Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen are able to maneuver large glass panes from a height above the ground. They follow strict safety protocols and frequently work in harsh weather conditions.
Wearing protective clothing, remove the glazing points made of metal and all glazing putty with an utility knife. A heat gun can to soften and take off the old putty.
Replacement
It is tempting to fix the glass of your window instead of replacing it when a pane breaks. It is cheaper to replace a window, and it can also help to avoid other issues in your home's efficiency. It is also important to consider the type of glass that is damaged to determine if it is temporary or if you will require an alternative that is more durable.
To fix a broken window, remove the sash or frame and lay it flat on the floor. Wearing eye protection, carefully move around and pull out any shards remaining in the window. Then, use a knife to remove the glazing compound and glazing points that hold the glass in the position. Keep an eye on the components and their locations to ensure they are reinstalled.
After you've removed the frame and sash, you can begin to prepare to replace the glass. Before doing this ensure that the opening in the frame is properly 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, 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 the window pane.
Depending on the warranty of the window the window may be covered by the manufacturer and in this case, you must contact the company to file an claim. Once the new glass is installed, it should be covered with a thin coating of glazier's compound. After drying the compound, you can paint it to match the rest of the window frame.
If you have a crack that extends more than an inch, scoring a small arc with a razor blade just beyond the crack can help to stop it from spreading further. This technique isn't 100% completely foolproof, but it could slow the growth of the crack to a manageable size until you can take more permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window installers have the proper tools and know how to handle different kinds of glass. They know how to dispose of waste properly and are therefore less likely than other people to leave behind a mess which could cause harm to family pets or members of the family. They are also experienced in working with different kinds of windows, and may be able spot problems that a novice home owner might not see.
Before you begin the process of repairing cracked window glass, ensure to wear safety goggles and gloves. Even a small break can cause shards to fly off, which could pose a risk to anyone in or around the home. It is crucial to determine the cause of the crack, since this will help prevent any future issues.
Create a two-part mixture of epoxy. They are typically 50/50 mixture of resin and hardener, and must be mixed quickly. After the mixture is made and applied, simply apply it to the crack and let it dry. It should only take a couple of minutes, but it is important to be quick as the mixture is thick and drys very quickly.
After the epoxy has dried, you can take off excess epoxy with a putty blade. Then, you'll need to clean the area around the broken glass. If you do not clean the area in a proper manner, the residue could cause further damage to the glass. Use a putty blade to smooth the compound around the edge of the window and then match it to the frame of wood.
To make a more durable option think about using a plastic covering. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is the best option, but you can also apply masking tape to the glass. This will keep the crack from expanding, and will also block out wind, water insects, water, and other debris.
If you're not able to reach the window in a timely manner then you can apply silicone sealant to make temporary repairs. Simply run a bead of the material around the outside edge of the broken pane. It won't close the gap between the frame and the glass completely but it will hold the break in place until you can fix it.
Repainting
If your windows with glass are old, you might need to paint them. This is a low-cost alternative to replacing windows and can give your home a new appearance. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Clean the window with soap and water or use ruby alcohol to get rid of oil smudges and other traces that could hinder the paint from adhering. It is also recommended to wear rubber gloves while working on glass to avoid the risk of transferring your own oils onto the glass surface. Also you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of one thick layer. This will help the paint last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.
Make sure you have the proper tools in your arsenal if you plan to repaint glass windows. You'll need a brush or sponge, painter's tape, toothpicks, a ruler and a few other tools, such as paper towels or a rag. You should also have the paint and brushes you'll use for the project on hand. Make sure you adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and have plenty of patience because 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 help to reduce the risk of inhaling toxic chemicals, and also the paint will dry more quickly. Wear window repairs near me to protect yourself when using spray paints.
For older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface before painting. Use warm water and soap to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, use rubbing alcohol on any oil or grease remnants that may hinder the paint's adhesion. Make sure the windows are dry prior to coating them.
If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, then you might be eligible to make a claim with the window manufacturer or dealer that sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if the windows are still under warranty and have experienced several issues with condensation or broken glass.
Sealing
Whether you have old double-pane windows with a broken seal or a newer version of insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced defogging and fogging, there are a variety of options for fixing the problem. It is the most expensive option to replace both the insulation unit and the frame. However, it may be required in situations where fog or condensation is creating 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 then filling the solution with anti-fog.
You can also seal up the gap between a window frame and a sill or threshold using a felt strip, or vinyl v-strip. Felt can be stapled, glued or nailed into place but doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip weather stripping is durable and simple to install however it can be expensive and is typically reserved for areas that are exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are easy to nail to the floor and are affordable. However, they provide only a small amount of protection between the threshold and air.
To repair a damaged window seal make use of a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection, carefully pry out the glazing points -- small fasteners that fix the glass into the frame's recess using sharp and pointed edges. After you have removed the glazing points, scrub the grooves and sand the wood smooth. Wipe off any sanding traces, then seal the bare wood using a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.
A caulking knife or putty can be used to apply the traditional glazing putty, but using a knife will give a more precise application, and a stronger seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass, as it will be more durable and will adhere better.
Apply a small amount of the putty to the inner edge 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 edge of frame. Apply pressure on the glass to force the putty and glass to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound using a gloved hand and remove any caulk or drips that were not applied correctly before it dries.