The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Glass Window Repair

Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work from high off the ground, maneuvering huge panes of glass. They follow strict safety protocols and frequently work in harsh weather conditions.

While wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and glazing points using a utility knife. A heat gun will help to soften and take off the old putty.

Replacement

When a window's pane breaks, it can be tempting to repair the glass rather than replace it. It is more cost-effective to replace a window and it will also help to avoid other issues in the efficiency of your home. It is also important to consider the type of glass that's broken to determine if this is an interim fix or if you will need to invest in a more permanent solution.

To fix a broken window, you must remove the sash or frame and place it flat on the floor. While wearing eye protection, gently move around and pull out any shards that remain in the window pane. Then, use a utility knife to remove the glazing compound as well as the glazing points that hold the glass in place. Keep track of the components and their locations so that they can be put back in place later.

After the frame and sash are removed and the frame is removed, you can begin preparation to install new glass. Make sure that the opening of the frame is the right size for your replacement window. To allow for expansion and contraction of the glass and frame and contraction, measure both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, buy double glazed window repairs near me-strength glass cut to these exact dimensions. It is also an excellent idea to buy enough new glazier's clips or glazier's points to be positioned every 6 inches around the window repairs pane.

Depending on the window's warranty it could be covered by the manufacturer in which case you should call them to file an claim. After the new glass has been installed, it should be bedded in with a thin coating of the compound used by glaziers. After the compound has dried then you can paint it to match the frame of the window.

If you have a crack that extends 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 infallible, but it will slow the growth of the crack down to a manageable level until you can take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors know how to handle various kinds of glass and have the tools to do an excellent job. They know how to dispose of waste in a safe manner, so they are less likely than other contractors to leave behind a mess which could cause harm to family members or pets. They are also familiar with working with different kinds of windows and could be able to spot problems that an inexperienced home owner would not notice.

Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to starting the process of repairing damaged glass. Even a tiny crack can cause shards of glass to fly and pose a risk to anyone in or around the home. It is important to determine what caused the crack, since this will help prevent any future problems.

Begin by creating an epoxy mix that is two-part. These are usually a 50/50 mix of hardener and resin, and they must be mixed quickly. When the mixture is ready, apply it to the crack in the glass and leave it to dry. It should take only some minutes, but it's essential to work quickly since the mixture is very thick and fast drying.

After the epoxy has dried, you can remove any excess with a putty knife. Then, you'll have to clean the area around the broken glass. If you don't do it properly, the residue can cause further damage to the glass. Once the glass is cleaned using a putty knife, you can use it to smooth the compound along the edges of the window and to match it with the wood frame.

You could consider using a plastic cover for a more durable option. A trash bag that is heavy-duty 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 wind, water and insects out.

You can create an interim fix if you are unable to reach the window in time. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant on the edge of the damaged glass. It won't seal the gap between the frame and glass completely, but it will hold the break in place until you can fix it.

Repainting

If your glass windows are old, you may consider repainting them. This is an affordable alternative to replacing windows, and can give your home a new appearance. Make sure the window is clean before painting. Wash the window with soap and water or use ruby alcohol to eliminate oil smudges and other residues which can hinder the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent the transfer of oils from your fingers onto the surface. Apply multiple thin coats instead of just one large coat. This will allow the paint to last longer and keep your windows looking even and smooth.

If you're planning to paint your glass windows, be sure you have all the right tools in your arsenal. You'll need either a brush or sponge, painter's tap as well as a ruler and toothpicks. You'll also need the paint and brushes you'll be using for the project on hand. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions and have a good amount of patience because it may take some time for the paint to dry.

You should also make sure the room you're working in is well ventilated, especially if you're using solvent-based paint. This will lower the risk of breathing into toxic chemicals and permit the paint to dry more quickly. You should also make sure you wear a mask that is protective for any spray paints that you use.

For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface before painting. Clean the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water. You can then apply rubbing alcohol to wash off any grease or oil that could hinder paint's adhesion. Make sure the windows are dry before you start coating them.

If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, you may be in a position to file a claim with the window manufacturer or dealer that sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is particularly true if you have experienced numerous issues with broken glass or condensation while the windows are still covered under warranty.

Sealing

There are a variety of options to address the issue, regardless of whether you have an old double-pane glass with a cracked seal, or if you have a newer insulated unit (IGU) that has experienced defogging. It is the most expensive option to replace the insulated unit as well as the frame. However, it might be necessary if fog or condensation is causing energy losses. Other alternatives include replacing the current IGU with a single-pane or repair it by drilling a small hole in the bottom of the unit and filling the solution with anti-fog.

You can also close the gap between the window frame and the sill or threshold with a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or a door sweep. Felt can be stapled, glued or nailed into place but doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip weather stripping is durable and easy to put in however it is costly and is typically reserved for areas exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are easy to nail in place and are cheap. However, they offer only a small amount of protection between the threshold and the air.

To fix a cracked window seal, first employ a putty knife to remove the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves take care to remove the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that fix the glass into the frame's recess, with sharp, pointed edges. After taking out the glazing points, clean out the grooves and sand the wood. Wipe away any sanding sludge then seal the wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.

A caulking knife or putty can be used to apply traditional glazing putty, however the use of a knife allows for a more precise application, and a stronger seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass, as it will be more durable and will adhere better.

Apply a thin layer of putty along the inside edge of frame, where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the cut line on the glass aligns with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to force the putty and glass into a tight seal. Smooth the compound with an ungloved finger and clean up any caulk that is applied incorrectly or contractor drips that have escaped before it dries.