10 Misconceptions Your Boss Holds About Glass Window Repair

Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work up off the ground, maneuvering massive glass panes. They work under extreme conditions and follow strict safety protocols.

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

Replacement

When a window pane breaks, it can be tempting to try and repair the glass instead of replace it. It is cheaper to replace a window, and it can also help you prevent other problems in the efficiency of your home. Take a look at the type of broken glass to determine whether it's a temporary fix or if a more permanent solution is required.

The first step in fixing a broken window is to remove the sash, or frame and place it flat on a table. While 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 the position. Keep the track of the components and their location so they can be reinstalled.

After you have removed the frame and sash you can begin preparing to replace the glass. Make sure you check the opening of the frame is the right size for the replacement window. Measure both sides of the opening, and then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to allow space for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. After that, you can purchase double-strength glasses cut to these exact measurements. It is also recommended to purchase enough new glazier's glazier's pointing or clips to be positioned every 6 inches around the window pane.

If the manufacturer is responsible then you should call them and Glass Window Repair make a claim. After the new glass has been put in place it is essential to cover it with a thin layer glaziers compound. After letting the compound dry then you can paint it to match the frame of the window.

If your crack is longer than an inch, you can prevent it from spreading by scoring the crack with a small arc, just above the crack. This trick won't be foolproof, but it can slow the development of the crack to a manageable level until you can take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors know how to handle various kinds of glass types, and they have the tools needed to complete an excellent job. They are able to dispose of waste safely and are therefore less likely than others to leave behind pieces of glass which could cause harm to family pets or members of the family. They're also used to working with different window types, and they may be aware of issues that aren't obvious to a homeowner who isn't experienced.

Before beginning the process of repairing cracked window glass, be sure that you wear safety goggles and gloves. A minor crack could cause shards to fly, posing a danger to anyone living in or around the home. It's also important to determine the cause of the crack in the first place, so that it can help prevent future problems.

Start by making a two-part epoxy mixture. It is usually 50/50 mix of resin and hardener, and they need to be quickly mixed. Once the mixture is ready apply it to the crack in the glass and allow it to dry. This should only take a few minutes but it's important to do it quickly because the mixture is very thick and fast-drying.

After the epoxy has dried, you can remove excess epoxy with a putty blade. The next step is to clean around the cracked glass. If you do not clean the area properly the residue could cause further damage to the glass. Use a putty blade smooth the compound around the window's edge and then match it to the frame of wood.

If you want a more durable solution, consider using a plastic covering. A trash bag that is heavy-duty or tarp is ideal, however you can also use masking tape to cover the glass. This will stop the crack from spreading and will also keep wind, water and bugs out.

You can come up with an interim solution in the event that you are unable to access the window in time. Apply a small amount silicone sealant around the edges of the broken glass. It won't close the gap between the glass and the frame completely however it will keep the broken piece in place until you are able to repair it.

Repainting

If your glass windows are old, you might consider repainting them. This is an affordable alternative to replacing windows and it can give your home a new look. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Clean the window using water and soap or ruby alcohol to eliminate oil smudges and other traces that can prevent 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 surface of the window. Apply several thin coats instead of one thick coat. This will help the paint last longer, and ensure that your windows appear even and smooth.

If you're planning on repainting your glass windows, ensure that you have the appropriate tools at hand. You'll need brushes or sponges painter's tap along with a ruler, toothpicks and a ruler. You'll need the paints and brushes that you'll be using in your kit. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and have a good amount of patience as it can take some time for the paint to dry.

If you are using solvent-based paints, you must also ensure that the room in which you work is adequately ventilated. This will lower the risk of breathing into toxic chemicals and permit the paint to dry quicker. Also, make sure you wear a mask that is protective for any spray paints you apply.

For older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface prior to painting. Use warm water and soap to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, use rubbing alcohol on any grease or oil remnants that may hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are dry prior to coating them.

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

Sealing

There are many ways to fix the problem depending on regardless of whether you have an old double glazed window repairs-pane window that has a cracked seal, or if you have a newer insulated unit (IGU) that has experienced defogging. 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 alternatives include replacing the current IGU with a single-pane or repair it by drilling a small hole in the bottom of the unit, and then filling the solution with anti-fog.

You can also seal up the gap between windows and a threshold or sill using a felt strip, or vinyl V-strip. Felt is affordable and can be fixed by gluing, nailing, or stapled into place however it doesn't provide much protection from moisture. Vinyl weather stripping that is v-strip is strong and simple to install however, it is costly and is generally reserved for Glass Window Repair areas that are exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps can be easily nailed to the floor and are affordable. However, they provide very little or no protection between the threshold and the air.

To fix a damaged window seal, use a putty blade to take off the caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection take care to remove the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that fix the glass to the frame's recess, with sharp and pointed ends. After removing the glazing points, scrub the grooves and sand the wood to a smooth finish. Wipe off any sanding debris, then seal the bare wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.

A putty or caulking knife can be used to apply the traditional glazing putty, however using a knife will give a more precise application, and a more secure seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass as it is more durable and adhere better.

Apply a thin layer on the inside of the frame where it meets with the glass. Slide the window into the frame, so that the cut line on the glass lines up with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to compress the putty into a solid seal. Smooth the compound using gloves and then remove any caulk or drips that were not properly applied before it has dried.