Glass Window Repair
Professional window repair men 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, remove all glazing putty and glazing points with a utility knife. A heat gun can soften and remove the old putty.
Replacement
It can be tempting to repair the window glass instead of replacing it when the glass breaks. It is cheaper to replace a window and it will also help prevent other problems in your home's efficiency. You should also consider the type of glass that is broken to determine if it is temporary or if you'll need to invest in an alternative that is more durable.
To fix a damaged window, remove the frame or sash and place it on the work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window pane and then remove any remaining fragments. Then, use a utility knife to peel off the glazing compound and points that keep the glass in place. Be sure to keep an eye on the location of these components to ensure that they can be put back in place later.
Once the frame and sash have been removed then you can begin the process of preparing to install new glass. Before you begin make sure that the opening in the frame is properly sized for your replacement window. Measure both ways across the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement in order to leave the expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, buy double-strength glass cut to these precise dimensions. It is also a good idea to purchase enough new glazier's points or clips to be positioned every 6 inches around the window pane.
Depending on the warranty of the window, this may be covered by the manufacturer, in which case you should call them to make an claim. After the new glass has been erected, it is important to cover it with a thin layer of glaziers compound. After the compound has dried and dry, you can paint it to match the frame of the window.
If you have a crack that extends more than an inch, scoring the crack with the edge of a blade just over the crack will help prevent it from spreading any further. This technique isn't 100% foolproof but it will slow down the development of the crack until you can take more permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors are equipped with the proper tools and know how to work with different kinds of glass. They also understand the best methods for disposing of waste, so they're less likely to leave scraps behind, which could potentially injure family members or pets. They're also accustomed to working with different kinds of windows and could be able to spot problems that a home owner with no experience might not see.
Before beginning the process of repairing damaged window glass, ensure to wear safety goggles and gloves. A small crack could cause shards of glass to fly around and put anyone at risk in or around the home. It's also important to figure out what caused the crack in the first place, as it could help avoid future problems.
Begin by creating an epoxy mixture that has two parts. They are usually made up of a 50/50 mix of hardener and resin. They must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture is prepared put it in the crack in the glass and let it dry. It should take only some minutes, but it is important to be quick as the mixture is very thick and drys very quickly.
Once the epoxy has dried, you can take off excess epoxy using a putty blade. Then, you'll have to clean the area around the cracked glass. If you don't do it correctly, the 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 match it to the frame made of wood.
Consider using a plastic cover for a more durable option. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a heavy-duty trash bag. This will prevent the crack from spreading, and will also keep wind, water and bugs out.
You can make a temporary fix if you are unable to access the window in time. Simply apply a small amount of the material around the outside edge of the damaged pane. It won't seal the gap between the frame and glass completely however it will keep the fracture until you are able to fix it.
Repainting
If your windows with glass are old, you may consider repainting them. This is an affordable alternative to replacing windows and provide your home with a new look. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Clean the window using soap and water or use rubbing alcohol to remove oil smudges and other residues which can hinder the paint from adhering. It is also recommended to wear rubber gloves when working on glass to prevent the transfer of your own oils onto the surface of the window. Also it is recommended to 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 appropriate tools on hand in case you want to paint glass windows. You'll need a brush or sponge, painter's tape toothpicks, a ruler as well as a few other tools like a rag or paper towel. You'll also need the paint and brushes you'll use to complete the project. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Be patient because it could take some time for the paint to fully dry.
Also, ensure that the room you're working in is well ventilated if you're using solvent-based paint. This will decrease the risk of breathing harmful chemicals, and the paint will dry quicker. Use a mask that is protective when using spray paints.
You'll need to clean the glass window thoroughly using warm water and soap before you paint it. Make use of soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, use rubbing alcohol on any grease or oil residues that might hinder the paint's adhesion. Make sure the windows are dry before you start coating them.
If you have energy-efficient double-pane windows on your windows, it could be possible to submit a claim for repair or replacement with the company that makes the windows or the dealer who sold them. This is especially relevant if you've had numerous issues with condensation or broken glass and the windows are covered by warranty.
Sealing
If you have double-pane windows with broken seal or a newer version of insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging, there are several methods to fix the issue. The most expensive option is to replace the insulated unit and frame however it could be required if fog or condensation are causing energy loss. Other alternatives include replacing the current 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 fill in the gap between a window frame and a threshold or sill 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 weather stripping v-strip is durable and simple to install however, it is costly and is generally reserved for areas exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are inexpensive and can be put to the floor but they create very little or no protection between the sill or threshold and dust, air, and debris.
To repair a cracked window seal, first employ a putty knife to scrape off the caulk. Wearing protective eyewear and gloves, carefully pry out the glazing points -- small fasteners that hold the glass to the frame's recess using sharp, pointed ends. After getting rid of the glazing points remove the grooves and sand the wood. Wipe away any sanding residue, then seal the bare wood with a linseed oil based paint or clear wood sealer.
Traditional glazing putty can be applied with the help of a putty blade or caulking gun, however using a knife allows for a more efficient, more precise application and creates a better seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass as it will be more durable and adhere better.
Apply a small amount of the putty on the inside edge of the frame where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the drawn line on the glass aligns with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to compress the putty into a solid seal. Smooth the compound with an ungloved finger, and wipe away any caulk that is applied incorrectly or spills that are not properly wiped away before it is dry.