The 10 Scariest Things About Glass Window Repair

Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work from high off the ground, maneuvering huge panes of glass. They work under extreme weather conditions and follow strict safety protocols.

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

Replacement

It is tempting to repair the window glass instead of replacing it if a pane breaks. However, replacing windows is usually more cost-effective, and can also aid in preventing other issues with your home's energy efficiency. You should also take into consideration the kind of glass that is broken to determine if it is a temporary fix or if you'll require a more permanent solution.

To fix a broken window, take off the frame or sash and lay it flat on the floor. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window's pane and pull out any remaining shards. Use a utility blade to cut off the glazing compound, as well as the glazing points that hold the window in place. Keep an eye on the components and their locations 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. To allow for expansion and contraction of the glass and frame and contraction, measure both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Afterwards, purchase double-strength glass cut to these exact measurements. 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.

If the manufacturer is responsible for this then you should call them and make a claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it should be bedded in with a thin coating of the compound used by glaziers. Once the compound is dry, you can paint the frame to be a perfect match.

If the crack is greater than an inch in length You can stop it from expanding by slicing the crack with a small arc, just above the crack. This trick is not foolproof however it can slow the progression of the cracked until you can take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors know how to handle a variety of glass, and they have the tools to do the job correctly. They also know the best practices for disposing of waste, and are less likely to leave scraps behind, which could potentially cause harm to pets or family members. They are also familiar with working with different types of windows, and may be able to spot problems that a novice home owner might not see.

Wear safety glasses and gloves before you begin the process of repairing damaged glass. Even a small crack can cause shards of glass to fly and put anyone at risk in or around the home. It is crucial to determine what caused the crack, as this can prevent future problems.

Start by making an epoxy mixture that has two parts. They are typically 50/50 mix of hardener and resin, and must be quickly mixed. When the mixture is ready apply it to the crack in the glass and let it dry. It will take just some minutes, but you must be quick because the mixture is very thick and dries quickly.

After the epoxy has dried, you can remove excess epoxy with a blade. You'll need to clean around the cracked glass. If you do not clean the area in a proper manner, the debris could cause further damage to your glass. Use a putty blade smooth out the compound around the edge of your window and match it with the wood frame.

Consider using a plastic cover for a more robust option. A trash bag that is heavy-duty or tarp is ideal, but you can also use masking tape to cover the glass. This will prevent the crack from expanding and will also block out wind, water insects, water, and other debris.

You can come up with a temporary fix in the event that you are unable to access the window repairs in time. Simply run a bead of the substance around the outside edge of the damaged pane. It won't fully seal the gap between frame and glass, but it will keep the break in place while you fix it.

Repainting

If your windows with glass are old, you might consider repainting them. This is an affordable alternative to replacing windows, and it can give your home a new look. Make sure the surface is clean before painting. Wash the window with soap and water or use ruby alcohol to eliminate oil smudges as well as other residues that can prevent the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent the transfer of oils from your hands onto the glass. Apply several thin coats instead of one thick coat. This will help the paint last longer, and keep your windows looking smooth and even.

If you're planning to paint your glass windows, be sure you have the appropriate tools in your arsenal. You'll need a brush, sponge, painter's adhesive, a ruler, toothpicks, and other tools like a rag or paper towel. It is recommended to have the paints and brushes that you'll use on hand. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Be patient because it could take a while for the paint to fully dry.

Also, ensure that the space you're working is ventilated when you're using solvent-based paint. This will decrease the risk of breathing into toxic chemicals and permit the paint to dry quicker. Also, make sure you have a mask to protect yourself for any spray paints you use.

For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface before painting. Make use of soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, use rubbing alcohol on any oil or grease residues that could interfere with the paint's adhesion. Be sure that the windows are completely dry before you begin painting them.

If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, then you might be eligible to file a claim with the window company or dealer that sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if your windows are still under warranty and you've had numerous problems with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

Whether you have old double-pane windows with a broken seal or a newer version of insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced defogging or fog, there are many options to fix the issue. The most costly option is to replace the insulated unit and frame, but it may be necessary if condensation or fog cause energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single pane, or fixing the IGU that is in place by drilling a hole in the bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging solution.

You can also close the gap between a window frame and a threshold or sill by using a felt strip, or vinyl v-strip. Felt is cheap and can be fixed by gluing, nailing or stapled to the frame however it doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip is easy to put up and is durable however, it can be costly. It is usually reserved for areas exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps can be easily nailed in place and are cheap. However, they offer only a small amount of protection between the threshold and the air.

To fix a cracked window seal first, use a putty knife to take off the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves carefully remove the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that hold the glass in the frame's recess with sharp, pointed ends. Once you have removed the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood smooth. Clean any sanding residue Then, seal the bare wood with a linseed oil based paint or clear wood sealer.

Traditional glazing putty can be applied with the help of a putty blade or caulking gun, but a knife provides a better precision and precise application. It also creates a better seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass windows as it will have higher adhesion and a longer life.

Apply a thin layer on the inside of the frame where it joins the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the scribed line on glass aligns with edge of frame. Apply pressure to the glass to press the putty into a tight seal. Smooth the compound with gloves and get rid of any caulk or drips that were not properly applied before it dries.