The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Glass Window Repair

Glass Window Repair

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

Wearing protective clothing, remove the glazing points made of metal and all glazing putty using an utility knife. A heat gun can soften the old glue and accelerate the removal process.

Replacement

It's tempting to fix the window glass instead of replacing it when panes break. However, replacing windows is usually more cost-effective and may help prevent other problems in your home's energy efficiency. Consider the type of glass that is broken to determine if it's a temporary fix or if a more permanent solution is required.

The first step in fixing damaged windows is to remove the frame, or sash and place it flat on a table. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window pane and then remove any remaining fragments. Utilize a utility blade to cut off the glazing compound, and the glazing points that hold the window in place. Keep an eye on the components and their location so they can be reinstalled.

After the frame and sash have been removed, you can begin preparing to install new glass. Before you begin make sure that the opening in the frame is sized for your replacement window. Take measurements both ways across the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement in order to leave the expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, purchase double-strength glass cut to these exact dimensions. It is recommended to also purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to be installed every 6 inches around each window pane.

Based on the window's warranty the window may be covered by the manufacturer and in this case, you should call them to make an claim. After the new glass has been erected 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 frame.

If you have a crack that is more than an inch, scoring an arc of a razor blade that is just above the crack can help to stop it from spreading further. This method isn't foolproof, but it will slow down the progression of the cracked until you can take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors are equipped with the right tools and know how to work with different types of glass. They know how to dispose of waste in a safe manner and are therefore less likely than other people to leave behind pieces of glass that could harm family members or pets. They're also familiar with different window types, and they may be able to spot problems that might not be apparent to a homeowner who isn't experienced.

Before you begin the process of repairing damaged window glass, be sure to wear safety glasses and gloves. A minor crack could cause shards of glass to fly away, posing a danger to anyone living in or window repair around the home. It's also crucial to determine the cause of the crack in the first place, as it could help avoid future problems.

Make a two-part mixture of epoxy. It is usually 50/50 mix of hardener and resin, and they must be mixed quickly. When the mixture is ready put it in the glass crack and allow it to dry. It will take just some minutes, but you need to be quick as the mixture is very thick and will dry quickly.

After the epoxy has dried, you can take off excess epoxy using a putty blade. You'll then need to clean around the cracked glass. If you don't do this properly, the residue can cause further damage to the glass. Make use of a putty knife to smooth out the compound around the window's edge and match it to the wood frame.

Think about using a plastic lid to make a more durable choice. You can cover the glass using masking tape or a heavy-duty trashbag. This will stop the crack from spreading and will also keep water, wind and bugs out.

You can create a temporary fix if you are unable to access the window in a timely manner. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant on the edges of the broken glass. It won't seal the gap between the frame and 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 may want to repaint them. This is a low-cost alternative to replacing windows and provide your home with a new look. Make sure that the surface is clean prior to painting. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to wash away 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 glass. Apply several thin coats rather than one thick coat. This will allow the paint to last longer, and ensure that your windows appear smooth and even.

If you're planning to repaint your glass windows, ensure that you have the proper tools in your arsenal. You'll need a brush or sponge, painter's tape, toothpicks, a ruler and a few other tools, such as a rag or paper towel. You'll need the brushes and paints you'll use on hand. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Be patient because it could take a while for the paint to completely dry.

If you're using solvent-based paint, you should make sure that the area in which you work is well ventilated. This will reduce the chance of inhaling toxic chemicals, and the paint will dry more quickly. Also, make sure you have a protective mask for any spray paints you use.

You'll need to clean the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water prior to you paint it. Make use of soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, rub alcohol on any oil or grease remnants that may hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure the windows are completely dry before you begin to paint them.

If you have energy-efficient double pane windows on your windows, it could be possible to submit a claim for repair or replacement with the window manufacturer or dealer who sold the windows. This is especially 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 with a cracked seal or newer insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced defogging and fogging, there are a variety of options to address the issue. The most expensive option is to replace the insulated unit and frame but it may be required if fog or condensation is causing 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 its bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging solution.

You can also close the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill by using a felt strip or window repair vinyl V-strip. Felt is affordable and can be glued, nailed, or stapled into place but it doesn't provide a lot of protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strip weather stripping is durable and easy to install however, it can be costly and is usually reserved for areas that are exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps can be easily nailed in place and are cheap. However, they provide only a small amount of protection between the threshold and the air.

To repair a cracked window seal, first use a putty blade to take off the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves take out the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp pointed tips that hold the glass into the recess of the frame. After you have removed the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood smooth. Wipe away any sanding residue and then seal the unfinished 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, however a knife provides a better, more precise application and provides a stronger seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass windows as it will have higher adhesion and long-lasting.

Apply a thin layer of putty across the inside of the frame where it meets with the glass. Slide the window repairs near me into frame so that the scribed line on glass aligns with edge of frame. Apply pressure on the glass to compress the putty into a tight seal. Smooth the compound using a gloved hand and remove any drips or caulk that were not applied correctly before it dries.