Glass Window Repair: It's Not As Difficult As You Think

Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen are able to maneuver large panes of tempered glass from a high point above the ground. They work under extreme weather conditions and adhere to strict safety protocols.

While wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and glazing points using a knife. A heat gun may help soften the old putty and speed up removal.

Replacement

If a window pane is broken, it may be tempting to try and repair the glass rather than replace it. It is cheaper to replace windows and it will also help prevent other problems in your home's efficiency. Examine the type of glass that is broken to determine if it's a temporary fix or if a permanent 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 work table. Wearing eye protection, carefully move around and pull out any shards remaining within the window. Then, use a knife to remove the glazing compound and points that keep the glass in place. Make sure you keep the track of the components and their locations so that they can be replaced later.

After you've removed the frame and sash you can begin to prepare to replace the glass. Be sure to check that the opening of the frame is of the correct size for the replacement window. Measure both sides of the opening, and then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement in order to leave the expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Afterwards, purchase double-strength glass cut to these exact measurements. It is also a good idea to purchase enough new glazier's clips or glazier's points to be placed every 6 inches around the window pane.

If the manufacturer is responsible for this, you can call them and file a claim. After the new glass has been installed it is crucial to cover it with a thin layer of glaziers compound. After letting the compound dry and dry, you can paint it to match the rest of the window frame.

If you have a crack that is more than an inch, scoring the crack with the edge of a blade just over the crack could help prevent it from spreading any further. This trick won't be infallible, but it will slow the development of the crack down to a manageable level until you can take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers have the proper tools and know how to handle different types of glass. They also understand Glass window repair the best practices for disposing of garbage, which means they're less likely to leave waste behind, which could potentially injure 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 beginning the process of fixing cracked window glass, ensure to wear safety glasses and gloves. A minor crack could cause shards of glass to fly away, posing a danger to anyone who lives in or around the home. It's important to determine what caused the crack, since this can prevent future problems.

Begin by creating a two-part epoxy mixture. They typically are a 50/50 mixture of hardener and resin. They must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture is ready apply it to the glass crack and let it dry. This should only take some minutes but it's important to work quickly since the mixture is extremely thick and fast drying.

After the epoxy has dried, you can remove any excess using a putty knife. After that, you'll need clean the area around the cracked glass. If you don't clean the area correctly the residue could cause further damage to the glass. After the glass has been cleaned with a putty blade, use it to smooth the compound along the edges of the window and match it with the frame of wood.

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

If you're not able to reach the window quickly then you can apply silicone sealant to create an interim repair. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant on the edge of the damaged glass. It won't completely fill the gap between frame and glass however it will keep the crack in place while you repair it.

Repainting

If your windows repair with glass are old, you might consider repainting them. This is a cost-effective alternative to replacing windows and give your home a fresh look. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Clean the window using soap and water or use rubbing alcohol to remove oil smudges as well as other residues that could hinder the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to avoid the transfer of oils from your hands onto the surface. Also it is recommended to apply several thin coats of paint instead of one thick layer. 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 when you are planning to repaint glass windows. You will need either a brush or sponge painter's tap along with a ruler, toothpicks and a ruler. You'll also need the paint and brushes you'll need to complete the project. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions and have plenty of patience since it may take a while for the paint to dry.

If you are using solvent-based paint, you should make sure that the area in which you work is adequately ventilated. This will help to reduce the risk of breathing toxic chemicals, and the paint will dry faster. Use a mask that is protective when using spray paints.

It is necessary to clean the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water prior to you paint it. Clean the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water, glass window repair then apply rubbing alcohol to wash away any grease or oil that might hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are dry before you begin painting them.

If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, you may be in a position to submit a claim to the window company or dealer that sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is particularly true if the windows are still under warranty and you've experienced numerous problems with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

Whether you have old double-pane windows with a broken seal or a newer version of insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging, there are several methods to fix the issue. The most costly option is to replace the insulated unit and frame but it may be necessary if condensation or fog are causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU by a single pane, or repairing the existing IGU by drilling a hole through the bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging solution.

You can also seal the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill with a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or a door sweep. Felt is affordable and can be glued, nailed or stapled to the frame however it doesn't provide a lot of protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strip weather stripping is durable and easy to install, but it can be costly and is typically used for areas that are subject to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps can be easily nailed in place and are inexpensive. However, they offer very little or no protection between the threshold and the air.

To repair a damaged window seal make use of a putty blade to take off the caulk. Wearing protective eyewear and gloves carefully remove the glazing points -- small fasteners that pin the glass in the frame's recess with sharp and pointed ends. After getting rid of the glazing points remove the grooves, then sand the wood. Clean any sanding dust and then seal the unfinished wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.

Traditional glazing putty can be applied with a putty knife or caulking gun, however a knife provides a better precision and precise application. It also will provide a better seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass windows, since it will be more adhesive and a longer life.

Apply a thin layer of glue along the inside edge of frame where it joins the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that scribed line on the glass is aligned with edge of frame. Apply pressure to the glass to force the putty and create an elongated seal. Smooth the compound with a gloved finger, and wipe away any caulk that was applied incorrectly or spills that are not properly wiped away before it is dry.