Glass Window Repair
Professional window repair men work high above the ground, navigating huge glass panes. They work under extreme conditions and follow strict safety protocols.
While wearing protective clothing, remove all glaze putty and glazing points with a utility knife. A heat gun can help to soften the old putty and speed up removal.
Replacement
It is tempting to repair the window glass instead of replacing it when the glass breaks. However, replacing a window is typically more cost-effective, and can also help prevent other problems that could affect your home's energy efficiency. Take a look at the kind of glass damaged to determine whether it's a temporary fix or if a permanent solution is required.
To fix a broken window, remove the frame or sash and lay it flat on your work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window's frame and then remove any remaining shards. Utilize a utility blade to scrape off the glazing compound, as well as the glazing points that hold the window in place. Keep the track of the components and their location to ensure they are reinstalled.
Once the frame and sash have been removed, you can begin preparing to install the new glass. Make sure that the opening of the frame is of the correct size for the replacement window. To allow for expansion and contraction of the glass and frame and contraction to both directions, measure the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. After that, you can purchase double-strength glasses cut to these exact dimensions. It is a good idea to also purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to install every 6 inches around the window pane.
Depending on the window's warranty, this may be covered by the manufacturer in which case you must contact the company to file an claim. After the new glass has been installed it is crucial to cover it with a thin layer glaziers compound. After the compound has dried, you can paint the frame to match.
If your crack is more than an inch you can stop it from expanding by cutting a small arc just beyond the crack. This method isn't completely foolproof, but it could slow the growth of the crack to a manageable level until you can take more permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors know how to handle various kinds of glass and have the tools needed to complete the job correctly. They also know the best ways to dispose of waste, so they're less likely to leave waste behind, which could potentially hurt pets or family members. They're also accustomed to working with various types of windows and are aware of issues that aren't obvious to an inexperienced homeowner.
Before beginning the process of fixing cracked window glass, make sure to wear safety glasses and gloves. Even a small crack can cause shards of glass to fly and put anyone at risk in or around the home. It is important to determine the cause of the crack, as this will help prevent any future issues.
Make a two-part mixture of epoxy. They are usually made up of a 50/50 mix of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. When the mixture is prepared, apply it to the glass crack and leave it to dry. This should only take some minutes but it's important to do it quickly because the mixture is very dense and quick drying.
Once the epoxy is dried, you can remove any excess using a putty knife. You'll then need to clean the cracks in the glass. If you don't do 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 edges of the window, and then match it to the frame made of wood.
If you want a more durable solution you can consider using a plastic covering. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is the best option, but you can also apply masking tape to the glass. This will prevent the crack from spreading, and will also keep water, wind and bugs out.
If you're not able to reach the window quickly, you can use silicone sealant to make a temporary repair. Simply apply a small amount of the material around the outside of the broken window. It won't seal the gap between the glass and the frame completely but it will hold the fracture until you can fix it.
Repainting
Repainting old glass windows is a good idea. This is a low-cost alternative to replacing windows, and can give your home a fresh new appearance. Make sure the window is clean before painting. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to remove oil smudges, and other residues that could prevent paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to avoid transferring oils from your hands onto the glass. Apply several thin coats rather than a single thick one. This will help the paint last longer, and will keep your windows looking even and smooth.
If you're planning to paint your glass windows, make sure you have the appropriate tools at hand. You'll need a sponge or brush, painter's tap along with a ruler, toothpicks and a ruler. It is also recommended to have the brushes and paint you'll use to complete the project. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and be prepared with plenty of patience because it may take a while for the paint to dry.
If you're using solvent-based paints, you must also ensure that the space in which you work is adequately ventilated. This will decrease the risk of breathing in toxic chemicals and allow the paint to dry faster. It is also important to ensure you have a protective mask for any spray paints you apply.
For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface before painting. Clean the glass thoroughly with soap and warm water. Then, use rubbing alcohol to clean off any grease or oil that could hinder adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are dry prior to coating them.
If you have energy-efficient double pane windows on your windows, it may be possible to submit claims for repair or replacement with the window company or the dealer who sold them. This is particularly true if you have experienced several issues with condensation or broken glass even though the windows are covered under warranty.
Sealing
If you have double-pane windows with a damaged seal or more recent insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging and fogging, there are a variety of options to address the issue. It is the most expensive option to replace the IGU that is insulated as well as the frame. However, it might be required in situations where condensation or fog is causing energy losses. Other options include replacing the IGU with just one pane, or repairing the existing IGU by drilling a hole through the bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging agent.
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 is inexpensive and can be glued, nailed, or stapled into place however it doesn't provide a lot of protection from moisture. Vinyl weather stripping v-strip is durable and easy to install however it can be costly and is usually reserved for areas that are exposed to high abrasion. Door sweeps are able to be easily nailed in place and are inexpensive. However, they provide only a small amount of protection between the threshold and air.
To repair a cracked window seal, first employ a putty knife to take off the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection, carefully pry out the glazing points -- small fasteners that fix the glass to the frame's recess, with sharp, pointed edges. After getting rid of the glazing points clean the grooves and sand down the wood. Wipe off any sanding traces and then seal the unfinished 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 a knife provides a better application that is more precise and creates a better seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass windows, since it will have higher adhesion and a longer life.
Apply a small amount the putty to the inside edge of the frame, where it meets the glass. Slide the window into frame so that the scribed line on the glass is aligned with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass in order to press the putty into a tight seal. Smooth the compound with gloves and then remove any drips or caulk that were not properly applied before it dries.