Glass Window Repair
Professional window repair men are able to move large panes of tempered glass from a height higher than the ground. They follow strict safety protocols and often work under extreme weather conditions.
Wearing protective clothing, cut off the metal glazing points as well as the glazing putty by using a utility knife. A heat gun will help to soften and eliminate the old putty.
Replacement
It is tempting to fix the glass on your windows instead of replacing it when a pane breaks. It is cheaper to replace windows and it can also help to avoid other issues in the efficiency of your home. You should also take into consideration the kind of glass that is damaged to determine if it is temporary or if you'll require an option that is more permanent.
To fix a damaged window, take off the frame or sash and place it on the work surface. While wearing eye protection, gently move around and pull out any shards remaining within the window. Then, use a knife to cut off the glazing compound and glazing points that hold the glass in the position. Keep track of the location of these components to make sure they can be put back in place later.
After the frame and sash are removed, you can begin preparing to install new glass. Make sure that the opening of the frame is the right size for your replacement window. Measure both sides of the opening, and then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to allow the expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Afterwards, purchase double-strength glass cut to these precise dimensions. It is a good idea to also purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to install every 6 inches around each window pane.
If the manufacturer is responsible for this, you can call them and submit an claim. After the new glass has been installed, it should be bedded in with a thin coating of the compound used by glaziers. After the compound is dry it is possible to paint the frame to be a perfect match.
If your crack is more than an inch, you can prevent it from spreading by slicing an arc that is just a little beyond the crack. This trick is not foolproof however it can slow the development of the crack until you can take more permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors know how to handle a variety of glass types, and they have the tools to do the job correctly. They know how to dispose of waste safely, so they are less likely than other contractors to leave behind pieces of glass which could cause harm to family pets or members of the family. They are also experienced in working with different types of windows and could be able to spot issues that a home owner with no experience would not notice.
Before you begin the process of repairing cracked window glass, make sure to wear safety goggles and gloves. A small crack could cause glass shards to fly away and put anyone at risk within or around the home. It's important to determine what caused the crack, as this could prevent future issues.
Make a two-part mix of epoxy. These are usually 50/50 mix of hardener and resin and they must be quickly mixed. Once the mixture has been prepared then apply it directly to the crack and allow it to dry. This should only take some minutes but it's important to work quickly since the mixture is extremely thick and quick drying.
After the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of excess epoxy with a putty blade. After that, you'll need clean the area around the cracked glass. If you don't do this correctly, the resulting residue could cause further damage to the glass. After cleaning the glass, use a putty knife to smooth the compound along the edge of the window, and then match it to the frame made of wood.
Consider using a plastic cover for a more robust option. You can cover the glass using masking tape or a heavy-duty trashbag. This will prevent the crack from spreading and will also keep wind, water and insects out.
You can come up with an interim fix when you are unable get to the window in an efficient manner. Apply a small amount silicone sealant around the edge of the broken glass. It won't completely seal the gap between the frame and glass completely but it will hold the broken piece in place until you can fix it.
Repainting
If your glass windows are old, you might want to repaint them. This is an affordable alternative to replacing windows and give your home a fresh appearance. Make sure that the surface is clean prior to painting. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to remove oil smudges and other traces of dirt that can hinder paint from adhering. It is also recommended to wear rubber gloves when working on glass to avoid the risk of transferring your own oils onto the glass surface. Apply several thin coats instead of one thick coat. This will make the paint last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.
If you're planning on repainting your glass windows, make sure you have the proper tools at hand. You'll need a brush, sponge, painter's adhesive, a ruler, toothpicks, and a few other tools such as paper towels or a rag. You'll need the brushes and paints you'll use in your kit. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Have patience because it could take some time for the paint to completely dry.
It is also important to ensure that the area you're working in is ventilated when you're using solvent-based paint. This will decrease the risk of breathing in toxic chemicals and permit the paint to dry more quickly. Use a mask that is protective when using spray paints.
For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior painting. Use soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, rub alcohol on any oil or grease residues that could interfere with the adhesion of the paint. Make sure the windows are completely dried before you begin painting them.
If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, you may be eligible to make a claim with the window manufacturer or dealer who sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially the case if you've experienced several issues with condensation or broken glass even though the windows are covered under warranty.
Sealing
If you have double-pane windows that have a broken seal or a newer version of insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging and fogging, there are a variety of options to address the issue. The most expensive option is to replace the frame and insulated unit however it could be necessary if condensation or fog cause energy loss. Other options include replacing the existing IGU with a single-pane, or fixing it by drilling a small hole through 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 sill or threshold with a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or a door sweep. Felt is inexpensive and can be glued, nailed, or stapled into place however it doesn't provide a lot of protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strip weather stripping is durable and easy to install however, it can be expensive and is generally used for areas that are subject to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps can be easily nailed in place and are inexpensive. However, they offer very little or no protection between the threshold and air.
To fix a cracked window seal first, use a putty blade to take off the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves remove the glazing point, which are small fasteners with sharp, pointed tips that pin the glass in the recess of the frame. After removing the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood smooth. Wipe away any sanding sludge, then seal the bare wooden surface with a linseed-oil-based paint or clear sealer.
A caulking knife or putty can be used to apply the traditional glazing putty. However, the use of a knife allows for a more precise application, and a stronger seal. Make sure you choose a putty made specifically for glass windows, as it will have higher adhesion and a longer life.
Apply a small amount of the putty to the inside edge of the frame, where it meets the glass. Slide the window into frame so that scribed line on glass lines up with edge of frame. Apply pressure to the glass in order to press the putty to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound with a gloved hand and remove any drips or caulk that were not applied correctly before it dries.