and you're not able to get there quickly, you can use silicone sealant to make an interim repair. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant around the edge of the broken glass. It won't seal the gap between the frame and the glass completely but it will hold the break in place until you can repair it.

Repainting

If your windows with glass are old, you might need to paint them. This is a cost-effective alternative to window replacement and it can give your home a new appearance. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to wash away oil smudges, and other residues which can prevent paint from adhering. You should also wear rubber gloves when working on glass to avoid transferring your own oils onto the glass surface. Apply several thin coats instead of a single thick one. This will make the paint last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.

Make sure you have the proper tools available in case you want to paint glass windows. You'll require a brush or sponge, painter's tape toothpicks, a ruler as well as a few other tools such as paper towels or a rag. You should have the brushes and paints you will be using on hand. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and be prepared with plenty of patience since it may take some time for the paint to dry.

If you're using solvent-based paint, also ensure that the space in which you work is well-ventilated. This will decrease the chance of inhaling toxic chemicals, and the paint will dry faster. Also, make sure you have a mask to protect yourself for installer any spray paints you apply.

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

If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, you may be in a position to submit a claim to the dealer or window company that sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially relevant if you've had multiple problems with broken glass or condensation and the windows are covered under warranty.

Sealing

There are several ways to resolve the issue depending on whether you have an old double-pane window that has cracks in the seal, or if you own a newer insulated unit (IGU) that has experienced defogging. It is the most expensive option to replace the IGU that is insulated as well as the frame. However, it may be necessary if fog or condensation is creating energy losses. Other alternatives include replacing the current IGU with a single-pane or installer repairing it by drilling a small hole into the bottom of the unit, and then filling the solution with anti-fog.

You can also fill in the gap between a window frame and a sill or threshold using a felt strip, or vinyl V-strip. Felt is inexpensive and can be glued, nailed, or stapled into place but it doesn't provide much protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strip weather stripping is durable and easy to install, but it can be expensive and is typically used for areas that are subject to high abrasion. Door sweeps are cheap and can be fixed into place but they create virtually no barrier between the threshold or sill and air, dust, and other debris.

To repair a broken window seal using a putty knife, you need to remove the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves take out the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp pointed tips that hold the glass to the recess of the frame. After removing the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood smooth. Wipe off any sanding traces and then seal the unfinished wood with a linseed oil based paint or clear wood sealer.

A putty or caulking knife can be used to apply traditional glazing putty, however a knife will provide the most precise application and a stronger seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass windows, since it will be more adhesive and durability.

Apply a small amount the putty to the inside edge of the frame where it touches the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the drawn line on the glass lines up with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure to the glass to press the putty into a solid seal. Smooth the compound with a gloved finger and clean up any mistakenly applied caulk or drips that have escaped prior to drying.