The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Glass Window Repair

Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work high above the ground, moving huge glass panes. They adhere to strict safety standards and are often working in extreme weather conditions.

Wearing protective clothing, remove the metal glazing points as well as the glazing putty by using a utility knife. A heat gun can help soften the old glue and make it easier to remove.

Replacement

It's tempting to fix the window glass instead of replacing it when panes break. However, replacing a window is usually more cost-effective and may aid in preventing other issues with your home's energy efficiency. Examine the type of glass that is broken to determine whether it's a temporary fix, or if a long-term solution is required.

The first step to repair broken windows is to take off the frame, or sash and lay it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, carefully move the frame and remove any shards remaining in the window. Utilize a utility blade to remove the glazing compound, and the glazing points that secure the window. Keep an eye on these components and their locations to ensure that they can be reinstalled later.

After removing the frame and sash you can begin to prepare to replace the glass. Before doing this ensure that the opening in the frame is properly sized for your 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, purchase double-strength glass cut to these exact dimensions. It is also an excellent idea to buy enough new glazier's clips or glazier's points to be positioned every 6 inches around the window pane.

Depending on the window's warranty the window may be covered by the manufacturer and in this case, you need to contact the company to file a claim. After the new glass has been put in place it is crucial to cover it with a thin layer glaziers compound. After the compound has dried then you can paint it to match the rest of the frame.

If your crack is more 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 can slow the development of the crack down to a manageable size until you can take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors are trained to deal with a variety of glass and have the tools to do the job correctly. They know how to dispose of waste properly and are therefore less likely than other people to leave behind pieces of glass that could inflict harm on family pets or members of the family. They're also used to working with different types of windows and are able to spot problems that might not be apparent to the uninitiated homeowner.

Before beginning the process of repairing damaged window glass, make sure to wear safety glasses and gloves. A small crack can cause shards of glass to fly away, creating a risk for anyone in or around the home. It is crucial to determine the cause of the crack, since this will help prevent any future problems.

Make a two-part mix of epoxy. They usually consist of a 50/50 mixture of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture is done put it in the glass crack and allow it to dry. It will take just some minutes, but you need to be quick as the mixture is thick and drys very quickly.

Once the epoxy is dried, you can take off any excess with a knife. After that, you'll need clean the area around the crack of 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 to match it to the frame of wood.

Consider using a plastic cover to make a more durable choice. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a heavy-duty trash bag. 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 fast enough and you're not able to get there quickly, you can use silicone sealant to make temporary repairs. Simply place a tiny amount of the stuff around the outside edge of the damaged pane. It won't completely seal the gap between the frame and glass completely however it will keep the broken piece in place until you are able to fix it.

Repainting

Repainting your old glass windows is a great idea. This is a cost-effective alternative to replace your windows and can give your house a new appearance. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Wash the window with water and soap or ruby alcohol to get rid of oil smudges and other residues that could hinder the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves while working on glass to prevent the transfer of your own oils onto the surface of the window. In the end, you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a thick layer. This will allow the paint to last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.

Make sure you have the proper tools on hand if you plan to repaint glass windows. You'll need a brush or sponge, painter's adhesive, a ruler, toothpicks, and other tools, such as a rag or paper towel. You'll also need the paint and brushes you'll need for the project on hand. Be sure to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and be prepared with plenty of patience because it may take some time for the paint to dry.

Also, ensure that the area you're working in is well ventilated if you're using solvent-based paint. This will help to reduce the chance of inhaling harmful chemicals, and the paint will dry more quickly. Wear a mask to protect yourself when using spray paints.

For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior to painting. Clean the glass thoroughly with soap and warm water. Then, apply rubbing alcohol to wash off any grease or oil that could hinder paint's adhesion. Make sure that the windows are completely dry before you start 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 repairs manufacturer or dealer that sold them. This is especially true if the windows are still under warranty and have experienced several problems with condensation or damaged glass.

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. It is the most expensive option to replace the IGU that is insulated as well as the frame. However, it may be necessary if fog or condensation is creating energy losses. 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 close the gap between the window frame and the sill or threshold with a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or a door sweep. Felt is cheap and can be fixed by gluing, nailing or stapled to the frame, but it does not provide much protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strips are simple to install and long-lasting, but can be expensive. It is generally reserved for areas that are subjected to high abrasion. door repair sweeps can be easily nailed in place and are cheap. However, they provide very little or no protection between the threshold and the air.

To repair a damaged window seal using a putty knife, you need to take off the caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection take out the glazing point, which are small fasteners with sharp pointed tips that hold the glass into the recess of the frame. Once you have removed the glazing points, clean the grooves and Window repair sand the wood until it is smooth. Wipe off any sanding debris and then seal the unfinished wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.

Traditional glazing putty can be applied with a putty knife or caulking gun. However, a knife provides a better application that is more precise and will provide a better seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass, as it is more durable and adhere better.

Apply a thin layer of glue along the inside edge of frame where it joins the glass. Slide the window into the frame, so that the cut line on the glass aligns with the frame's edge. Apply pressure on the glass to force the putty and glass into a tight seal. Smooth the compound with gloves and get rid of any drips or caulk that were applied incorrectly before it has dried.