Glass Window Repair: 11 Thing You're Not Doing

Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work from high above the ground, moving huge glass panes. They adhere to strict safety guidelines and are often working in extreme weather conditions.

Wearing protective clothing, cut off the glazing points made of metal and all glazing putty with an utility knife. A heat gun can soften the old putty and speed up removal.

Replacement

When a window pane breaks, it can be tempting to try and repair the glass rather than replace it. However, replacing a window is often more cost-effective and may help prevent other problems with your home's energy efficiency. You should also take into consideration the kind of glass that is broken to determine if this is temporary or if you will need to invest in an option that is more permanent.

To fix a broken window, take off the sash or frame and lay it flat on the floor. While wearing eye protection, carefully move the frame and remove any shards remaining in the window pane. Use a utility blade to scrape off the glazing compound, as well as the glazing points that keep the window in place. Keep track of the components and their location so that they can be put back in place.

After the frame and sash are removed, you can begin preparing to install the new glass. Be sure to check that the opening of the frame is of the correct size for Glass Window Repair your replacement window. To allow for frame and glass expansion and contraction to both directions, measure the opening and Glass Window Repair subtract 1/8 inch. After that, you can purchase double-strength glasses 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 window pane.

Depending on the window's warranty it could be covered by the manufacturer, in which case you must contact them to make a claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it should be sprayed with a thin layer of glazier's compound. After the compound is dry you can paint the frame to be a perfect match.

If you have a crack that is more than an inch, scoring a small arc with the edge of a blade just over the crack will help stop it from spreading further. This technique isn't 100% infallible, but it will slow the growth of the crack to a manageable amount until you are able to take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers are equipped with the right tools and know how to work with various types of glass. They know how to dispose of waste in a safe manner, so they are less likely than other people to leave behind scraps which could cause harm to family members or pets. They're also used to working with various types of windows and may be able to spot problems that aren't apparent to a homeowner who isn't experienced.

Wear safety goggles and gloves before you begin the process of repairing cracked glass. A small crack could cause glass shards to fly away and put anyone at risk inside or around the house. It is important to determine what caused the crack, as this can prevent future problems.

Begin by creating an epoxy mixture that has two parts. These are usually a 50/50 mix of hardener and resin and they need to be quickly mixed. Once the mixture has been made, apply it directly to the crack and let it dry. It should take only about a few minutes, but you must be quick as the mixture is very thick and drys quickly.

After the epoxy has dried, you can take off any excess using a putty knife. After that, you'll need clean the area around the cracked glass. If you don't do this properly, the residue can cause further damage to the glass. After cleaning the glass using a putty knife, you can use it to smooth the compound along the edges of the window and to match it with the wood frame.

For a more durable solution, consider using a plastic cover. A trash bag that is heavy-duty or tarp is ideal, however 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.

You can create an interim fix in the event that you are unable to get to the window in time. Simply run a bead of the substance around the outside edge of the broken window. It won't seal the gap between the glass and the frame completely, but it will hold the broken piece in place until you can fix it.

Repainting

Repainting old glass windows is a good idea. This is a low-cost alternative to window replacement and will give your home a fresh new appearance. Make sure the window repair near me is clean before painting. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to wash away oil smudges, and other residues that could prevent paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass to avoid the risk of transferring your own oils onto the surface of the window. Finally you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a thick layer. This will make the paint last longer, and will keep your windows looking even and smooth.

If you're planning to repaint your glass windows, make sure you have the appropriate tools in your arsenal. You'll need a brush, sponge, painter's tape toothpicks, a ruler and a few other tools like paper towels or a rag. It is recommended to have the paints and brushes that you will be using in your kit. Make sure you adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and have a good amount of patience as it can take a while for the paint to dry.

If you're using solvent-based paint, you should make sure that the area in which you work is well-ventilated. This will help to reduce the chance of inhaling harmful chemicals, and the paint will dry faster. It is also important to ensure you have a mask to protect yourself for any spray paints you use.

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

If you have energy-efficient double pane windows on your windows, it may be possible to submit a claim for repair or replacement with the window company or dealer who sold them. This is especially true if the windows are still under warranty and you've experienced multiple issues with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

Whether you have old double-pane windows with broken seal or a newer version of insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging or fog, there are many options to address the issue. It is the most expensive option to replace both the IGU that is insulated as well as the frame. However, it could be necessary in cases where fog or condensation is creating energy loss. Other options include replacing the 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 close 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 does not offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl weather stripping that is v-strip is strong and easy to install, but it can be expensive and is typically reserved for areas that are exposed to high abrasion. Door sweeps are inexpensive and can be nailed into place however they provide virtually no barrier between the sill or threshold and dust, air and other debris.

To repair a damaged window seal make use of a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves carefully remove the glazing points -- small fasteners that hold the glass in the frame's recess using sharp, pointed ends. After removing the glazing points, scrub the grooves and sand the wood to a smooth finish. Wipe away any sanding sludge 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, using a knife will give an easier application and a stronger seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass, since it is more durable and will adhere better.

Apply a thin layer on the inside of the frame, where it meets the glass. Slide the window into frame in a way that the scribed line on glass lines up with edge of frame. Apply pressure on the glass to compress the putty and glass to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound with a gloved hand and remove any drips or caulk that were applied incorrectly before it dries.