How To Outsmart Your Boss On Glass Window Repair

Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen can maneuver large panes of tempered glass from a height higher than the ground. They follow strict safety protocols and often work under extreme weather conditions.

While wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and glazing points using a utility knife. A heat gun can soften the old putty and accelerate the removal process.

Replacement

It's tempting to fix the glass of your window instead of replacing it if panes break. It is cheaper to replace a window, and it can also help you avoid other issues that could affect the efficiency of your home. Examine the kind of glass damaged to determine if it's a temporary fix, or if a long-term solution is required.

To fix a broken window, take off the frame or sash, and place it flat on your work surface. While wearing eye protection, gently move around and pull out any shards that remain in the window repairs pane. Utilize a utility knife to cut off the glazing compound, and the glazing points that hold the window in place. Keep an eye on the components and their location so that they can be put back in place.

Once the frame and sash have been removed then you can begin the process of preparing to install new glass. Be sure to check that the opening of the frame is of the correct size for your replacement window. Take measurements both ways across the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to allow room for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, buy double-strength glasses that are cut to these exact dimensions. It is also recommended to purchase enough new glazier's points or clips to be installed every 6 inches around the window pane.

If the manufacturer is responsible, you can call them and submit an claim. After the new glass has been erected it is essential to cover it with a thin layer of glaziers compound. Once the compound has dried, you can paint the frame to match.

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 is not foolproof however it can slow the development of the crack until you can take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors are equipped with the right tools and know how to work with various types of glass. They know how to dispose of waste safely, so they are less likely than others to leave behind pieces of glass that could harm family members or pets. They are also experienced in working with different kinds of windows, and may be able to spot issues that a novice home owner might not see.

Before you begin the process of repairing cracked window glass, ensure that you wear safety goggles and gloves. A minor crack could cause shards to fly off, creating a risk for anyone who lives in or around the home. It's also crucial to determine the cause of the crack in the first place, so that it could help avoid future problems.

Create a two-part mixture of epoxy. It is usually 50/50 mix of hardener and resin and they need to be mixed quickly. When the mixture is done put it in the glass crack and allow it to dry. It will take just some minutes, but it is important to work quickly because the mixture is thick and will dry quickly.

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

You could consider using a plastic cover for a more robust option. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a sturdy trash bag. This will stop the crack from growing and will also keep out water, wind insects, water, and other debris.

If you're not able to reach the window quickly and you're not able to get there quickly, you can use silicone sealant to create a temporary repair. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant to the edge of the broken glass. 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 windows with glass are old, you may need to paint them. This is a low-cost alternative to replace windows and give your house a new look. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Wash the window with water and soap or rubbing alcohol to remove oil smudges and other residues that can prevent the paint from adhering. You should also wear rubber gloves when working on glass to avoid transferring your own oils onto the window's surface. Apply several thin coats instead of one thick coat. This will allow the paint to last longer and make your windows appear smooth and even.

Make sure you have the right tools in your arsenal in case you want to paint glass windows. You will need brushes or sponges, painter's tap, a ruler and toothpicks. You should also have the paint and brushes you'll need to complete the project. Follow the manufacturer's directions. Have patience because it could take a while for the paint to completely dry.

If you are using solvent-based paints, you must also ensure that the space in which you work is well ventilated. This will lower the risk of breathing in harmful chemicals and allow the paint to dry quicker. It is also important to ensure you wear a mask that is protective for any spray paints you use.

For older glass windows, installer you'll need to prepare the surface prior painting. Use 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. Be sure that the windows are completely dried before you begin painting them.

If you have energy-efficient double-pane windows on your windows, it might be possible to submit an insurance claim for repair or replacement with the window company or dealer that sold the windows. This is especially relevant if you've had numerous issues with broken glass or condensation even though the windows are covered under warranty.

Sealing

There are several ways to resolve the issue regardless of regardless of whether you have an old double-pane window that has a cracked seal, or if you own an insulation unit (IGU) that has experienced defogging. It is the most expensive option to replace the insulated unit as well as the frame. However, it could be necessary if fog or condensation is causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with just one pane, or repairing the existing IGU by drilling a hole in the bottom and filling it 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 can be stapled, glued or nailed into place but is not a great protection against moisture. Vinyl weather stripping that is v-strip is strong and easy to install, but it can be costly and is generally reserved for areas that are exposed to high abrasion. Door sweeps are easy to nail to the floor and are affordable. However, they provide only a small amount of protection between the threshold and air.

To fix a cracked window seal first, employ a putty knife to scrape off the caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection take care to remove the glazing points -- small fasteners that hold the glass to the frame's recess using sharp and pointed ends. After removing the glazing points, scrub the grooves and sand the wood smooth. Wipe off any sanding traces, then seal the bare wood with a linseed oil based paint or clear wood sealer.

A putty or caulking knife can be used to apply traditional glazing putty, but using a knife will give an easier application and a more secure seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass windows, as it will be more adhesive and long-lasting.

Apply a small amount of the putty on the inside edge of the frame where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the scribed line on glass aligns with edge of frame. Apply pressure on the glass to press the putty and glass into a tight seal. Smooth the compound with a gloved finger, and wipe away any mistakenly applied caulk or drips that have escaped prior to drying.