The 10 Scariest Things About Glass Window Repair

Glass window repair, see post,

Professional window repairmen work up above the ground, moving massive glass panes. They work in extreme weather conditions and adhere to strict safety guidelines.

While wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and metal glazing points using a knife. A heat gun can help soften the old putty and accelerate the removal process.

Replacement

It's tempting to fix the glass of your window instead of replacing it if the glass breaks. However, replacing windows is typically more cost-effective, and can also assist in preventing other issues with your home's energy efficiency. You should also take into consideration the type of glass that's broken to determine if this is a temporary fix or if you will require an option that is more permanent.

The first step to repair broken windows is to remove the sash, also known as the frame and lay it flat on a table. While wearing eye protection, gently move around and pull out any shards remaining in the window. Use a utility blade to scrape off the glazing compound, as well as the glazing points that hold the window in place. Be sure to keep an eye on the location of these components so that they can be reinstalled later.

Once the frame and sash have been removed, you can begin preparing to install new glass. Make sure you check the opening of the frame is of the correct size for your replacement window. To allow for frame and glass expansion and contraction, measure both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, buy double-strength glasses that are cut to these exact dimensions. It is a good idea to also purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to place them every 6 inches around the window pane.

Depending on the window's warranty, this may be covered by the manufacturer and in this case, you should call the company to file an claim. After the new glass has been erected, it is important to cover it with a thin layer glaziers compound. Once the compound has dried it is possible to paint the frame to be a perfect match.

If you have a crack that is more than an inch, scoring the crack with a razor blade just beyond the crack can help to prevent it from spreading any further. This method isn't foolproof, but it can slow the development of the crack down to a manageable size until you are able to take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors are equipped with the right tools and know how to handle different kinds of glass. They know how to dispose of waste in a safe manner which means they are less likely than other contractors to leave behind scraps that could harm family pets or family members. They're also accustomed to working with various types of windows and may be capable of identifying issues that aren't apparent to the uninitiated homeowner.

Before you begin the process of fixing cracked window glass, ensure to wear safety glasses and gloves. A minor crack could cause shards of glass to fly away, creating a risk for anyone living in or around the home. It's also important to figure out what caused the crack in the first place, as it can help prevent future problems.

Begin by creating an epoxy mixture that has two parts. They typically are composed of a 50/50 blend of hardener and resin. They must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture is done, apply it to the crack in the glass and leave it to dry. It should take only about a few minutes, but you must be quick as the mixture is thick and will dry quickly.

After the epoxy has dried, you can remove excess epoxy with a putty blade. Then, you'll have 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. After the glass has been cleaned with a putty blade, use it to smooth the compound along the edges of the window and to align it with the frame made of wood.

Think about using a plastic lid for a more robust option. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a sturdy trash bag. This will keep the crack from expanding and will also block out water, wind bugs, debris, and water.

You can create a temporary fix in the event that you are unable to access the window in a timely manner. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant on the edge of the damaged glass. It won't fully seal the gap between frame and glass but it will help keep the break in place while you repair it.

Repainting

Repainting your old glass windows is a good idea. This is a cost-effective alternative to window replacement and can give your home a fresh new look. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to get rid of oil smudges, and other residues that could 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 one thick coat. This will allow the paint to last longer and will keep your windows looking even and smooth.

If you're planning to repaint your glass windows, be sure you have all the right tools at hand. You'll need a brush, sponge, painter's adhesive, toothpicks, a ruler and other tools like a rag or paper towel. You'll also need the paint and brushes you'll use for the project on hand. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions and have a good amount of patience since it may take awhile for the paint to dry.

Also, ensure that the space you're working is ventilated when you're using solvent-based paint. This will decrease the chance of inhaling toxic chemicals, and the paint will dry quicker. Use a mask that is protective when using spray paints.

You'll need to wash the glass window thoroughly using warm water and soap before you paint it. Clean the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water, then use rubbing alcohol to clean away any grease or oil that could affect the adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are dry before you begin to paint them.

If you have energy-efficient double pane windows on your windows, it could be possible to make an insurance claim for repair or replacement with the window company or dealer who sold the windows. This is especially the case if you've experienced several issues with broken glass or condensation even though the windows are covered under warranty.

Sealing

If you have double-pane windows with damaged seal or more recent insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced defogging and fogging, there are a variety of options to address the issue. It is the most expensive option to replace the insulated unit as well as the frame. However, it could be necessary if fog or condensation is causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the existing IGU with a single-pane, or repairing it by drilling a small hole in the bottom of the unit and filling the solution with anti-fog.

You can also fill in the gap between the upvc window repair frame and the threshold or sill with a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or a door sweep. Felt can be stapled, glued, or put in place, but it does not offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip weather stripping is durable and easy to install however, it can be expensive and is usually reserved for areas exposed to high abrasion. Door sweeps are affordable and can be put to the floor, but they create little to no barrier between the sill or threshold and dust, air, and other debris.

To repair a cracked window seal first, use a putty knife to take off the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves remove the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp, pointed tips that pin the glass to the frame's recess. After you have removed the glazing points, clean the grooves and Window repair sand the wood to a smooth finish. Wipe away any sanding sludge then seal the wooden surface with 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 the most precise application and a stronger seal. Choose a putty specifically for glass, since it will last longer and will adhere better.

Apply a small amount the putty to the inside edge of the frame, window repair where it meets the glass. Slide the window into frame so that the scribed line on glass aligns with edge of frame. Apply pressure on the glass to compress the putty into a tight seal. Smooth the compound using a gloved finger, and wipe away any caulk that is applied incorrectly or drips that have escaped before it dries.