Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen work high above the ground, moving massive glass panes. They adhere to strict safety standards and are often working in 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 can to soften and take off the old putty.
Replacement
When a window pane breaks, it could be tempting to try and repair the glass rather than replace it. However, replacing windows is typically more cost-effective and may help prevent other problems in your home's energy efficiency. You should also consider the type of glass that is broken to determine if this is a temporary fix or if you will need to invest in an option that is more permanent.
The first step to repair broken windows is to take off the frame, or sash and place it flat on a table. While wearing eye protection, gently wiggle and pull out any shards that remain within the window. Utilize a utility knife to cut off the glazing compound, as well as the glazing points that keep the window in place. Be sure to keep the track of the location of these components to ensure that they can be reinstalled later.
After you have removed the frame and sash, you can begin to prepare to replace the glass. Make sure you check the opening of the frame is the proper size for the replacement window. To allow for the expansion of the frame and glass 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 recommended to purchase enough glazier's clips or points to install every 6 inches around the window pane.
Depending on the warranty of the window it could be covered by the manufacturer and in this case, you should call them to make a claim. After the new glass has been put in place, it is important to cover it with a thin layer glaziers compound. After the compound has dried, you can paint the frame to match.
If you have a crack that is more than an inch, scoring the crack with the edge of a blade just over the crack could help prevent it from spreading any further. This technique isn't 100% foolproof, but it can slow the development of the crack to a manageable size until you are able to take more permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window installers have the appropriate tools and know how to handle various types of glass. They know how to dispose of waste safely and are therefore less likely than other contractors to leave behind scraps that could harm family pets or members of the family. They're also used to working with different window types and are aware of issues that might not be apparent to an inexperienced homeowner.
Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to beginning the process of repairing cracked glass. A minor crack could cause shards to fly off, posing a danger to anyone living in or around the home. It is crucial to determine the cause of the crack, since this could prevent future issues.
Begin by creating an epoxy mix that is two-part. It is usually 50/50 mixture of resin and hardener, and they need to be quickly mixed. When the mixture is done, apply it to the glass crack and allow it to dry. It should take only some minutes, but you must be quick because the mixture is thick and dries very quickly.
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 in a proper manner, the leftovers could cause further damage to the glass. After cleaning the glass using a putty knife, you can use it to smooth the compound along the edge of the window, and then match it with the frame made of wood.
Think about using a plastic lid for a more robust option. You can cover the glass using masking tape or a sturdy trashbag. 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 create an interim repair. Apply a small amount silicone sealant on the edges of the broken glass. It won't seal the gap between the frame and the glass completely however it will keep the break in place until you can repair it.
Repainting
If your glass windows are old, you may consider repainting them. This is an affordable alternative to window replacement and will give your home a fresh new appearance. Make sure the window is clean before painting. Clean window repairs using 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 prevent the transfer of your own oils onto the surface of the window. Finally you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a single thick layer. This will make the paint last longer, and keep your windows looking even and smooth.
Make sure you have the right tools on hand in case you want to paint glass windows. You'll need a sponge or brush, painter's tap along with a ruler, toothpicks and a ruler. You should also have the paint and brushes you'll use for the project on hand. Follow the manufacturer's directions. Be patient because it could take a while for the paint to completely dry.
If you're using solvent-based paint, also ensure that the space where you work is adequately ventilated. This will reduce the risk of inhaling toxic chemicals, and the paint will 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 painting. Clean the glass 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 the windows are dry prior to coating them.
If you have energy-efficient double-pane windows on your windows, it may be possible to file a claim for repair or replacement with the window company or dealer that sold them. This is especially true if the windows are still under warranty and you've experienced numerous problems with condensation or broken glass.
Sealing
There are many ways to address the issue regardless of whether you have an old double-pane glass with cracks in the seal, or if you have a newer insulation unit (IGU) that has experienced fogging. It is the most expensive option to replace both the insulation unit and the frame. However, it could be necessary if fog or condensation is creating energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU by a single pane, or fixing the IGU that is in place by drilling a hole through the bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging product.
You can also seal the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill with a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or a door sweep. Felt can be stapled, glued or placed in place, but doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip is easy to install and long-lasting however, it can be costly. It is typically used in areas that are exposed to abrasions that are high. 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 using a putty knife, you need to take off the caulk. Wearing protective eyewear and gloves take care to remove the glazing points, which are tiny fasteners that pin the glass into the frame's recess, with sharp, pointed edges. After getting rid of the glazing points remove the grooves and sand down the wood. Clean any sanding residue, then seal the bare wood with a linseed oil based paint or clear wood sealer.
Traditional glazing putty can be applied using either a putty knife or a caulking gun, however using a knife allows for a more efficient precision and precise application. It also will provide a better seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass, as it will be more durable and adhere better.
Apply a thin layer of putty on the inside of the frame where it joins the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the cut line on the glass lines up with the frame's edge. Apply pressure on the glass to force the putty into a solid seal. Smooth the compound using a gloved finger, and wipe away any mistakenly applied caulk or spills that are not properly wiped away before it dries.