The 10 Scariest Things About Glass Window Repair

Glass Window Repair

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

Wearing protective clothing, take off the glazing points made of metal and all glazing putty using an utility knife. A heat gun can soften the old putty and make it easier to remove.

Replacement

It's tempting to fix the glass on your windows instead of replacing it when panes break. It is more cost-effective to replace a window and it will also help avoid other issues that could affect the efficiency of your home. Take a look at the type of broken glass to determine if it's a temporary fix, or if a permanent solution is required.

To repair a broken window, remove the frame or sash, and place it on the work surface. While wearing eye protection, carefully move around and pull out any shards remaining within the window. Then, use a knife to remove the glazing compound and points that help to hold the glass in the position. Keep track of the components and where they are so that they can be put back in place.

After you've removed the frame and sash you can begin to prepare to replace the glass. Before you begin ensure that the opening in the frame is properly sized for your replacement window. Measure both ways across the opening, and then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to give the expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, you can purchase double-strength glasses that are cut to these exact dimensions. It is also a good idea to purchase enough new glazier's points or clips to be placed every 6 inches around the window pane.

Depending on the warranty of the window, this may be covered by the manufacturer in which case you need to contact them to file a claim. After the new glass has been put in place, it is important to cover it with a thin layer glaziers compound. After letting the compound dry and dry, you can paint it to match the rest of the window frame.

If the crack is greater than an inch You can stop it from spreading by cutting an arc that is just a little beyond the crack. This trick won't be completely foolproof, but it could slow the growth of the crack to a manageable size until you can take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors are trained to handle various kinds of glass, and they have the tools necessary to do an excellent job. They are able to dispose of waste properly which means they are less likely than other people to leave behind a mess that could harm family members or pets. They are also familiar with working with various types of windows, and may be able spot problems that an inexperienced home owner might not be able to notice.

Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to beginning the process of repairing cracked glass. Even a small crack can cause shards of glass to fly and pose a risk to anyone in or around the home. It's also crucial to determine what caused the crack in the first place, as it can help prevent future issues.

Make a two-part mixture of epoxy. They are usually composed of a 50/50 blend of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. When the mixture is prepared apply it to the crack in the glass and let it dry. It should only take some minutes, but it is important to be quick as the mixture is extremely thick and dries quickly.

Once the epoxy is dried, you can take off any excess with a putty knife. Then, you'll need to clean the area around the cracked glass. If you don't do 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 repairs and then match it to the frame of wood.

Consider using a plastic cover for a more durable option. You can cover the glass using masking tape or a strong-duty trash bag. This will stop the crack from expanding, and will also block out water, wind, bugs, and debris.

If you're not able to reach the window in a timely manner then you can apply silicone sealant to make an interim repair. Simply run a bead of the stuff around the outside edge of the broken pane. It won't completely fill the gap between glass and frame, but it will keep the break in place while you repair it.

Repainting

Repainting old glass windows is a good idea. This is a cost-effective alternative to replace windows and give your home a fresh look. Make sure the window is clean before painting. Wash the window with water and soap or ruby alcohol to get rid of oil smudges and other residues that could hinder the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to avoid the transfer of oils from your fingers onto the surface. Also it is recommended to apply several thin coats of paint instead of a thick layer. This will help the paint last longer and make your windows appear smooth and even.

If you're planning on repainting your glass windows, ensure that you have all the right tools in your arsenal. You'll need a brush or sponge, window repair painter's adhesive, a ruler, toothpicks, and a few other tools like a rag or paper towel. It is recommended to have the brushes and paints you'll use on hand. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Be patient because it could take a while for the paint to fully dry.

It is also important to ensure that the room you're working in is well ventilated, especially if you're using solvent-based paint. This will reduce the risk of breathing harmful chemicals, and the paint will 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 grease or oil residues that could interfere with the adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are dry before you begin painting them.

If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, you might be eligible to make a claim with the window company or dealer that sold them to pay 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

There are a variety of options to resolve the issue depending on regardless of whether you have an old double-pane glass with a cracked seal, or if you own an upgraded insulation unit (IGU) that has experienced defogging. It is the most expensive option to replace the insulated unit as well as the frame. However, it could be required in situations where condensation or fog 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 its bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging product.

You can also close the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill by with a felt strip or vinyl V-strip. Felt is affordable and can be glued, nailed or stapled in place but it doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl weather stripping that is v-strip is strong and simple to install however it can be expensive and is typically reserved for areas that are exposed to high abrasion. Door sweeps are affordable and can be nailed into place but they create virtually no barrier between the sill or threshold and dust, air, and other debris.

To repair a damaged window seal using a putty knife, you need to remove the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection, pry out the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp, pointed tips that pin the glass in the frame's recess. After removing the glazing points, remove the grooves and sand the wood. Clean any sanding dust then seal the wooden surface with a linseed-oil-based paint or clear sealer.

A putty or caulking knife can be used to apply the traditional glazing putty, but using a knife will give an easier application and a more secure seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass, as it is more durable and will adhere better.

Apply a thin layer of putty along the inside edge of frame where it joins the glass. Slide the window into frame in a way that the scribed line on glass aligns with the frame's edge. Apply pressure on the glass to compress the putty into a tight seal. Smooth the compound using gloves and get rid of any drips or caulk that were not applied correctly before it has dried.