Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen are able to maneuver large panes of tempered glass from a height above the ground. They adhere to strict safety standards and are often working in extreme weather conditions.

Wearing protective clothing, cut off the metal glazing points and the glazing putty by using a utility knife. A heat gun can to soften and eliminate the old putty.

Replacement

It can be tempting to fix the glass on your windows instead of replacing it when panes break. However, replacing a window is often more cost-effective and may assist in preventing other issues in your home's energy efficiency. Take a look at the type of glass that is broken to determine if it's a temporary fix, or if a long-term solution is needed.

The first step to repair a broken window is to take off the frame, or sash and place it flat on a table. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle and pull out any shards remaining within the window. Use a utility blade to cut off the glazing compound, and the glazing points that keep the window in place. Make sure you keep an eye on these components and their locations to make sure they can be replaced later.

After removing the frame and sash you can begin preparing to replace the glass. Before doing this ensure that the opening in the frame is properly sized for your replacement window. Measure both sides of the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement in order to leave room for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, buy double-strength glasses cut to these exact dimensions. It is also an excellent idea to buy enough new glazier's clips or glazier's points to be placed every 6 inches around the window repairs pane.

Depending on the warranty of the window the window repairs may be covered by the manufacturer and in this case, you should call them to make an claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it needs to be sprayed with a thin coating of glazier's compound. After the compound has dried, you can paint the frame to be a perfect match.

If your crack is more than an inch in length you can stop it from expanding by cutting the crack with a small arc, just above the crack. This trick is not foolproof but it will slow down the progression of the cracked until you can take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors know how to handle various kinds of glass and have the tools necessary to do the job correctly. They also know the best ways to dispose of waste, and are less likely to leave scraps that are left behind, which could hurt pets or family members. They're also accustomed to working with various types of windows, and may be able to spot issues that a novice home owner might not see.

Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to beginning the process of repairing cracked glass. Even a small crack can cause glass shards to fly and could pose a danger to anyone in or around the home. It is important to determine the cause of the crack, since this can prevent future issues.

Start by making an epoxy mix that is two-part. They typically are a 50/50 mixture of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. When the mixture is done apply it to the glass crack and allow it to dry. It will take just a couple of minutes, but it is important to work quickly because the mixture is thick and dries very quickly.

After the epoxy has dried, you can remove any excess using a putty knife. Then, you'll need to clean the area around the crack of glass. If you don't clean the area in a proper manner, the debris could cause further damage to the glass. Once the glass is cleaned with a putty blade, use it to smooth the compound along the edge of the window, and then match it with the frame of wood.

For a more durable solution you can consider using a plastic cover. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a strong-duty trash bag. This will stop the crack from spreading, and will also keep water, wind and insects out.

You can come up with an interim solution in the event that you are unable to get to the window in time. Simply apply a small amount of the substance around the outside 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 repair it.

Repainting

Repainting your old glass windows is a good idea. This is a cost-effective alternative to window replacement and it can give your home a fresh new appearance. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Clean the window with soap and water or use ruby alcohol to get rid of oil smudges and other residues which can hinder the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to avoid the transfer of oils from your fingers onto the glass. Also, you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a single thick layer. This will help the paint last longer and window repairs keep your windows looking smooth and even.

Make sure you have the appropriate tools in your arsenal when you are planning to repaint glass windows. You'll need brushes or sponges, painter's tap, a ruler and toothpicks. You should also have the paint and brushes you'll be using for the project in your possession. Follow the manufacturer's directions. Have patience because it could take some time for the paint to fully dry.

If you're using solvent-based paints, you must also ensure that the space where you work is adequately ventilated. This will reduce the chance of inhaling toxic chemicals, and the paint will dry more quickly. You should also make sure you have a protective mask for any spray paints that you use.

For older glass windows, it is necessary 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 grease or oil residues that might hinder the paint's adhesion. Make sure that the windows are dry before you begin coating them.

If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, then you might be in a position 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 have experienced several issues with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

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

You can also fill in the gap between the window repair near me frame and the threshold or sill by using a felt strip vinyl v-strip, or a 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 long-lasting however it can be expensive. It is usually used in areas that are subjected to high abrasion. Door sweeps are inexpensive and can be fixed to the floor but they create virtually no barrier between the threshold or sill and dust, air, and debris.

To repair a broken window seal, use 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 to the frame's recess. After 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.

Traditional glazing putty is applied using either a putty knife or a caulking gun, but a knife provides a better application that is more precise and provides a stronger seal. Make sure you choose a putty made specifically for glass windows, as it has better adhesion and a longer life.

Apply a small amount of the putty to the inner edge of the frame, where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame, so that the drawn line on the glass aligns with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure on the glass to press the putty and glass into a tight seal. Smooth the compound with a gloved finger and clean up any caulk that was applied incorrectly or errant drips prior to drying.