5 Laws Everyone Working In Glass Window Repair Should Know
Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen work high above the ground, navigating huge glass panes. They work under extreme conditions and repairer 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 and remove the old putty.
Replacement
It is tempting to fix the glass on your windows instead of replacing it if panes break. However, replacing windows is usually more cost-effective and may help prevent other problems with your home's energy efficiency. Take a look at the kind of glass damaged to determine whether it's a temporary fix or if a permanent solution is needed.
The first step to repair damaged windows is to take off the sash, also known as the frame and place it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window's frame and then remove any remaining fragments. Then, use a knife to peel off the glazing compound and points that keep the glass in place. Make sure you keep an eye on these components and their locations so that they can be reinstalled later.
After the frame and sash have been removed and the frame is removed, you can begin preparation to install new glass. Be sure to check that the opening of the frame is the proper size for the replacement window. To allow for frame and glass expansion and contraction take measurements in both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, purchase double-strength glass cut to these exact dimensions. It is a good idea to also purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to install every 6 inches around each window pane.
If the manufacturer is accountable you should contact them and file a claim. After the new glass has been erected it is essential to cover it with a thin layer glaziers compound. After the compound is dry you can paint the frame to be a perfect match.
If your crack is more than an inch, you can prevent it from expanding by cutting an arc that is just a little beyond the crack. This technique isn't 100% foolproof, but it can slow the growth of the crack to a manageable size until you are able to take more permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors are trained to handle various kinds of glass and have the tools needed to complete the job correctly. They also know the best methods for disposing of waste, so they're less likely to leave scraps in the trash, which could injure family members or pets. They're also familiar with various types of windows and are capable of identifying issues that aren't apparent to the uninitiated homeowner.
Before beginning the process of fixing cracked window glass, ensure to wear safety glasses and gloves. Even a small crack can cause shards of glass to fly and pose a risk to anyone within or around the home. It's also important to determine the cause of the crack in the first place, as it could help avoid future issues.
Make a two-part mix of epoxy. It is usually 50/50 mixture of hardener and resin and must be quickly mixed. When the mixture is ready, apply it to the glass crack and let it dry. It should only take a couple of minutes, but you need to be quick because the mixture is very thick and dries quickly.
After the epoxy has dried, you can remove excess epoxy with a putty blade. You'll need to clean the cracks in the glass. If you don't do this correctly, the resulting residue could cause further damage to the glass. Use a putty blade to smooth out the compound around the edge of your window and match it with the frame of wood.
To make a more durable option think about using a plastic cover. You can cover the glass using masking tape or a strong-duty trashbag. This will prevent the crack from expanding, and will also block out water, wind, bugs, and debris.
You can create a temporary fix if you are unable to reach the window in a timely manner. Simply apply a small amount of the substance around the outside edge of the damaged pane. It won't fully seal the gap between glass and frame however it will keep the crack in place while you repair it.
Repainting
If your glass windows are old, you might consider repainting them. This is a cost-effective alternative to replacing windows and can give your home a fresh new look. Make sure the window is clean before painting. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to remove oil smudges and other traces of dirt that can hinder paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent the transfer of oils from your hands onto the surface. Finally, you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a thick layer. This will help the paint last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.
If you're planning on repainting your glass windows, make sure you have the proper tools at hand. You'll need a brush or sponge, painter's tape, toothpicks, a ruler and a few other tools like paper towels or a rag. You'll need the brushes and paints you will be using on hand. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions and have plenty of patience as it can take a while for the paint to dry.
If you're using solvent-based paints, you must also ensure that the room in which you work is well-ventilated. This will help to reduce the chance of inhaling toxic chemicals, and also the paint will dry more quickly. You should also make sure you wear a mask that is protective for any spray paints you use.
For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior to painting. Use warm water and soap to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, use rubbing alcohol on any oil or grease residues that might hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are dry before you begin coating them.
If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, you might be eligible to file a claim with the window company or dealer that sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if your windows are still under warranty and you've experienced multiple problems with condensation or broken glass.
Sealing
If you have double-pane windows with broken seal or a newer version of insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging or fog, there are many options to fix the issue. It is the most expensive option to replace both the IGU that is insulated as well as the frame. However, it may be required in situations where condensation or fog is causing energy losses. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single-pane, or repair it by drilling a small hole into the bottom of the unit and filling the solution with anti-fog.
You can also seal up the gap between windows and a sill or threshold with a felt strip or vinyl v-strip. Felt is cheap and can be glued, nailed, 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 typically reserved for areas exposed to high abrasion. Door sweeps are affordable and can be fixed to the floor, but they create little to no barrier between the sill or threshold and dust, air, and other debris.
To fix a damaged window seal make use of a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection, pry out the glazing point, which are small fasteners with sharp, pointed tips that pin the glass in the frame's recess. After taking out the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand down the wood. Wipe off any sanding traces, then seal the bare wood using a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.
Traditional glazing putty is applied using a putty knife or caulking gun, however using a knife allows for a more efficient precision and precise application. It also provides a stronger seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass windows as it will have higher adhesion and long-lasting.
Apply a thin layer of glue across the inside of the frame, where it meets 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 to the glass in order to press the putty into a tight seal. Smooth the compound with an ungloved finger, and wipe away any caulk that is applied incorrectly or spills that are not properly wiped away before it dries.
