20 Things You Need To Be Educated About Glass Window Repair

Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work high above the ground, moving massive glass panes. They work in extreme conditions and follow strict safety protocols.

Wearing protective clothing, remove the metal glazing points and all glazing putty with an utility knife. A heat gun will help soften and remove the old putty.

Replacement

If a window pane breaks, it can be tempting to try and repair the glass instead of replace it. However, replacing windows is usually more cost-effective and can help prevent other problems in your home's energy efficiency. Take a look at the type of glass that is broken to determine if it's a temporary fix, or if a long-term solution is required.

To repair a broken window, you must remove the frame or sash, and place it on the work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window's frame and remove any remaining fragments. Utilize a utility blade to remove the glazing compound, as well as the glazing points that secure the window. Keep an eye on the components and their locations so that they can be put back in place.

After the frame and sash have been removed and the frame is removed, you can begin preparation to install new glass. Before you begin make sure that the opening in the frame is size for the replacement window. To allow for the expansion of the frame and glass and window repair contraction take measurements in both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, buy double-strength glasses that are cut to these exact dimensions. It is also recommended to purchase enough new glazier's points or clips to be installed every 6 inches around the window pane.

Based on the window's warranty the window may be covered by the manufacturer and in this case, you need to contact them to file an claim. Once the new glass is installed, it needs to be sprayed with a thin layer of the compound used by glaziers. After letting the compound dry then you can paint it to match the frame of the window.

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 prevent it from spreading any further. This trick won't be foolproof, but it can slow the growth of the crack down to a manageable size until you can 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 in a safe manner and are therefore less likely than other people to leave behind scraps that could harm family pets or family members. They are also experienced in working with various types of windows, and may be able to spot problems that a novice home owner might not see.

Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to beginning the process of repairing damaged glass. A small crack can cause shards of glass to fly away, posing a danger to anyone who lives in or around the home. It is important to determine the cause of the crack, so that you will help prevent any future problems.

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

After the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of any excess with a putty knife. You'll need to clean around the cracked glass. If you do not clean the area properly, Window Repairs the leftovers could cause further damage to the glass. Use a putty blade to smooth out the compound around the edge of your window and match it to the frame of wood.

Consider using a plastic cover to make a more durable choice. A trash bag that is heavy-duty or tarp is ideal, however you can also apply masking tape to the glass. This will prevent the crack from growing and will also keep out wind, water, bugs, and debris.

If you're not able to get to the window in a timely manner and you're not able to get there quickly, you can use silicone sealant to create temporary repairs. Simply run a bead of the substance around the outside edge of the broken window. It won't completely seal the gap between the glass and the frame completely however it will keep the fracture until you are able to 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 new appearance. Make sure the surface is clean prior to painting. Clean the window using water and soap or ruby alcohol to eliminate oil smudges and other residues that could hinder the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to avoid transferring oils from your hands onto the surface. In the end it is recommended to apply several thin coats of paint instead of one thick layer. 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, be sure you have all the right tools nearby. You'll need brushes or sponges painter's tap, a ruler and toothpicks. You should have the brushes and paints you'll use in your kit. Follow the manufacturer's directions. Be patient as it can take some time for the paint to fully dry.

You should also make sure the room you're working in is well ventilated if you're using solvent-based paint. This will decrease the risk of breathing into toxic 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 soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, rub alcohol on any grease or oil remnants that may hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are completely dry before you begin to paint them.

If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, then you might be able to file a claim with the window company or dealer who sold them to cover 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 glazed window repairs-pane windows with broken seal or a newer version of insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging and fogging, there are a variety of options to fix the issue. The most expensive option is to replace the frame and insulated unit but it may be required if fog or condensation are causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the existing IGU with a single-pane, or fixing 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 a window frame and a threshold or sill with a felt strip or vinyl v-strip. Felt is cheap and can be fixed by gluing, nailing, or stapled into place but it doesn't provide a lot of protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strips are easy to install and durable however, it can be costly. It is generally reserved for areas subject to high abrasion. Door sweeps are able to be easily nailed to the floor and are affordable. However, they offer very little or no protection between the threshold and air.

To repair a damaged window seal using a putty knife, you need to take off the caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves remove the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp, pointed tips that pin the glass to the recess of the frame. Once you have removed the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood until it is smooth. Wipe off any sanding traces, then seal the bare wood with a linseed oil based paint or clear wood sealer.

Traditional glazing putty can be applied with either a putty knife or a caulking gun, however using a knife allows for a more efficient, more precise application and creates a better seal. Choose a putty specifically for glass, since it will be more durable and adhere better.

Apply a thin bead of the putty to the inner edge of the frame where it touches the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that scribed line on the glass is aligned with edge of frame. Apply pressure to the glass to force the putty and create a tight seal. Smooth the compound using a gloved finger and clean up any caulk that was applied incorrectly or spills that are not properly wiped away before it is dry.