15 Lessons Your Boss Wants You To Know About Glass Window Repair You K…

Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work high above the ground, navigating massive glass panes. They adhere to strict safety standards and are often working in extreme weather conditions.

Wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and metal glazing points with a utility knife. A heat gun can help to soften and eliminate the old putty.

Replacement

It's tempting to fix the glass of your window instead of replacing it if a pane breaks. It is cheaper to replace a window, and it can also help prevent other problems in the efficiency of your home. Consider the type of glass that is broken to determine whether it's a temporary fix or if a long-term solution is needed.

The first step in repairing a broken window is to take off the sash, also known as the frame, and lay it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle and pull out any remaining shards within the window. Then, use a utility knife to cut off the glazing compound as well as the glazing points that keep the glass in the position. Make sure you keep track of these components and their locations so that they can be put back in place later.

After removing the frame and sash, you can begin to prepare to replace the glass. Make sure you check the opening of the frame is the proper size for the replacement window. To allow for frame and glass expansion and contraction, measure both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, buy double-strength glasses cut to these exact dimensions. It is a good idea to purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to install every 6 inches around the window pane.

If the manufacturer is responsible, you can call them and make an claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it needs to be sprayed with a thin layer of glazier's 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 an arc of a razor blade that is just above the crack will help stop it from spreading further. This method isn't infallible, but it will slow the development of the crack to a manageable amount until you can take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors are equipped with the proper tools and know how to work with different kinds of glass. They also know the best practices for disposing of waste, and are less likely to leave scraps that are left behind, which could injure family members or pets. They're also used to working with different window types and may be capable of identifying issues that aren't apparent to the uninitiated homeowner.

Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to starting repair work on cracked glass. Even a small break can cause shards to fly, creating a risk for anyone living in or around the home. It's important to determine the cause of the crack, since this can prevent future issues.

Begin by creating a two-part epoxy mixture. They are usually made up of a 50/50 mix of hardener and resin. They must be mixed quickly. After the mix has been made, apply it directly to the crack and let it dry. This should only take a few minutes however it is important to get it done quickly as the mixture is very dense and quick drying.

Once the epoxy has dried, you can take off excess epoxy with a putty blade. You'll need to clean the cracks in the glass. If you don't do it correctly, the resulting residue could cause further damage to the glass. After cleaning the glass, use a putty knife to smooth the compound along the edge of the window, and then align it with the frame of wood.

For a more durable solution think about using a plastic covering. You can cover the glass using masking tape or a strong-duty trashbag. This will prevent the crack from expanding, and will also block out wind, water insects, water, and other debris.

If you're not able to reach the window fast enough, you can use silicone sealant to make a temporary repair. Simply run a bead of the material around the outside of the broken pane. It won't close the gap between the frame and the glass completely however it will keep the fracture until you are able to fix it.

Repainting

If your windows with glass are old, you may want to repaint them. This is a low-cost alternative to replace your windows and will provide your home with a new appearance. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to get rid of oil smudges, as well as other traces of dirt that can hinder paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent transferring oils from your hands onto the glass. In the end, you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a thick layer. This will allow the paint to last longer and make your windows appear smooth and even.

If you're planning to repaint your glass windows, make sure you have all the right tools nearby. You'll require a sponge or brush as well as a painter's tamper along with a ruler, toothpicks and a ruler. You'll need the paints and brushes that you'll be using on hand. Be sure to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and be prepared with plenty of patience because it may take some time for the paint to dry.

You should also make sure the area you're working in is well ventilated if you're using solvent-based paint. This will help to reduce the chance of inhaling toxic chemicals, and also the paint will dry more quickly. Also, make sure you have a mask to protect yourself for any spray paints you use.

For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior painting. Use soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, use rubbing alcohol on any oil or grease residues that could interfere with the paint's adhesion. Make sure that the windows are completely dry before you begin coating them.

If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, you might be in a position to file a claim with the window manufacturer or dealer that sold them to pay any repair or replacement costs. This is particularly relevant if you've had numerous issues with condensation or broken glass while the windows are still covered by warranty.

Sealing

Whether you have old double-pane windows with damaged seal or more recent insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging, there are several methods to address the issue. It is the most expensive option to replace the insulation unit and the frame. However, it might be necessary in cases where fog or condensation is causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU by a single pane, or repairing the existing IGU by drilling a hole through the bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging solution.

You can also close the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill by using a felt strip, vinyl v-strip, or a door repair sweep. Felt is cheap and can be glued, nailed or stapled to the frame but it doesn't provide much protection from moisture. Vinyl weather stripping that is v-strip is strong and easy to put in, nearby but it is costly and is typically used for areas that are subject to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are affordable and can be put into place but they create virtually no barrier between the threshold or sill and air, dust, and other debris.

To repair a damaged window seal first, you must use a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves take out the glazing point -- small fasteners with sharp, pointed tips that pin the glass into the frame's recess. Once you have removed the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood until it is smooth. Wipe off any sanding debris 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, but using a knife will give a more precise application, and a more secure seal. Make sure you choose a putty specifically designed for glass windows, since it will be more adhesive and a longer life.

Apply a small amount of the putty on the inside edge of the frame where it meets the glass. Slide the window into frame so that the scribed line on glass lines up with edge of frame. Apply pressure to the glass to force the putty and glass into an elongated seal. Smooth the compound with fingers that are gloved, and wipe away any caulk that was applied incorrectly or drips that have escaped before it is dry.