Glass Window Repair
Professional window repair men work up above the ground, navigating huge panes of glass. They work in extreme weather conditions and follow strict safety guidelines.
Wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and metal glazing points using a utility knife. A heat gun may help soften the old putty and accelerate the removal process.
Replacement
When a window pane breaks, it could be tempting to repair the glass rather than replace it. It is cheaper to replace a window and it can also help prevent other problems in the efficiency of your home. Consider the kind of glass damaged to determine whether it's a temporary fix, or if a more permanent solution is required.
The first step to repair a broken window is to take off the frame, or sash and lay it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window's frame and remove any remaining shards. Then, use a utility knife to remove the glazing compound and points that help to hold the glass in the position. Keep the track of the components and their locations so they can be reinstalled.
After you have removed the frame and sash, you can start preparing to replace the glass. Make sure that the opening of the frame is the right size for the replacement window. Measure both sides of the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to give space for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, buy double-strength glasses that are 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 a claim. After the new glass has been installed, it must be bedded in with a thin layer of glazier's compound. After the compound is dry it is possible to paint the frame to be a perfect match.
If you have a crack that extends more than an inch, scoring the crack with a razor blade that is just above the crack can help to prevent it from spreading any further. This trick is not foolproof but it will slow down the progression of the cracked until you are able to take permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors are equipped with the proper tools and know how to work with different types of glass. They are able to dispose of waste properly and are therefore less likely than other people to leave behind scraps that could harm family members or pets. They are also familiar with working with various types of windows and could be able spot problems that a novice home owner might not be able to notice.
Before you begin the process of repairing cracked window glass, make sure to wear safety glasses and gloves. A small crack can cause shards to fly, which could pose a risk to anyone in or around the home. It is important to determine the cause of the crack, as this can prevent future issues.
Start by making a two-part epoxy mixture. They are usually composed of a 50/50 blend of hardener and resin. They must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture is prepared apply it to the crack in the glass and allow it to dry. It will take just a few minutes but it's important to get it done quickly as the mixture is very thick and fast-drying.
After the epoxy has dried, you can take off excess epoxy using a putty blade. The next step is to clean the cracks in the glass. If you don't clean it correctly, the resulting residue 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 with the wood frame.
You could consider using a plastic cover to make a more durable choice. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is ideal, however 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.
You can create an interim fix if you are unable to reach the window in an efficient manner. Simply run a bead of the substance around the outside edge of the broken window. It won't fully seal the gap between glass and frame but it will help keep the break in place while you fix it.
Repainting
Repainting old glass windows is a good idea. This is a low-cost alternative to window replacement and can give your home a fresh new appearance. Make sure that the surface is clean prior to painting. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to wash away oil smudges, as well as other traces of dirt that can hinder paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves while working on glass to avoid the risk of transferring your own oils onto the glass surface. In the end, you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of one thick layer. This will allow the paint to last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.
If you're planning to paint your glass windows, be sure you have the appropriate tools nearby. You'll require either a brush or sponge, painter's tap as well as a ruler and toothpicks. You should also have the brushes and paint you'll be using for the project on hand. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Be patient because it could take a while for the paint to completely dry.
It is also important to ensure that the space you're working is ventilated when you're using solvent-based paint. This will decrease the risk of breathing toxic chemicals, and also the paint will dry faster. Use a protective mask when using spray paints.
It is necessary to clean the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water prior to you paint it. Use soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, use rubbing alcohol on any grease or oil remnants that may hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are dry before you start coating them.
If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, you may be able to submit a claim to the dealer or window company that sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is particularly true if the windows are still under warranty and have experienced multiple problems with condensation or broken glass.
Sealing
Whether you have old double-pane windows that have a cracked seal or newer insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced defogging and fogging, there are a variety of options to address the issue. The most costly option is to replace the insulated unit and frame however it could be necessary if condensation or fog cause energy loss. Other alternatives include replacing the current IGU with a single pane or fixing it by drilling a small hole in the bottom of the unit, and then 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 door sweep. Felt is affordable and can be fixed by gluing, nailing or stapled in place however it doesn't provide much protection from moisture. Vinyl weather stripping v-strip is durable and simple to install however it can be expensive and is typically used for areas that are subject to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are easy to nail in place and are inexpensive. However, they offer only a small amount of protection between the threshold and the air.
To fix a damaged window seal using a putty knife, you need to scrape off the caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves, carefully pry out the glazing points, which are tiny fasteners that fix the glass into the frame's recess using sharp edges and pointed ends. Once you have removed the glazing points, scrub the grooves and sand the wood smooth. Wipe off any sanding traces and then seal the unfinished wood with a linseed oil based paint or clear wood sealer.
A putty or caulking knife can be used to apply the traditional glazing putty, but using a knife will give the most precise application and a more secure seal. Make sure you choose a putty specifically designed for glass windows as it will have higher adhesion and long-lasting.
Apply a thin bead of 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 glass aligns with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to press the putty to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound using an ungloved finger and clean up any caulk that was applied incorrectly or drips that have escaped before it dries.