17 Reasons To Not Be Ignoring Glass Window Repair

Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work high off the ground, maneuvering huge panes of glass. They follow strict safety protocols and are often working in extreme weather conditions.

Wearing protective clothing, take off the metal glazing points and the glazing putty by using a utility knife. A heat gun can help soften and remove the old putty.

Replacement

It is tempting to repair the window glass instead of replacing it if a pane breaks. However, replacing a window is typically more cost-effective, and can also aid in preventing other issues in your home's energy efficiency. It is also important to consider the kind of glass that is broken to determine if it is an interim fix or if you'll need to invest in an option that is more permanent.

The first step in repairing a broken window is to remove the frame, or sash and lay it flat on a table. Wearing eye protection, gently move around and pull out any shards that remain in the window pane. Then, use a knife to peel off the glazing compound as well as the glazing points that hold the glass in the position. Keep an eye on the components and their locations to ensure they are reinstalled.

After you've removed the frame and sash, you can start preparing to replace the glass. Make sure you check 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 give space for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Afterwards, purchase double glazing-strength glass cut to these precise dimensions. It is also an excellent idea to buy enough new glazier's points or clips to be installed every 6 inches around the window pane.

If the manufacturer is responsible for this then you should call them and file a claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it must be bedded in with a thin coating of glazier's compound. After drying the compound, you can paint it to match the frame of the window.

If the crack is greater than an inch in length, you can prevent it from spreading by slicing an arc that is just a little beyond the crack. This technique isn't 100% foolproof but it will slow down the development of the crack until you can take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors are trained to handle a variety of glass and have the tools to do an excellent job. They also know the best methods for disposing of garbage, which means they're less likely to leave scraps in the trash, which could hurt pets or family members. They're also familiar with different window types, and they may be capable of identifying issues that aren't obvious to an inexperienced homeowner.

Before beginning the process of fixing cracked window glass, ensure that you wear safety goggles and gloves. Even a small break can cause shards to fly off, which could pose a risk to anyone in or around the home. It is crucial to determine the cause of the crack, so that you could prevent future problems.

Make a two-part mix of epoxy. They usually consist of made up of a 50/50 mix of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. When the mixture is ready put it in the crack in the glass and allow it to dry. It will take just some minutes, but you must be quick as the mixture is extremely thick and dries very quickly.

After the epoxy has dried, you can remove any excess using a putty knife. You'll need to scrub the cracked glass. If you do not clean the area correctly the residue could cause further damage to the glass. After the glass has been cleaned, use a putty knife to smooth the compound along the edges of the window and align it with the frame made of wood.

Think about using a plastic lid for a more robust option. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is ideal, but you can also apply masking tape to the glass. This will prevent the crack from expanding and will also block out wind, water bugs, debris, and water.

If you're not able to reach the window quickly, you can use silicone sealant to create temporary repairs. Apply a small amount silicone sealant to the edges of the broken glass. It won't completely seal the gap between the frame and glass completely, but it will hold the break in place until you can repair it.

Repainting

If your glass windows are old, you may consider repainting them. This is an affordable alternative to window replacement and will give your home a fresh new look. Make sure that the surface is clean before painting. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to get rid of oil smudges and other residues which can prevent paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to avoid transferring oils from your hands onto the surface. Apply several thin coats instead of one thick coat. This will allow the paint to last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.

If you're planning on repainting your glass windows, make sure you have the appropriate tools in your arsenal. You will need either a brush or sponge painter's tap as well as a ruler and toothpicks. You should have the brushes and paints you will be using on hand. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Be patient because it could take a while for the paint to fully dry.

If you're using solvent-based paint, you should also ensure that the space in which you work is well ventilated. This will reduce the chance of breathing in harmful chemicals and allow the paint to dry more quickly. Wear a mask to protect yourself when using spray paints.

For older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface before painting. Use warm water and soap to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, use rubbing alcohol on any grease or oil residues that might hinder the paint's adhesion. Be sure that the windows are dry before you begin painting them.

If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, you may be able to make a claim with the window company 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 multiple issues with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

If you have double-pane windows with a broken seal or a newer version of insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging or fog, there are many options to fix the issue. The most expensive option is to replace the insulated unit and frame however it could be required if fog or condensation cause energy loss. Other options include replacing the existing IGU with a single-pane, or fixing it by drilling a small hole into the bottom of the unit and filling the solution with anti-fog.

You can also fill in the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill by using a felt strip vinyl v-strips, or a door sweep. Felt can be stapled, glued, or put in place, but it doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip is easy to install and durable, but can be expensive. It is generally reserved for areas exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are affordable and can be fixed to the floor, but they create very little or no protection between the threshold or sill and dust, air, and debris.

To repair a broken window seal, use a putty blade to scrape off the caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection remove the glazing point -- small fasteners with sharp pointed tips that hold the glass to the frame's recess. After you have removed the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood to a smooth finish. Clean any sanding dust, then seal the bare wooden surface with a linseed-oil-based paint or clear sealer.

A putty or caulking knife can be used to apply the traditional glazing putty, however the use of a knife allows for the most precise application and a stronger seal. Make sure you choose a putty specifically designed for glass windows as it will have higher adhesion and a longer life.

Apply a thin layer across the inside of the frame where it joins the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the scribed line on glass lines up with edge of frame. Apply pressure to the glass to press the putty and create an elongated seal. Smooth the compound with fingers that are gloved and clean up any mistakenly applied caulk or spills that are not properly wiped away before it is dry.