Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen work high above the ground, navigating massive glass panes. They work under extreme weather conditions and follow strict safety protocols.
Wearing protective clothing, remove all glaze putty and glazing points with a utility knife. A heat gun can help soften the old glue and speed up removal.
Replacement
When a window's pane breaks, it could be tempting to repair the glass rather than replace it. However, replacing a window is typically more cost-effective, and can also help prevent other problems that could affect your home's energy efficiency. It is also important to consider the kind of glass that is broken to determine if this is temporary or if you will require an alternative that is more durable.
The first step to repair broken windows is to take off the sash, or frame and lay it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window's pane and remove any remaining shards. Then, use a knife to peel off the glazing compound and points that help to hold the glass in place. Make sure you keep the track of these components and their locations to make sure they can be replaced later.
After you have removed the frame and sash, you can begin to prepare to replace the 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 space for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, you can purchase double-strength glasses made to these exact measurements. It is a good idea to purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to place them every 6 inches around each window pane.
If the manufacturer is responsible, you can call them and file an claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it should be covered with a thin coating of the compound used by glaziers. After the compound has dried, you can paint it to match the rest of the window frame.
If you have a crack that is more than an inch, scoring a small arc with a razor blade just beyond the crack could help prevent it from spreading any further. This technique isn't 100% completely foolproof, but it could slow the growth of the crack down to a manageable level until you can take more permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window installers are equipped with the proper tools and know how to handle different types of glass. They are able to dispose of waste safely which means they are less likely than other contractors to leave behind scraps which could cause harm to family pets or family members. They are also familiar with working with different types of windows and could be able to spot issues that a home owner with no experience would not notice.
Before beginning the process of repairing cracked window glass, be sure to wear safety goggles and gloves. Even a small break can cause shards to fly off, creating a risk for anyone who lives in or around the home. It is crucial to determine the cause of the crack, so that you could prevent future issues.
Begin by creating an epoxy mix that is two-part. They typically are a 50/50 mixture of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. Once window repairs near me has been made and applied, simply apply it to the crack and let it dry. It will take just some minutes, but it is important to be quick because the mixture is extremely thick and dries quickly.
Once the epoxy has dried, you can take off excess epoxy using a putty blade. After that, you'll need clean the area around the crack of glass. If you don't do this properly, the residue can 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 made of wood.
For a more durable solution think about using a plastic covering. You can cover the glass using masking tape or a sturdy trash bag. This will keep the crack from expanding, and will also block out wind, water bugs, debris, and water.
You can make a temporary fix when you are unable reach the window in a timely manner. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant around the edge of the broken glass. It won't close the gap between the frame and glass completely, but it will hold the break in place until you are able to repair it.
Repainting
If your glass windows are old, you might want to repaint them. This is a cost-effective alternative to replacing windows and will give your home a new appearance. Make sure the surface is clean before painting. Clean the window using water and soap or rubbing alcohol to remove oil smudges and other traces that can prevent the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass to avoid the risk of transferring your own oils onto the surface of the window. Also it is recommended to apply several thin coats of paint instead of a thick layer. This will make the paint last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.
Make sure you have the appropriate tools in your arsenal if you plan to repaint glass windows. You'll require either a brush or sponge, painter's tap along with a ruler, toothpicks and a ruler. You should have the paints and brushes that you will be using in your kit. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions and have a good amount of patience as it can take awhile for the paint to dry.
Also, ensure that the space you're working is well ventilated, especially if you're using solvent-based paint. This will reduce the risk of breathing toxic chemicals, and the paint will dry quicker. Wear a mask to protect yourself when using spray paints.
For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior to painting. Make use of soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, rub alcohol on any oil or grease remnants that may hinder the paint's adhesion. Make sure the windows are completely dry before you start coating them.
If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, then you might be eligible to submit a claim to the dealer or window company that sold them to pay any repair or replacement costs. This is particularly true if the windows are still under warranty and have experienced numerous problems with condensation or broken glass.
Sealing
If you have double-pane windows with cracked seal or newer insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced defogging and fogging, there are a variety of options for fixing the problem. It is the most expensive option to replace both the insulation unit and the frame. However, it may be necessary if condensation or fog is causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single pane or repair it by drilling a small hole through the bottom of the unit and then filling the solution with anti-fog.
You can also close the gap between windows and a threshold or sill by with a felt strip or vinyl V-strip. Felt is affordable and can be fixed by gluing, nailing or stapled in place but it doesn't provide a lot of protection from moisture. Vinyl weather stripping v-strip is durable and simple to install, but it can be costly and is usually reserved for areas that are exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps can be easily nailed to the floor and are affordable. However, they provide very little or no protection between the threshold and the air.
To fix a cracked window seal, first use a putty blade to take off the old caulk. Wearing protective eyewear and gloves, carefully pry out the glazing points -- small fasteners that hold the glass into the frame's recess with sharp edges and pointed edges. After removing the glazing points, remove the grooves, then sand the wood. Wipe away any sanding sludge and then seal the unfinished wooden surface with a linseed-oil-based paint or clear sealer.
A caulking knife or putty can be used to apply the traditional glazing putty, but a knife will provide a more precise application, and a better seal. Select a putty specifically designed for glass windows, as it has better adhesion and durability.
Apply a thin layer of putty on the inside of the frame where it joins the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the cut line on the glass lines up with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure on the glass to compress the putty into a solid seal. Smooth the compound with an ungloved finger and clean up any mistakenly applied caulk or errant drips before it dries.