The 10 Most Scariest Things About Glass Window Repair

Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work high above the ground, moving huge panes of glass. They adhere to strict safety standards and are often working in extreme weather conditions.

While wearing protective clothing remove all glaze putty and glazing points using a knife. A heat gun can to soften the old putty and accelerate the removal process.

Replacement

It's tempting to repair the glass of your window instead of replacing it if panes break. However, replacing windows is typically more cost-effective and can help prevent other problems with your home's energy efficiency. Examine the type of broken glass to determine if it's a temporary fix or if a permanent solution is required.

To fix a broken window, take off the frame or sash and place it flat on the work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window pane and pull out any remaining fragments. Then, use a utility knife to remove the glazing compound as well as the glazing points that help to hold the glass in the position. Be sure to keep an eye on the location of these components to ensure that they can be reinstalled later.

Once 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 your replacement window. To allow for frame and glass expansion and contraction to both directions, measure the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, you can purchase double-strength glasses that are cut to these exact dimensions. It is also a good idea to purchase enough new glazier's points or clips to be placed every 6 inches around the window pane.

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

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

Repair

Professional window contractors are trained to handle a variety of glass types, and they have the tools necessary to do an excellent job. They also understand the best ways to dispose of waste, and are less likely to leave waste that are left behind, which could injure family members or pets. They're also used to working with different window types and may be capable of identifying issues that aren't obvious to an inexperienced homeowner.

Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to beginning repair work on cracked glass. Even a small break can cause shards to fly, creating a risk for anyone living in or around the home. It is important to determine what caused the crack, so that you could prevent future problems.

Make a two-part mix of epoxy. These are usually a 50/50 mix of hardener and resin and they must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture has been made, apply it directly to the crack and allow it to dry. It should only take about a few minutes, but you must be quick because the mixture is very thick and will dry very quickly.

Once the epoxy has dried, you can remove excess epoxy using a putty blade. You'll then need to clean the cracks in the glass. If you don't clean the area properly the debris could cause further damage to your glass. Use a putty blade smooth out the compound around the window's edge and match it with the wood frame.

To make a more durable option think about using a plastic cover. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a heavy-duty trashbag. This will prevent the crack from expanding, and will also block out wind, water bugs, debris, and water.

You can create an interim solution in the event that you are unable to access the window in time. Apply a small amount silicone sealant on the edge of the broken glass. It won't seal the gap between the frame and the glass completely, but it will hold the broken piece in place until you are able to fix it.

Repainting

If your glass windows are old, you might need to paint them. This is a low-cost alternative to replace windows and provide your home with a new appearance. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Use rubbing alcohol or soap 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 hands onto the surface. Apply multiple thin coats instead of a single thick one. This will make the paint last longer and will keep your windows looking even and smooth.

Make sure you have the proper tools in your arsenal in case you want to paint glass windows. You will need a sponge or brush as well as a painter's tamper along with a ruler, toothpicks and a ruler. You'll need the brushes and paints you'll use on hand. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Have patience because it could take some time for the paint to completely dry.

You should also make sure the area you're working in is well ventilated, especially if you're using solvent-based paint. This will reduce the risk of breathing harmful chemicals, and the paint will dry quicker. It is also important to ensure you have a protective mask for any spray paints you use.

It is necessary to clean the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water prior to you paint it. Clean the glass thoroughly with soap and warm water. You can then apply rubbing alcohol to wash away any grease or oil that could affect the paint's adhesion. Make sure that the windows are completely dry before you begin to paint them.

If you have energy efficient double pane windows on your windows, it may be possible to submit a claim for repair or replacement with the company that makes the windows or dealer who sold them. This is particularly true if you have experienced multiple problems with condensation or broken glass even though the windows are covered under warranty.

Sealing

There are many ways to resolve the issue depending on regardless of whether you have an older double glazed window repairs-pane window that has cracks in the seal or if you have a newer insulated unit (IGU) that has experienced fogging. It is the most expensive option to replace the insulated unit as well as the frame. However, it may be necessary if fog or condensation is creating energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with just one pane, or fixing the existing IGU by drilling a hole in the bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging agent.

You can also close the gap between a window frame and a sill or threshold with a felt strip or vinyl v-strip. Felt is inexpensive and can be fixed by gluing, nailing, or stapled into place however it doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl weather stripping v-strip is durable and simple to install however, it can be expensive and is generally used for areas that are subject to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are able to be easily nailed to the floor and are affordable. However, they provide very little or no protection between the threshold and the air.

To fix a damaged window seal, use a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection, carefully pry out the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that fix the glass into the frame's recess using sharp, pointed edges. After taking out the glazing points, remove the grooves, then 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 a knife will provide an easier application and a more secure seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass as it will be more durable and stick better.

Apply a thin bead of the putty to the inside edge of the frame where it meets the glass. Slide the window into frame in a way that the scribed line on the glass is aligned with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to force the putty and glass into an elongated seal. Smooth the compound with fingers that are gloved and clean up any caulk that was applied incorrectly or spills that are not properly wiped away before it is dry.