Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work high above the ground, window replacement navigating huge glass panes. They adhere to strict safety guidelines and frequently work in harsh weather conditions.

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

Replacement

It is tempting to fix the glass on your windows instead of replacing it if panes break. However, replacing a window is often more cost-effective, and can also help prevent other problems with your home's energy efficiency. Take a look at the type of broken glass to determine whether it's a temporary fix, or if a long-term solution is needed.

The first step in fixing a broken window is to remove the frame, or sash and lay it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, carefully move the frame and remove any shards that remain in the window. Then, use a knife to cut off the glazing compound and glazing points that help to hold the glass in place. Keep the track of the components and where they are so they can be reinstalled.

After the frame and sash have been removed then you can begin the process of preparing to install new glass. Make sure that the opening of the frame is the right size for your replacement window. Take measurements both ways across the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to allow room for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Afterwards, purchase double-strength glass cut to these exact measurements. It is also recommended to purchase enough new glazier's glazier's pointing or clips to be installed every 6 inches around the window doctor pane.

If the manufacturer is accountable, you can call them and submit a claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it should be sprayed with a thin coating of glazier's compound. After drying the compound then you can paint it to match the rest of the frame.

If you have a crack that extends more than an inch, scoring a small arc with a razor blade that is just above the crack can help to stop it from spreading further. This method isn't infallible, but it will slow the growth 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 types of glass. They also know the best methods for disposing of waste, so they're less likely to leave waste behind, which could potentially injure family members or pets. They are also experienced in working with different types of windows and could be able spot problems that an inexperienced home owner might not be able to notice.

Before beginning the process of repairing damaged window glass, ensure that you wear safety goggles and gloves. Even a small break can cause shards of glass to fly away, creating a risk for anyone in or around the home. It's also crucial to determine what caused the crack in the first place, since it can help prevent future problems.

Begin by creating an epoxy mixture that has two parts. They are usually composed of a 50/50 blend of hardener and resin. They must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture is done, apply it to the glass crack and let it dry. It will take just some minutes, but it is important to be quick as the mixture is extremely thick and drys very quickly.

Once the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of excess epoxy with a blade. Then, you'll need to clean the area around the broken glass. If you don't clean it correctly, the 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 match it to the frame of wood.

Consider using a plastic cover for a more durable option. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a heavy-duty trashbag. This will stop the crack from spreading and will also keep water, wind and insects out.

You can create a temporary fix when you are unable access the window doctor in a timely manner. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant to the edge of the broken glass. It won't fully seal the gap between glass and frame, but it will keep the crack in place while you repair it.

Repainting

Repainting old glass windows is a great idea. This is an affordable alternative to window replacement and will give your home a fresh new look. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to wash away oil smudges, and other residues which can prevent paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves while working on glass to prevent the transfer of your own oils onto the glass surface. Apply several thin coats instead of just one large coat. This will help the paint last longer and make your windows appear smooth and even.

Make sure you have the appropriate tools on hand if you plan to repaint glass windows. You'll need a brush or sponge, painter's tape, toothpicks, a ruler and other tools, such as paper towels or a rag. You should also have the brushes and paint you'll be using for the project in your possession. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Have patience, as it may take a while for the paint to fully dry.

If you're using solvent-based paint, you should also ensure that the space where you work is well ventilated. This will decrease the risk of breathing in toxic chemicals and permit the paint to dry more quickly. Use a mask that is protective when using spray paints.

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

If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, then you might be able to file a claim with the window manufacturer or dealer that sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially the case if you've experienced several issues with broken glass or condensation and the windows are covered by warranty.

Sealing

If you have double-pane windows with a cracked seal or newer 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 insulated unit and frame, but it may be required if fog or condensation is causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU by a single pane, or fixing the existing IGU by drilling a hole in its bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging solution.

You can also fill in the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill by using a felt strip, vinyl v-strip, or a door sweep. Felt is affordable and can be fixed with glue, nailed or stapled in place, but it does not provide a lot of protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strips are easy to install and long-lasting however it can be expensive. It is generally reserved for areas that are exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are affordable and can be nailed into place but they create very little or no protection between the sill or threshold and dust, air and other debris.

To fix a cracked window seal first, you must use a putty blade to scrape off the caulk. Wearing protective eyewear and gloves carefully remove the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that fix 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. Clean any sanding residue, then seal the bare wood using a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.

A putty or caulking knife can be used to apply the traditional glazing putty, but a knife will provide a more precise application, and a better seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass windows, since it will have higher adhesion and durability.

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 so that the cut line on the glass is aligned with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to compress the putty and glass into a tight seal. Smooth the compound with a gloved finger and clean up any caulk that was applied incorrectly or errant drips before it is dry.