10 Things We All Hate About Glass Window Repair

Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work from high above the ground, moving huge panes of glass. They adhere to strict safety standards and often work under harsh weather conditions.

While wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and metal glazing points using a utility knife. A heat gun can to soften and take off the old putty.

Replacement

When a window pane is broken, it may be tempting to try and repair the glass rather than replace it. It is cheaper to replace a window, and it can also help avoid other issues that could affect the efficiency of your home. You should also consider the type of glass that is broken to determine if it is a temporary fix or if you'll need to invest in an alternative that is more durable.

The first step in repairing broken windows is to take off the frame, or sash, and lay it flat on a table. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window's pane and then remove any remaining fragments. Then, use a utility knife to peel off the glazing compound and points that help to hold the glass in place. Keep an eye on the components and where they are to ensure they are reinstalled.

Once the frame and sash have been removed then you can begin the process of preparing to install the new glass. Before you begin ensure that the opening in the frame is properly size for the replacement window. Take measurements both ways across the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to allow room for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. 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 each window pane.

Depending on the window's warranty it could be covered by the manufacturer in which case you should call the company to file an claim. After the new glass has been installed it is crucial to cover it with a thin layer glaziers compound. After drying the compound then you can paint it to match the rest of the frame.

If the crack is greater than an inch You can stop it from expanding by cutting an arc that is just a little beyond the crack. This technique isn't 100% foolproof but it will slow down the growth of the cracked until you can take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers have the proper tools and know how to work with various types of glass. They also know the best practices for disposing of garbage, which means they're less likely to leave crumbs behind, which could potentially injure family members or pets. They're also accustomed to working with different window types and may be capable of identifying issues that aren't apparent to an inexperienced homeowner.

Before beginning the process of repairing cracked window glass, ensure that you wear safety goggles and gloves. A minor crack could cause shards to fly off, posing a danger to anyone in or around the home. It's also important to figure out what caused the crack in the first place, since it could help avoid future problems.

Make a two-part mix of epoxy. It is usually a 50/50 mix of resin and hardener, and they need to be mixed quickly. After the mixture is prepared, apply it directly to the crack and let it dry. This should only take a few minutes but it's important to work quickly since the mixture is very dense and fast drying.

After the epoxy has dried, you can remove excess epoxy with a blade. You'll need to clean around the cracked glass. If you don't clean it correctly, the resulting residue could cause further damage to the glass. Make use of a putty knife to smooth the compound around the edge of your window and 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, however you can also use masking tape to cover the glass. This will stop the crack from spreading, and will also keep water, wind and bugs out.

If you're not able to reach the window quickly then you can apply silicone sealant to create a temporary repair. Apply a small amount silicone sealant to the edge of the damaged glass. It won't fully seal the gap between frame and glass but it will help keep the break in place while you fix it.

Repainting

If your glass windows are old, you may want to repaint them. This is a low-cost alternative to replacing windows and provide your home with a new look. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Wash the window with soap and water or use rubbing alcohol to remove oil smudges as well as other residues which can hinder the paint from adhering. It is also recommended to wear rubber gloves when working on glass to avoid transferring your own oils onto the glass surface. Finally you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a single thick layer. This will allow the paint to last longer, and will keep your windows looking smooth and even.

Make sure you have the right tools available when you are planning to repaint glass windows. You'll need a sponge or brush, painter's tap along with a ruler, toothpicks and a ruler. You should have the paints and brushes that you'll use on hand. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Have patience, as it may take some time for the paint to completely dry.

You should also make sure the area you're working in is well ventilated if you're using solvent-based paint. This will help to reduce the risk of inhaling toxic chemicals, and the paint will dry more quickly. Use a protective mask when using spray paints.

For older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface prior to painting. Use warm water and soap to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, RepairMyWindowsAndDoors use rubbing alcohol on any grease or oil remnants that may hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are dry before you begin painting them.

If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, you may be able to make a claim with the window manufacturer or dealer who sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially relevant if you've had multiple problems with cracked glass or condensation and the windows are covered under warranty.

Sealing

Whether you have old double-pane windows that have a broken seal or a newer version of insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging, there are several methods for fixing the problem. The most costly option is to replace the insulated unit and frame however it could be required if fog or condensation are causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU by a single pane, or fixing the existing IGU 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 by using a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or a door sweep. Felt is affordable and can be fixed with glue, nailed or stapled to the frame however it doesn't provide a lot of protection from moisture. Vinyl weather stripping v-strip is durable and easy to put in however, it can be expensive and is usually reserved for RepairMyWindowsAndDoors areas exposed to high abrasion. door repair sweeps are cheap and can be nailed into place, but they create virtually no barrier between the sill or threshold and dust, air, and debris.

To fix a damaged window seal, use a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection carefully remove the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that hold the glass in the frame's recess, with sharp and pointed ends. After removing the glazing points, clean out the grooves and sand the wood. Clean any sanding dust, then seal the bare wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or RepairMyWindowsAndDoors clear sealer.

Traditional glazing putty can be applied with the help of a putty blade or caulking gun, but a knife provides a better precision and precise application. It also will provide a better seal. Make sure you choose a putty made specifically for glass windows, since it will be more adhesive and long-lasting.

Apply a thin layer of glue across the inside of the frame where it joins the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the scribed line on the glass is aligned with the frame's edge. Apply pressure on the glass to compress the putty and create an elongated seal. Smooth the compound using a gloved hand and remove any drips or caulk that were applied incorrectly before it dries.