The 10 Most Scariest Things About Glass Window Repair

Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work up above the ground, navigating massive glass panes. They work under extreme conditions and follow strict safety guidelines.

Wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and metal glazing points using a knife. A heat gun can to soften and eliminate the old putty.

Replacement

When a window pane breaks, it could be tempting to repair the glass rather than replace it. It is more cost-effective to replace windows and it can also help to avoid other issues in your home's efficiency. Examine the type of broken glass to determine if it's a temporary fix or if a more permanent solution is required.

To fix a broken window, remove the frame or sash, and place it flat on the work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle and pull out any shards that remain in the window pane. Utilize a utility blade to scrape off the glazing compound, as well as the glazing points that hold the window in place. Keep track of these components and their locations to ensure that they can be replaced later.

Once the frame and sash are removed then you can begin the process of preparing to install the new glass. Make sure that the opening of the frame is of the correct 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. After that, you can purchase double-strength glasses cut to these exact dimensions. It is also an excellent idea to buy enough new glazier's clips or glazier's points to be installed every 6 inches around the window pane.

Based on the window's warranty it could be covered by the manufacturer in which case you must contact them to file an claim. After the new glass has been installed, it is important to cover it with a thin layer glaziers compound. After the compound has dried then you can paint it to match the rest of the frame.

If you have a crack that is more than an inch, scoring an arc of a razor blade just beyond the crack can help to 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 are able to take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers know how to handle a variety of glass, and they have the tools needed to complete an excellent job. They are able to dispose of waste safely, so they are less likely than other people to leave behind pieces of glass that could harm family pets or family members. They're also accustomed to working with different types of windows, and may be able to spot issues that an inexperienced home owner might not see.

Before beginning the process of repairing damaged window glass, be sure to wear safety goggles and gloves. Even a small crack can cause shards of glass to fly away and could pose a danger to anyone within or around the home. It's also important to figure out what caused the crack in the first place, since it could help avoid future problems.

Begin by creating a two-part epoxy mixture. It is usually 50/50 mix of resin and hardener, and must be quickly mixed. After the mixture is made, apply it directly to the crack and allow it to dry. It will take just some minutes however it is important to work quickly since the mixture is very thick and quick drying.

Once the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of excess epoxy using a putty blade. After that, you'll need clean the area around the cracked glass. If you do not clean the area correctly, the debris 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.

Think about using a plastic lid for a more robust option. A trash bag that is heavy-duty or tarp is ideal, however you can also use masking tape to cover the glass. This will prevent the crack from spreading, and will also keep water, wind and bugs out.

You can come up with a temporary fix if you are unable to access the window in an efficient manner. Apply a small amount silicone sealant to the edge of the damaged glass. It won't close the gap between the glass and the frame completely however it will keep the broken piece in place until you can repair it.

Repainting

If your glass windows are old, you might want to repaint them. This is an affordable alternative to replacing your windows and will give your house a new look. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Wash the window with soap and water or Window Repair use ruby alcohol to eliminate oil smudges as well as other residues that can prevent the paint from adhering. It is also recommended to wear rubber gloves when working on glass to prevent the transfer of your own oils onto the window's surface. Also, you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a single thick layer. This will help the paint last longer and ensure that your windows appear smooth and even.

Make sure you have the appropriate tools in your arsenal in case you want to paint glass windows. You'll need a brush, sponge, painter's adhesive, toothpicks, a ruler and other tools such as a rag or paper towel. You should also have the brushes and paint you'll use for the project on hand. 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.

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 in harmful chemicals and allow the paint to dry quicker. Use a mask that is protective when using spray paints.

For older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface before painting. Make use of soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, use rubbing alcohol on any oil or grease remnants that may hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure the windows are dry before you begin painting them.

If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, you might be eligible to submit a claim to the window manufacturer or dealer that sold them to pay any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if your windows are still under warranty and you've experienced several issues with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

Whether you have old double glazed window repairs-pane windows with cracked seal or newer insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging, there are several methods to fix the issue. It is the most expensive option to replace both the IGU that is insulated as well as the frame. However, it might be necessary in cases where fog or condensation is causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU by a single pane, or repairing the IGU that is in place by drilling a hole in the bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging product.

You can also seal the gap between the window frame and the sill or threshold by using a felt strip vinyl v-strips, or a door sweep. Felt is cheap and can be glued, nailed, or stapled into place but it doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl weather stripping that is v-strip is strong and easy to put in however, it is costly and is usually used for areas that are subject to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are affordable and can be put into place but they create virtually no barrier between the threshold or sill and air, dust, and debris.

To fix a damaged window seal using a putty knife, you need to remove the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection remove the glazing point -- small fasteners with sharp pointed tips that secure the glass in the frame's recess. After removing the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood to a smooth finish. 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 using a putty knife or caulking gun, however using a knife allows for a more efficient, more precise application and will provide a better seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass, since it will be more durable and adhere better.

Apply a thin layer of putty across the inside of the frame, where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the scribed line on glass aligns with the frame's edge. Apply pressure on the glass to force the putty into a tight seal. Smooth the compound using an ungloved finger and then wipe off any mistakenly applied caulk or drips that have escaped before it dries.