Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen are able to move large panes of tempered glass from a high point above the ground. They follow strict safety protocols and often work under extreme weather conditions.
While wearing protective clothing remove all glazing putty and metal glazing points using a utility knife. A heat gun can help to soften the old putty and make it easier to remove.
Replacement
It can be tempting to repair the glass on your windows instead of replacing it when a pane breaks. However, replacing windows is usually more cost-effective and can help prevent other problems that could affect your home's energy efficiency. Take a look at the type of glass that is broken to determine whether it's a temporary fix, or if a permanent solution is needed.
To repair a broken window, remove the sash or frame and place it flat on the work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window's frame and remove any remaining fragments. Then, use a knife to peel off the glazing compound as well as the glazing points that keep the glass in place. Keep track of the components and their locations so they can be reinstalled.
After the frame and sash are removed, you can begin preparing to install the new glass. Make sure you check the opening of the frame is the proper size for the replacement window. To allow for the expansion of the frame and glass and contraction, measure both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, purchase double-strength glass cut to these exact dimensions. It is a good idea also to purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to install every 6 inches around each window pane.
If the manufacturer is accountable you should contact them and make an claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it needs to be bedded in 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 frame.
If you have a crack that extends more than an inch, cutting the crack with a razor blade just beyond the crack will help stop it from spreading further. This method isn't foolproof, but it can slow the growth of the crack to a manageable amount until you can take more permanent measures.
window repairs know how to deal with a variety of glass, and they have the tools necessary to do the job correctly. They know how to dispose of waste safely, so they are less likely than other contractors to leave behind pieces of glass that could harm family pets or members of the family. They're also accustomed to working with various types of windows and could be able spot problems that an inexperienced home owner would not notice.
Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to beginning repair work on cracked glass. Even a small break can cause shards of glass to fly away, which could pose a risk to anyone who lives in or around the home. It is important to determine the cause of the crack, so that you can prevent future issues.
Make a two-part mix of epoxy. They usually consist of composed of a 50/50 blend of hardener and resin. They must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture is done, apply it to the glass crack and leave it to dry. It should take only about a minute however it is important to get it done quickly as the mixture is very dense and fast drying.
After the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of excess epoxy with a putty blade. After that, you'll need clean the area around the crack of glass. If you don't do this correctly, the residue could cause further damage to the glass. Once the glass is cleaned with a putty blade, use it to smooth the compound along the edges of the window, and then match it with the frame made of wood.
To make a more durable option think about using a plastic covering. You can cover the glass using masking tape or a sturdy trash bag. This will stop the crack from expanding and will also keep out wind, water bugs, debris, and water.
You can create an interim solution when you are unable get to the window in a timely manner. Simply place a tiny amount of the stuff around the outside of the damaged pane. It won't completely seal the gap between the frame and the glass completely, but it will hold the fracture until you are able to repair it.
Repainting
If your glass windows are old, you may want to repaint them. This is an affordable alternative to replacing your windows and can provide your home with a new look. Make sure the window is clean before painting. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to get rid of oil smudges and other residues which can prevent paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent the transfer of oils from your fingers onto the glass. Apply several thin coats rather than a single thick one. This will allow the paint to last longer, and keep your windows looking smooth and even.
Make sure you have the right tools in your arsenal in case you want to paint glass windows. You'll require either a brush or sponge painter's tap as well as a ruler and toothpicks. You'll need the paints and brushes that you'll use on hand. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Be patient as it can take some time for the paint to fully dry.
You should also make sure the area you're working in is ventilated when you're using solvent-based paint. This will decrease the risk of breathing in harmful chemicals and allow the paint to dry more quickly. Also, make sure you wear a mask that is protective for any spray paints you use.
For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface before painting. Use soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, use rubbing alcohol on any oil or grease residues that could interfere with the paint's adhesion. Make sure that the windows are dry before you begin coating them.
If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, you may be in a position to file a claim with the dealer or window company who sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is particularly true if the windows are still under warranty and you've had numerous problems with condensation or broken glass.
Sealing
There are many ways to fix the problem, regardless of whether you have an older double-pane glass with a cracked seal, or if you have a newer insulation unit (IGU) that has experienced defogging. It is the most expensive option to replace both the insulation unit and the frame. However, it might be required in situations 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 through the bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging product.
You can also seal up the gap between a window frame and a threshold or sill using a felt strip or vinyl V-strip. Felt is inexpensive and can be fixed by gluing, nailing, or stapled into place, but it does not provide much protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strip is easy to install and durable however, it can be costly. It is usually used in areas that are subjected to high abrasion. Door sweeps are cheap and can be fixed to the floor however they provide very little or no protection between the threshold or sill and dust, air and other debris.
To repair a cracked window seal, first use a putty blade to scrape off the caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves, pry out the glazing point, which are small fasteners with sharp pointed tips that secure the glass to the frame's recess. After removing the glazing points, clean out the grooves and sand down the wood. Wipe off any sanding traces Then, seal the bare wood with a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.
Traditional glazing putty is applied using a putty knife or caulking gun, however a knife provides a better precision and precise application. It also will provide a better seal. Select a putty specifically designed for glass windows, as it will have higher adhesion and durability.
Apply a small amount the putty to the inner edge of the frame where it touches the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that scribed line on glass lines up with the frame's edge. Apply pressure on the glass to force the putty and glass into a tight seal. Smooth the compound using a gloved finger and then wipe off any mistakenly applied caulk or errant drips before it dries.