The 10 Scariest Things About Glass Window Repair

Glass Window Repair

Professional window repair repairmen are able to maneuver large glass panes from a height higher than the ground. They adhere to strict safety guidelines and are often working in extreme weather conditions.

Wearing protective clothing, take off the metal glazing points and all glazing putty using an utility knife. A heat gun may help soften the old putty and accelerate the removal process.

Replacement

It can be tempting to fix the glass on your windows instead of replacing it when the glass breaks. However, replacing windows is usually more cost-effective, and can also assist in preventing other issues in your home's energy efficiency. You should also take into consideration the kind of glass that is damaged to determine if it is temporary or if you'll require a more permanent solution.

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 wiggle the window pane and then remove any remaining shards. Use a utility blade to scrape off the glazing compound, as well as the glazing points that keep the window in place. Keep track of the components and where they are so they can be reinstalled.

After the frame and sash are removed, you can begin preparing to install new glass. Before doing this ensure that the opening in the frame is properly size for the replacement window. To allow for frame and glass expansion and contraction to both directions, measure 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 place them every 6 inches around each window pane.

Depending on the window's warranty it could be covered by the manufacturer, in which case you must contact them to make an claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it should be sprayed with a thin coating of glazier's compound. After the compound has dried, you can paint it to match the frame of the window.

If your crack is more than an inch You can stop it from expanding by cutting the crack with a small arc, just above the crack. This trick is not foolproof however it can slow the development of the crack until you are able to take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers are equipped with the appropriate tools and know how to work with various types of glass. They know how to dispose of waste properly and are therefore less likely than others to leave behind scraps which could cause harm to family pets or members of the family. They're also accustomed to working with different window types and are capable of identifying issues that aren't obvious to an inexperienced homeowner.

Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to beginning the process of repairing 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 crucial to determine what caused the crack, so that you could prevent future problems.

Make a two-part mix of epoxy. These are usually 50/50 mix of resin and hardener, and they need to be quickly mixed. Once the mixture is prepared put it in the crack in the glass and allow it to dry. It should take only some minutes but it's important to work quickly since the mixture is extremely thick and fast-drying.

After the epoxy has dried, you can take off any excess with a putty knife. The next step is to scrub the cracked glass. If you do not clean the area correctly, the debris could cause further damage to your glass. Use a putty blade to smooth the compound around the window's edge and match it to the wood frame.

Think about using a plastic lid for a more durable option. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a strong-duty trash bag. This will prevent the crack from spreading and will also keep water, wind and bugs out.

If you're not able to get to the window quickly and you're not able to get there quickly, you can use silicone sealant to make an interim repair. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant on the edge of the broken glass. It won't close the gap between the glass and the frame completely, but it will hold the broken piece in place until you can fix it.

Repainting

If your glass windows are old, you might need to paint them. This is an affordable alternative to replacing windows and can give your home a fresh new look. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to get rid of oil smudges, as well as other traces of dirt that can hinder paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent the transfer of oils from your hands onto the surface. Apply multiple thin coats instead of just one large coat. This will help the paint last longer and will keep your windows looking smooth and even.

If you're planning to repaint your glass windows, ensure that you have the appropriate tools nearby. You'll need a sponge or brush as well as a painter's tamper, a ruler and toothpicks. You should also have the paint and brushes you'll be using for the project in your possession. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions and have a good amount of patience because it may take some time for the paint to dry.

You should also make sure the area you're working in is well ventilated if you're using solvent-based paint. This will lower the risk of breathing in toxic chemicals and allow the paint to dry quicker. It is also important to ensure you wear a mask that is protective for any spray paints that you use.

For older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface prior painting. Clean the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water, then apply rubbing alcohol to wash off any grease or oil that could affect the paint's adhesion. Make sure that the windows are completely dry before you begin to paint them.

If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, you might be eligible to make a claim with the dealer or window company who sold them to cover any doors repair or replacement costs. This is especially relevant if you've had several issues with cracked glass or condensation while the windows are still covered by warranty.

Sealing

Whether you have old double glazing repair-pane windows that have a broken seal or a newer version of insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced defogging and fogging, there are a variety of options to address the issue. The most expensive option is to replace the frame and insulated unit, but it may be required if fog or condensation cause energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single pane, or repairing the existing IGU by drilling a hole in its bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging agent.

You can also fill in the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill with a felt strip or vinyl V-strip. Felt can be stapled, glued or put in place, but it does not offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strips are simple to put up and is durable however, it can be costly. It is usually reserved for areas that are subject to high abrasion. Door sweeps are able to be easily nailed in place and are cheap. However, they provide very little or no protection between the threshold and air.

To fix a damaged window seal, use a putty blade to take off the caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves, pry out the glazing point, which are small fasteners with sharp, pointed tips that pin the glass to the recess of the frame. After getting rid of the glazing points clean out the grooves and sand down the wood. Wipe away any sanding residue and then seal the unfinished wood with a linseed oil based paint or clear wood sealer.

A caulking knife or putty can be used to apply the traditional glazing putty, however a knife will provide a more precise application, and a more secure seal. Choose a putty specifically for glass, as it is more durable and adhere better.

Apply a thin layer across the inside of the frame where it joins the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the scribed line on glass lines up with edge of frame. Apply pressure to the glass in order to compress the putty to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound with a gloved hand and remove any drips or caulk that were applied incorrectly before it has dried.