5 Laws Anyone Working In Glass Window Repair Should Know

Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen are able to maneuver large glass panes from a height above the ground. They adhere to strict safety guidelines and frequently work in extreme weather conditions.

Wearing protective clothing, remove the metal glazing points and all glazing putty with an utility knife. A heat gun will help soften and remove the old putty.

Replacement

It is tempting to fix the glass of your window instead of replacing it if a pane breaks. It is cheaper to replace a window, and it can also help you avoid other issues that could affect the efficiency of your home. You should also take into consideration the kind of glass that is damaged to determine if it is temporary or if you'll need to invest in an option that is more permanent.

To repair a broken window, take off the sash or frame and lay it flat on the floor. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window's pane and then remove any remaining shards. Utilize a utility knife to scrape off the glazing compound, and the glazing points that secure the window. Keep track of the components and their location to ensure they are reinstalled.

After the frame and sash windows repair 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 your replacement window. Measure both sides of the opening, and then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to give the expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, purchase double-strength glass cut to these exact dimensions. It is a good idea also to purchase enough glazier's clips or points to place them every 6 inches around each window pane.

Depending on the warranty of the window the window may be covered by the manufacturer in which case you must contact the company to file a claim. After the new glass has been installed it is crucial to cover it with a thin layer of glaziers compound. Once the compound is dry, you can paint the frame to match.

If you have a crack that is more than an inch, cutting an arc of a razor blade that is just above the crack could help prevent it from spreading any further. This trick won't be foolproof, but it can slow the growth of the crack to a manageable size until you can take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors are trained to deal with a variety of glass, and they have the tools needed to complete an excellent job. They know how to dispose of waste in a safe manner which means they are less likely than other contractors to leave behind scraps that could harm family members or pets. They are also familiar with working with different types of windows and could be able to spot issues that an inexperienced home owner might not be able to notice.

Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to starting the process of repairing cracked glass. A small crack could cause shards of glass to fly and pose a risk to anyone inside or around the house. It's also crucial to determine the cause of the crack in the first place, so that it can help prevent future issues.

Start by making a two-part epoxy mixture. These are usually 50/50 mixture of hardener and resin, and they need to be mixed quickly. When the mixture is prepared put it in the crack in the glass and allow it to dry. It will take just a few minutes but it's important to get it done quickly as the mixture is very dense and quick drying.

Once the epoxy is dried, you can remove any excess using a putty knife. After that, you'll need clean the area around the crack of glass. If you don't do it properly, the residue can cause further damage to the glass. After cleaning the glass using a putty knife, you can use it to smooth the compound along the edges of the window and to match it to the frame of wood.

You could consider using a plastic cover for a more robust option. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is the best option, but you can also apply masking tape to the glass. This will keep the crack from expanding and will also block out water, wind bugs, debris, and water.

You can create an interim fix in the event that you are unable to get to the window in time. Simply run a bead of the substance around the outside edge of the broken pane. It won't seal the gap between the frame and the glass completely however it will keep the break in place until you can fix it.

Repainting

Repainting your old glass windows is a good idea. This is an affordable alternative to window replacement and can give your home a new look. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to remove oil smudges and other residues which can prevent paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves while working on glass to avoid transferring your own oils onto the surface of the window. Apply several thin coats rather than one thick coat. This will help the paint last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.

Make sure you have the right tools in your arsenal in case you want to paint glass windows. You'll need a brush or sponge, painter's adhesive, a ruler, toothpicks, and a few other tools, such as a rag or paper towel. You'll need the paints and brushes that you will be using in your kit. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions and have a good amount of patience since it may take awhile for the paint to dry.

If you are using solvent-based paint, you should also ensure that the space in which you work is well ventilated. This will help to reduce the risk of inhaling harmful chemicals, and the paint will dry more quickly. Use a mask that is protective when using spray paints.

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

If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, then you might be eligible to submit a claim to the window manufacturer or dealer who sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially relevant if you've had several issues with broken glass or condensation and the windows are covered under warranty.

Sealing

There are a variety of options to address the issue, regardless of whether you have an old double-pane glass with a cracked seal, or if you own an insulated unit (IGU) that has experienced fogging. 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 existing IGU with a single-pane, or repairing it by drilling a small hole in the bottom of the unit and Glass Window Repair then filling the solution with anti-fog.

You can also close the gap between the window frame and the sill or threshold with a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or door sweep. Felt can be stapled, glued or placed in place, but doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip is easy to install and durable however, it can be costly. It is usually used in areas that are exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are affordable and can be fixed into place however they provide very little or no protection between the sill or threshold and dust, air, and debris.

To repair a damaged window seal make use of a putty blade to take off the caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves, carefully pry out the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that hold the glass in the frame's recess, with sharp and pointed edges. After removing the glazing points, remove the grooves and sand down the wood. Wipe off any sanding debris and then seal the unfinished wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.

Traditional glazing putty is applied using either a putty knife or a caulking gun, however using a knife allows for a more efficient, more precise application and provides a stronger seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass as it will be more durable and stick better.

Apply a thin layer across the inside of the frame where it joins the glass. Slide the window into frame in a way that the scribed line on the glass is aligned with edge of frame. Apply pressure on the glass to press the putty and create an elongated seal. Smooth the compound using an ungloved finger and clean up any caulk that is applied incorrectly or spills that are not properly wiped away prior to drying.