Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen can maneuver large panes of tempered glass from a height above the ground. They work in extreme weather conditions and follow strict safety guidelines.

Wearing protective clothing, remove the metal glazing points and the glazing putty by using a utility knife. A heat gun can help to soften and eliminate the old putty.

Replacement

It can be tempting to repair the glass on your windows instead of replacing it if a pane breaks. It is cheaper to replace windows and it can also help you to avoid other issues in your home's efficiency. Examine the kind of glass damaged to determine if it's a temporary fix, or if a permanent solution is required.

The first step in repairing damaged windows is to remove the frame, or sash and lay it flat on a table. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window's frame and remove any remaining shards. Then, use a utility knife to remove the glazing compound as well as the glazing points that help to hold the glass in place. Keep track of the components and their location so that they can be put back in place.

After you've removed the frame and sash you can begin preparing to replace the glass. Make sure that the opening of the frame is of the correct size for your replacement window. Measure both sides of the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement in order to leave room for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, buy double-strength glass cut to these exact measurements. It is recommended to purchase enough glazier's clips or points to be installed every 6 inches around the window repair pane.

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

If you have a crack that is more than an inch, cutting an arc of a razor blade that is just above the crack can help to prevent it from spreading any further. This trick is not foolproof however it can slow the progression of the cracked until you can take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors know how to handle a variety of glass and have the tools needed to complete a proper job. They are able to dispose of waste properly which means they are less likely than other people to leave behind scraps that could harm family pets or members of the family. They're also familiar with various types of windows and may be capable of identifying issues that aren't obvious to a homeowner who isn't experienced.

Wear safety glasses and gloves before you begin the process of repairing cracked glass. A small crack could cause shards of glass to fly around and pose a risk to anyone inside or around the house. It's also crucial to determine the cause of the crack in the first place, since it could help avoid future issues.

Make a two-part mixture of epoxy. These are usually a 50/50 mix of hardener and resin, and they must be mixed quickly. After the mixture is prepared and applied, simply apply it to the crack and allow it to dry. This should only take a few minutes however it is important to get it done quickly as the mixture is very thick and quick drying.

After the epoxy has dried, you can take off any excess using a putty knife. After that, you'll need clean the area around the broken glass. If you do not clean the area in a proper manner the leftovers could cause further damage to your glass. Use a putty blade to smooth the compound around the window's edge and then match it to the wood frame.

For a more durable solution, consider using a plastic cover. A trash bag that is heavy-duty or tarp is ideal, but you can also apply masking tape to the glass. This will keep the crack from expanding, and will also keep out water, wind, bugs, and debris.

You can create a temporary fix when you are unable reach the window in time. Simply apply a small amount of the substance around the outside edge of the broken window. It won't completely seal the gap between frame and glass but it will help keep the break in place while you repair it.

Repainting

If your glass windows are old, you might need to paint them. This is an affordable alternative to replacing windows, and will give your home a new look. Make sure the window is clean before painting. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to wash away oil smudges, and other residues that could prevent paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to avoid the transfer of oils from your fingers onto the surface. Apply multiple thin coats instead of one thick coat. This will help the paint last longer, and ensure that your windows appear even and smooth.

Make sure you have the appropriate tools in your arsenal if you plan to repaint glass windows. You will need a sponge or brush, painter's tap as well as a ruler and toothpicks. It is recommended to have the brushes and paints you'll be using in your kit. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and be prepared with plenty of patience as it can take a while for the paint to dry.

You should also make sure the room you're working in is ventilated when you're using solvent-based paint. This will lower the risk of breathing in harmful chemicals and allow the paint to dry more quickly. Use a mask that is protective when using spray paints.

For older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface prior to painting. Clean the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water. Then, use rubbing alcohol to clean away any grease or oil that could hinder paint's adhesion. Make sure the windows are completely dried before you begin painting them.

If you have energy-efficient double-pane windows on your windows, it could be possible to make a claim for repair or replacement with the window company or the dealer who sold them. This is particularly the case if you've experienced several issues with broken glass or condensation while the windows are still 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 fix the issue. It is the most expensive option to replace the IGU that is insulated as well as the frame. However, it might be required in situations where fog or condensation is causing energy losses. Other alternatives include replacing the current IGU with a single-pane, or repair it by drilling a small hole into the bottom of the unit, and then filling the solution with anti-fog.

You can also seal the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill by using a felt strip vinyl v-strips, or door sweep. Felt can be stapled, glued or placed in place, but is not a great protection against moisture. Vinyl weather stripping that is v-strip is strong and easy to put in however, it can be costly and is typically reserved for areas that are exposed to high abrasion. Door sweeps are affordable and can be fixed to the floor but they create virtually no barrier between the threshold or sill and air, dust, and debris.

To repair a damaged window seal make use of a putty blade to scrape off the caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection remove the glazing point, which are small fasteners with sharp pointed tips that hold the glass into the recess of the frame. After taking out the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood. Wipe away any sanding residue 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, however a knife will provide the most precise application and a more secure seal. Choose a putty specifically for glass, as it is more durable and adhere better.

Apply a thin bead of the putty to the inside edge of the frame where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the scribed line on glass lines up with edge of frame. Apply pressure on the glass to press the putty and glass into an elongated seal. Smooth the compound with a gloved hand and glass window repair remove any drips or caulk that were applied incorrectly before it has dried.