5 Laws That Anyone Working In Glass Window Repair Should Be Aware Of

Glass Window Repair

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

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's tempting to fix the glass on your windows instead of replacing it if panes break. However, replacing a window is typically more cost-effective and may help prevent other problems that could affect your home's energy efficiency. It is also important to consider the type of glass that is broken to determine if it is temporary or if you'll require an option that is more permanent.

The first step in fixing damaged windows is to take off the frame, or sash, and lay it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window repair near pane and remove any remaining shards. Use a utility blade to scrape off the glazing compound, and the glazing points that hold the window in place. Keep an eye on the components and where they are so that they can be put back in place.

After you have removed the frame and sash you can begin to prepare to replace the glass. Make sure that the opening of the frame is of the correct size for your replacement window. Measure both ways across the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to give the expansion and Glass Window Repair contraction of the frame and glass. Afterwards, purchase double-strength glass cut to these precise dimensions. It is a good idea to purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to be installed every 6 inches around the local window repair pane.

Depending on the warranty of the window the window may be covered by the manufacturer in which case you should call the company to file a claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it needs to be covered with a thin layer of glazier's compound. After the compound is dry you can paint the frame to match.

If your crack is more than an inch You can stop it from spreading by slicing the crack with a small arc, just above the crack. This technique isn't 100% foolproof, but it can slow the development of the crack to a manageable size until you are able to take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors know how to handle various kinds of glass and have the tools necessary to do a proper job. They know how to dispose of waste in a safe manner which means they are less likely than others to leave behind a mess that could inflict harm on family members or pets. They're also familiar with different types of windows, and they may be aware of issues that aren't apparent to an inexperienced homeowner.

Before you begin the process of fixing cracked window glass, make sure to wear safety goggles and gloves. A minor crack could cause shards to fly, posing a danger to anyone who lives in or around the home. It's also important to determine what caused the crack in the first place, so that it could help avoid future issues.

Start by making an epoxy mixture that has two parts. It is usually 50/50 mix of resin and hardener, and they need to be mixed quickly. Once the mixture is prepared, apply it to the crack in the glass and leave it to dry. This should only take a few minutes however it is important to do it quickly because the mixture is very thick and quick drying.

Once the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of excess epoxy with a blade. You'll need to clean around the cracked glass. If you don't do it correctly, the residue could cause further damage to the glass. Once the glass is cleaned using a putty knife, you can use it to smooth the compound along the edge of the window and to match it with the frame made of wood.

Consider using a plastic cover for a more durable option. A trash bag that is heavy-duty or Glass Window Repair tarp is ideal, however you can also use masking tape to cover the glass. This will prevent the crack from growing and will also keep out water, wind bugs, debris, and water.

If you're not able to get to the window fast enough, you can use silicone sealant to create an interim repair. Simply apply a small amount of the material around the outside of the broken pane. It won't close the gap between the frame and glass completely, but it will hold the fracture until you are able to fix it.

Repainting

If your windows with glass are old, you may want to repaint them. This is a low-cost alternative to replacing windows and provide your home with a new look. Make sure the surface is clean before painting. Clean the window using water and soap or ruby alcohol to eliminate oil smudges as well as other residues that could hinder the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves while working on glass to avoid transferring your own oils onto the glass surface. Apply multiple thin coats instead of a single thick one. This will make the paint last longer and will keep your windows looking smooth and even.

Make sure you have the proper tools available in case you want to paint glass windows. You will need either a brush or sponge, painter's tap, a ruler and toothpicks. You should have the brushes and paints you will be using on hand. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions and have plenty of patience because it may take a while for the paint to dry.

You should also make sure the room you're working in is well ventilated if you're using solvent-based paint. This will decrease the risk of breathing toxic chemicals, and the paint will dry faster. Use a mask that is protective when using spray paints.

For older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface prior painting. Clean the glass thoroughly with soap and warm water, then use rubbing alcohol to scrub off any grease or oil that could hinder paint's adhesion. Make sure that the windows are dry before you start coating them.

If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, you might be able to submit a claim to the window manufacturer 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 had several issues with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

If you have double-pane windows with cracked seal or newer 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 is causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with just one pane, or fixing the IGU that is in place by drilling a hole through the bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging agent.

You can also seal up the gap between windows and a threshold or sill by using a felt strip or vinyl V-strip. Felt is inexpensive and can be glued, nailed, or stapled into place, but it does not offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strips are simple to put up and is durable however, it can be costly. It is generally reserved for areas that are subject to high abrasion. Door sweeps can be easily nailed in place and are inexpensive. However, they provide only a small amount of protection between the threshold and the air.

To fix a damaged window seal, use a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection, pry out the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp, pointed tips that pin the glass to the recess of the frame. After getting rid of the glazing points clean out the grooves, then sand the wood. Wipe off any sanding debris and then seal the unfinished wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.

A putty or caulking knife can be used to apply traditional glazing putty. However, the use of a knife allows for an easier application and a stronger seal. Choose a putty that is made specifically for glass windows, as it will be more adhesive and long-lasting.

Apply a thin layer of putty along the inside edge of frame where it joins the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the drawn line on the glass is aligned with the frame's edge. Apply pressure on the glass to compress the putty and create an elongated seal. Smooth the compound with gloves and get rid of any drips or caulk that were not properly applied before it has dried.