17 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Ignore Glass Window Repair

Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work up above the ground, moving huge glass panes. They work under extreme conditions and follow strict safety protocols.

While wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and metal glazing points using a utility knife. A heat gun can to soften and eliminate the old putty.

Replacement

When a window's pane is broken, it may be tempting to try and repair the glass instead of replace it. It is cheaper to replace a window and it will also help avoid other issues that could affect the efficiency of your home. You should also consider the type of glass that's broken to determine if it is an interim fix or if you'll need to invest in a more permanent solution.

To repair a broken window, you must remove the frame or sash, and place it flat on your work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window pane and pull out any remaining shards. Then, use a utility knife to remove the glazing compound and glazing points that keep the glass in the position. Make sure you keep the track of the location of these components to make sure they can be replaced later.

Once the frame and sash have been removed then you can begin the process of preparing to install the new glass. Be sure to check that the opening of the frame is the proper size for the replacement window. To allow for frame and glass expansion and contraction to both directions, measure the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, buy double-strength glass cut to these precise dimensions. It is also a good idea to purchase enough new glazier's glazier's pointing or clips to be positioned every 6 inches around the window pane.

Based on the window's warranty the window may be covered by the manufacturer, in which case you should call the company to file an claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it must be covered with a thin coating of the compound used by glaziers. After letting the compound dry then you can paint it to match the rest of the frame.

If your crack is more than an inch, you can prevent it from expanding by scoring an arc that is just a little beyond the crack. This technique isn't 100% completely foolproof, but it could slow the development of the crack to a manageable amount until you are able to take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers are equipped with the proper tools and know how to handle 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 inflict harm on family members or pets. They're also familiar with different types of windows and are aware of issues that aren't apparent to a homeowner who isn't experienced.

Before beginning the process of repairing cracked window glass, ensure to wear safety goggles and gloves. A minor crack could cause shards of glass to fly away, posing a danger to anyone in or around the home. It's also important to figure out what caused the crack in the first place, since it could help avoid future problems.

Begin by creating a two-part epoxy mixture. They are usually a 50/50 mixture of hardener and resin. They must be mixed quickly. When the mixture is ready put it in the glass crack and allow it to dry. It should only take a couple of minutes, but you must be quick as the mixture is very thick and drys quickly.

After the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of any excess with a putty knife. Then, Glass Window Repair you'll have to clean the area around the crack of glass. If you do not clean the area properly the leftovers 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 to the wood frame.

Think about using a plastic lid for a more robust option. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a strong-duty trash bag. This will stop the crack from spreading, and will also keep wind, water and insects out.

You can make a temporary fix in the event that you are unable to reach the window in an efficient manner. Simply run a bead of the material around the outside edge of the damaged pane. It won't seal the gap between the frame and glass completely, but it will hold the fracture until you can repair it.

Repainting

Repainting your old glass windows is a good idea. This is a cost-effective alternative to replace your windows and can give your house a new look. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to remove oil smudges, as well as other residues which can prevent paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass to avoid the risk of transferring your own oils onto the window's surface. Also you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of one thick layer. This will make the paint last longer, and keep your windows looking even and smooth.

Make sure you have the right tools available if you plan to repaint glass windows. You will need brushes or sponges as well as a painter's tamper as well as a ruler and toothpicks. You'll need the paints and brushes that you will be using on hand. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Have patience as it can take a while for the paint to completely dry.

It is also important to ensure that the room you're working in is well ventilated, especially if you're using solvent-based paint. This will decrease the chance of inhaling toxic chemicals, and also the paint will dry more quickly. Use a protective mask when using spray paints.

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

If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, then you might be eligible to file a claim with the window manufacturer or dealer that sold them to pay any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if the windows are still under warranty and you've experienced multiple problems with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

Whether you have old double-pane windows that have a broken seal or a newer version of insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced defogging or fog, there are many options to fix the issue. It is the most expensive option to replace the IGU that is insulated as well as the frame. However, it could be necessary in cases where fog or condensation is causing energy losses. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single-pane or repairing it by drilling a small hole in the bottom of the unit, and then filling the solution with anti-fog.

You can also close the gap between the window repairs frame and the sill or threshold with a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or a door sweep. Felt is cheap and can be glued, nailed, or stapled into place, but it does not offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip is easy to install and durable, but can be expensive. It is usually reserved for areas subjected to high abrasion. Door sweeps are inexpensive and can be fixed to the floor however they provide virtually no barrier between the threshold or sill and dust, air, and other debris.

To repair a broken window seal, use a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves carefully remove the glazing points -- small fasteners that hold the glass into the frame's recess, with sharp, pointed ends. After removing the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood to a smooth finish. Clean any sanding residue, 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, however the use of a knife allows for an easier application and a more secure seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass, since it will be more durable and stick better.

Apply a small amount of the putty to the inner edge of the frame where it touches the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the drawn line on the glass aligns with the frame's edge. Apply pressure on the glass to compress the putty into a tight seal. Smooth the compound using gloves and get rid of any caulk or Glass Window Repair drips that were applied incorrectly before it dries.