The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Glass Window Repair

Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work high above the ground, moving huge glass panes. They work in extreme weather conditions and follow strict safety guidelines.

While wearing protective clothing remove all glazing putty and glazing points with a utility knife. A heat gun can help soften the old glue and accelerate the removal process.

Replacement

When a window's pane breaks, it can be tempting to repair the glass instead of replace it. It is cheaper to replace a window and it will also help prevent other problems in your home's efficiency. Take a look at the type of broken glass 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 remove the sash, also known as the frame and lay it flat on a table. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window's pane and pull out any remaining shards. Utilize a utility knife to remove the glazing compound, as well as the glazing points that secure the window repairs. Keep an eye on the components and where they are so they can be reinstalled.

After removing the frame and sash you can begin preparing to replace the glass. Make sure that the opening of the frame is of the correct size for your replacement window. To allow for expansion and contraction of the glass and frame 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 a good idea to also purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to be installed every 6 inches around each window pane.

If the manufacturer is accountable then you should call them and file an claim. After the new glass has been erected, window repair it is important to cover it with a thin layer of glaziers compound. After drying the compound and dry, you can paint it to match the frame of the window.

If the crack is greater than an inch, you can prevent it from spreading by scoring a small arc just beyond the crack. This technique isn't 100% foolproof, but it can slow the development of the crack to a manageable size until you can take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window repairs near me contractors are trained to deal with a variety of glass types, and they have the tools necessary to do a proper job. They also understand the best ways to dispose of waste, so they're less likely to leave scraps behind, which could potentially injure family members or pets. They're also used to working with various types of windows and are capable of identifying issues that aren't obvious to a homeowner who isn't experienced.

Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to beginning the process of repairing damaged glass. A small crack could cause glass shards to fly away and pose a risk to anyone in or around the home. It is also crucial to figure out what caused the crack in the first place, as it could help avoid future problems.

Make a two-part mixture of epoxy. They typically are composed of a 50/50 blend of hardener and resin. They must be mixed quickly. After the mixture is made and applied, simply apply it to the crack and allow it to dry. It will take just a few minutes however it is important to work quickly since the mixture is very dense and fast-drying.

Once the epoxy has dried, you can remove excess epoxy with a blade. Then, you'll have to clean the area around the broken glass. If you don't do it correctly, the resulting residue could cause further damage to the glass. After cleaning the glass, use a putty knife to smooth the compound along the edge of the window and match it to the frame made of wood.

Consider using a plastic cover for a more robust option. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a sturdy trash bag. This will stop the crack from growing and will also keep out wind, water, bugs, and debris.

You can come up with a temporary fix when you are unable get to the window in a timely manner. Apply a small amount silicone sealant around the edges of the broken glass. It won't completely seal the gap between frame and glass however it will keep the break in place while you fix it.

Repainting

If your glass windows are old, you may need to paint them. This is an affordable alternative to replacing your windows and will provide your home with a new appearance. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to remove oil smudges and other residues that could prevent paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to avoid transferring oils from your hands onto the surface. Also, you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a single thick layer. This will allow the paint to last longer and make your windows appear smooth and even.

If you're planning on repainting your glass windows, be sure you have the appropriate tools at hand. You'll require brushes or sponges as well as a painter's tamper along with a ruler, toothpicks and a ruler. You'll need the paints and brushes that you'll use on hand. Make sure you adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and have a good amount of patience as it can take awhile for the paint to dry.

If you are using solvent-based paint, also ensure that the room in which you work is well ventilated. This will decrease the risk of breathing in toxic chemicals and permit the paint to dry more quickly. Also, make sure you wear a mask that is protective for any spray paints you apply.

You'll need to wash the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water prior to you paint it. Use soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, rub alcohol on any oil or grease residues that could interfere with the adhesion of the paint. Make sure the windows are completely dry before you begin coating them.

If you have energy-efficient double-pane windows on your windows, it could be possible to make claims for repair or replacement with the window company or dealer that sold them. This is especially true if the windows are still under warranty and you've experienced numerous issues with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

Whether you have old double-pane windows with cracked seal or newer insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced defogging or fog, there are many options to fix the issue. It is the most expensive option to replace both the insulation unit and the frame. However, it could be required in situations where condensation or fog is causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU by a single pane, or fixing the IGU that is in place by drilling a hole in its bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging solution.

You can also seal up the gap between the window frame and the sill or threshold using a felt strip, or vinyl v-strip. Felt can be stapled, glued, or placed in place, but doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strips are simple to put up and is durable however, it can be costly. It is usually reserved for areas subjected to high abrasion. Door sweeps are able to be easily nailed in place and are cheap. However, they provide very little or no protection between the threshold and air.

To fix a cracked window seal, first use a putty knife to remove the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves, pry out the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp, pointed tips that pin the glass in the recess of the frame. Once you have removed the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood until it is smooth. Wipe away any sanding sludge and then seal the unfinished wooden surface with a linseed-oil-based paint or clear sealer.

Traditional glazing putty can be applied using either a putty knife or a caulking gun. However, the knife is a better, more precise application and provides a stronger seal. Make sure you choose a putty specifically designed for glass windows, since it will have higher adhesion and durability.

Apply a thin layer of putty along the inside edge of frame where it meets with the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the scribed line on glass lines up with edge of frame. Apply pressure to the glass to press the putty to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound with gloves and then remove any caulk or drips that were not properly applied before it dries.