10 Misconceptions Your Boss Shares About Glass Window Repair

Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work high off the ground, maneuvering huge glass panes. They work in extreme conditions and follow strict safety protocols.

While wearing protective clothing remove all glaze putty and Glass Window Repair glazing points using a knife. A heat gun can to soften and take off the old putty.

Replacement

It can be tempting to fix the glass on your windows instead of replacing it if a pane breaks. However, replacing windows is usually more cost-effective and can aid in preventing other issues that could affect your home's energy efficiency. Examine the kind of glass damaged to determine whether it's a temporary fix, or if a more permanent solution is needed.

The first step in repairing broken windows is to remove the frame, or sash and place it flat on a table. Wearing eye protection, carefully move around and pull out any shards remaining in the window pane. Use a utility blade to scrape off the glazing compound, as well as the glazing points that keep the window in place. Keep track of the components and their locations so they can be reinstalled.

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

Depending on the warranty of the window it could be covered by the manufacturer in which case you need to contact them to file a claim. After the new glass has been erected it is essential to cover it with a thin layer glaziers compound. Once the compound is dry you can paint the frame to be a perfect match.

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

Repair

Professional window contractors are trained to deal with a variety of glass, and they have the tools to do the job correctly. They also understand the best practices for disposing of garbage, Glass Window Repair which means they're less likely to leave waste behind, which could potentially hurt pets or family members. They're also used to working with different types of windows and are able to spot problems that aren't obvious to an inexperienced homeowner.

Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to starting repair work on cracked glass. A minor crack could cause shards of glass to fly away, posing a danger to anyone living in or around the home. It's important to determine the cause of the crack, since this could prevent future issues.

Make a two-part mix of epoxy. These are usually 50/50 mixture of hardener and resin, and they need to be mixed quickly. Once the mixture is done, apply it to the crack in the glass and leave it to dry. It should only take about a few minutes, but it is important to be quick as the mixture is very thick and will dry quickly.

After the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of excess epoxy with a putty blade. Then, you'll need to clean the area around the cracked glass. If you don't do it correctly, the resulting residue could cause further damage to the glass. Make use of a putty knife to smooth out the compound around the edge of your window and match it with the frame of wood.

Consider using a plastic cover to make a more durable choice. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a heavy-duty trashbag. This will keep the crack from expanding, and will also block out wind, water, bugs, and debris.

You can come up with an interim fix when you are unable get to the window in an efficient manner. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant on the edge of the broken glass. It won't seal the gap between the frame and glass completely however it will keep the broken piece in place until you can repair it.

Repainting

Repainting your old glass windows is a good idea. This is an affordable alternative to window replacement and it can give your home a fresh new appearance. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Wash the window with soap and water or use rubbing alcohol to remove oil smudges and other traces which can hinder the paint from adhering. It is also recommended to wear rubber gloves when working on glass to prevent the transfer of your own oils onto the glass surface. Apply several thin coats instead of a single thick one. This will allow the paint to last longer and will keep your windows looking even and smooth.

Make sure you have the right tools on hand when you are planning to repaint glass windows. You'll need either a brush or sponge as well as a painter's tamper, a ruler and toothpicks. It is also recommended to have the brushes and paint you'll use for the project on hand. Follow the manufacturer's directions. Have patience as it can take a while for the paint to fully dry.

Also, ensure that the space you're working is well ventilated if you're using solvent-based paint. This will decrease the risk of breathing into toxic chemicals and allow the paint to dry more quickly. Use a mask that is protective when using spray paints.

For older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface before painting. Clean the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water. You can then use rubbing alcohol to clean off any grease or oil that could affect the adhesion of the paint. Make sure the windows are dry before you begin coating them.

If you have energy-efficient double-pane windows on your windows, it might be possible to file an insurance claim for repair or replacement with the window manufacturer or the dealer who sold them. This is especially true if your windows are still under warranty and you've had multiple problems with condensation or damaged glass.

Sealing

If you have double-pane windows repairs near me with a cracked seal or newer insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging or fog, there are many options for fixing the problem. The most costly option is to replace the frame and insulated unit however it could be required if fog or condensation cause energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single-pane or fixing it by drilling a small hole in the bottom of the unit, and then filling the solution with anti-fog.

You can also fill in the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill by using a felt strip vinyl v-strips, or door sweep. Felt can be stapled, glued, or nailed into place but doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strips are simple to install and durable however it can be expensive. It is generally reserved for areas that are exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps can be easily nailed in place and are inexpensive. However, they offer little or no protection between the threshold and air.

To repair a damaged upvc window repairs near me seal using a putty knife, you need to remove the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection carefully remove the glazing points -- small fasteners that fix the glass to the frame's recess using sharp, pointed edges. After removing the glazing points, clean out the grooves and sand down the wood. Wipe away any sanding sludge then seal the wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.

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

Apply a thin layer along the inside edge of frame where it joins the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the scribed line on the glass aligns with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass in order to compress the putty into a tight seal. Smooth the compound with an ungloved finger and clean up any mistakenly applied caulk or spills that are not properly wiped away before it is dry.