Glass Window Repair It s Not As Hard As You Think

Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work from high above the ground, double glazed window repairs near me navigating huge glass panes. They work in extreme weather conditions and adhere to strict safety protocols.

Wearing protective clothing, cut off the metal glazing points and all glazing putty with an utility knife. A heat gun can help to soften and take off the old putty.

Replacement

When a window pane breaks, it could be tempting to try and repair the glass rather than replace it. However, replacing windows is usually more cost-effective and may help prevent other problems that could affect your home's energy 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 will need to invest in an option that is more permanent.

The first step in fixing a broken window is to take off the sash, or frame, and lay it flat on a table. Wearing eye protection, carefully wiggle and pull out any shards remaining in the window. Then, use a utility knife to cut off the glazing compound and glazing points that help to hold the glass in place. Keep an eye on the components and their location so they can be reinstalled.

After the frame and sash are removed and the frame is removed, you can begin preparation to install the new glass. Before you begin make sure that the opening in the frame is designed for the replacement window repairs. To allow for expansion and contraction of the glass and frame and contraction take measurements in both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Afterwards, purchase double-strength glass cut to these exact measurements. It is also recommended to purchase enough new glazier's points or clips to be placed every 6 inches around the window pane.

If the manufacturer is responsible you should contact them and make a claim. After the new glass has been installed, it needs to be bedded in with a thin coating of glazier's compound. After letting the compound dry, you can paint it to match the rest of the frame.

If your crack is more than an inch you can stop it from expanding by cutting the crack with a small arc, just above the crack. This technique isn't 100% completely foolproof, but it could slow the growth of the crack down to a manageable level until you are able to take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers have the appropriate tools and know how to work with different types of glass. They are able to dispose of waste in a safe manner and are therefore less likely than other contractors to leave behind scraps that could harm family members or pets. They are also experienced in working with various types of windows, and may be able spot problems that an inexperienced home owner might not be able to notice.

Before you begin the process of repairing cracked window glass, be sure to wear safety glasses and gloves. Even a small crack can cause glass shards to fly around and put anyone at risk within or around the home. It is crucial to determine what caused the crack, since this will help prevent any future problems.

Make a two-part mix of epoxy. They typically are made up of a 50/50 mix of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. When the mixture is prepared, apply it to the crack in the glass and allow it to dry. It should only take a couple of minutes, but it is important to work quickly because the mixture is very thick and drys quickly.

After the epoxy has dried, you can remove any excess with a knife. Then, you'll need to clean the area around the cracked glass. If you do not clean the area correctly, the residue could cause further damage to the glass. Make use of a putty knife to smooth the compound around the edge of your window and match it to the wood frame.

For a more durable solution you can consider using a plastic cover. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is ideal, however you can also apply masking tape to the glass. This will keep the crack from expanding, and will also keep out wind, water insects, water, and other debris.

If you're not able to reach the window in a timely manner then you can apply silicone sealant to create an interim repair. Simply place a tiny amount of the material around the outside edge of the broken pane. It won't completely fill the gap between glass and frame, but it will keep the crack in place while you fix it.

Repainting

If your windows with glass are old, you might consider repainting them. This is a low-cost alternative to window replacement and can give your home a new look. Make sure the surface is clean prior to painting. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to get rid of oil smudges, and other residues that could prevent paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent the transfer of oils from your fingers onto the glass. Apply several thin coats rather than one thick coat. This will make the paint last longer and will 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 need a brush, sponge, painter's tape, toothpicks, a ruler and a few other tools like paper towels or a rag. It is also recommended to have the brushes and paint you'll use for the project on hand. Follow the manufacturer's directions. Be patient as it can take a while for the paint to fully dry.

You should also make sure the space you're working is ventilated when you're using solvent-based paint. This will reduce the chance of breathing in toxic chemicals and allow the paint to dry more quickly. Wear a mask to protect yourself when using spray paints.

For older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface prior to painting. Clean the glass thoroughly with soap and warm water, then apply rubbing alcohol to wash away any grease or oil that could affect the adhesion of the paint. Make sure the windows are completely dry before you begin to paint them.

If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, then you might be able to make a claim with the window manufacturer or dealer that sold them to pay any repair or replacement costs. This is particularly true if the windows are still under warranty and have experienced several problems with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

If you have double-pane windows that have a cracked seal or newer insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging or fog, there are many options to address the issue. The most expensive option is to replace the insulated unit and frame, but it may be necessary if condensation or fog is causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single pane, or repairing the existing IGU by drilling a hole in the bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging product.

You can also seal up the gap between windows and a sill or threshold using a felt strip, or vinyl v-strip. Felt can be stapled, glued or put in place, but it does not offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip is easy to install and long-lasting however it can be expensive. It is usually used in areas that are subjected to high abrasion. Door sweeps are easy to nail in place and are inexpensive. However, they provide little or no protection between the threshold and air.

To fix a damaged window seal, use a putty blade to take off the caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection, pry out the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp, pointed tips that pin the glass into the frame's recess. Once you have removed the glazing points, scrub the grooves and sand the wood smooth. Wipe away any sanding residue, then seal the bare wood using a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.

A caulking knife or putty can be used to apply the traditional glazing putty, however using a knife will give the most precise application and a stronger seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass as it will be more durable and will adhere better.

Apply a thin layer of glue along the inside edge of frame where it joins the glass. Slide the window into the frame, so that the cut line on the glass aligns with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure on the glass to compress the putty and glass into an elongated seal. Smooth the compound with an ungloved finger and clean up any caulk that is applied incorrectly or errant drips before it dries.