Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen can maneuver large glass panes from a high point above the ground. They follow strict safety protocols and are often working in harsh weather conditions.

While wearing protective clothing remove all glazing putty and glazing points with a utility knife. A heat gun may help soften the old glue and accelerate the removal process.

Replacement

When a window's pane breaks, it could be tempting to try and repair the glass rather than replace it. It is more cost-effective to replace a window, and it can also help you to avoid other issues in your home's efficiency. You should also take into consideration the kind of glass that is damaged to determine if it is an interim fix or if you will require an alternative that is more durable.

The first step to repair a broken window is to remove the sash, also known as the frame and lay it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle and pull out any shards that remain within the window. Utilize a utility blade to scrape off the glazing compound and the glazing points that hold the window in place. Keep track of the components and their locations to make sure they can be replaced later.

After you've removed the frame and sash, you can begin to prepare to replace the glass. Before you do so, make sure that the opening in the frame is properly size for the replacement window. To allow for frame and glass expansion and contraction to both directions, measure the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. 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 it could be covered by the manufacturer, in which case you need to contact them to file an claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it needs to be covered with a thin layer of glazier's compound. After letting the compound dry then you can paint it to match the rest of the frame.

If your crack is longer than an inch in length You can stop it from spreading by slicing a small arc just beyond the crack. This technique isn't 100% foolproof but it can slow the progression of the cracked until you can take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window doctor contractors are trained to deal with a variety of glass and have the tools to do a proper job. They know how to dispose of waste in a safe manner which means they are less likely than others 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 kinds of windows and could be able spot problems that a home owner with no experience would not notice.

Before beginning the process of repairing damaged window glass, be sure that you wear safety goggles and gloves. A small crack can cause shards to fly off, creating a risk for anyone in or around the home. It's also crucial to determine the cause of the crack in the first place, so that it could help avoid future issues.

Create a two-part mixture of epoxy. They typically are a 50/50 mixture of hardener and resin. They must be mixed quickly. After the mixture is prepared then apply it directly to the crack and allow it to dry. This should only take some minutes however it is important to do it quickly because the mixture is very dense and fast drying.

After the epoxy has dried, you can remove any excess with a putty knife. You'll need to clean around the cracked glass. If you do not clean the area in a proper manner the debris could cause further damage to your glass. Once the glass is cleaned with a putty blade, use it to smooth the compound along the edges of the window and match it to the wood frame.

You could consider using a plastic cover to make a more durable choice. You can cover the glass using masking tape or a strong-duty trash bag. This will stop the crack from expanding, and will also block out water, wind, bugs, and debris.

You can make an interim fix if you are unable to access the window in an efficient manner. Simply place a tiny amount of the stuff around the outside edge of the damaged pane. It won't fully seal the gap between the frame and glass but it will help keep the crack in place while you fix it.

Repainting

Repainting your old glass windows is a great idea. This is a low-cost alternative to window replacement and can give your home a new appearance. Make sure that the surface is clean prior to painting. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to wash away oil smudges and other residues which can prevent paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent the transfer of oils from your hands onto the surface. Also, you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of one thick layer. This will help the paint last longer, and ensure that your windows appear smooth and even.

Make sure you have the right tools available in case you want to paint glass windows. You'll need brushes or sponges painter's tap, a ruler and toothpicks. You should have the paints and brushes that you'll use in your kit. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions and be prepared with plenty of patience as it can take a while for the paint to dry.

Also, ensure that the space you're working is well ventilated, especially if you're using solvent-based paint. This will help to reduce the risk of breathing toxic chemicals, and the paint will dry faster. Also, make sure you have a protective mask for any spray paints you apply.

You'll need to wash the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water prior to you paint it. Clean the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water. Then, use rubbing alcohol to clean off any oil or grease that could affect the adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are completely dry prior to coating them.

If you have energy-efficient double-pane windows on your windows, window replacement it might be possible to file a claim for repair or replacement with the window manufacturer or the dealer who sold the windows. This is especially true if your windows are still under warranty and you've had several problems with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

There are many ways to address the issue depending on regardless of whether you have an old double-pane window with a cracked seal, or if you have an insulated unit (IGU) that has experienced fogging. 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 causing energy losses. Other options include replacing the IGU by a single pane, or fixing the IGU that is in place by drilling a hole in the bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging agent.

You can also seal up the gap between the window frame and the sill or threshold using a felt strip, or vinyl V-strip. Felt can be stapled, glued or put in place, but it is not a great protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip is easy to install and durable, but can be expensive. It is typically reserved for areas that are subjected to high abrasion. Door sweeps are easy to nail in place and are cheap. However, they offer only a small amount of protection between the threshold and air.

To fix a cracked window seal, first use a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves remove the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp, pointed tips that pin the glass to the frame's recess. After removing the glazing points, remove the grooves and sand down the wood. Clean any sanding dust and then seal the unfinished wooden surface with a linseed-oil-based paint or clear sealer.

A caulking knife or putty can be used to apply traditional glazing putty. However, the use of a knife allows for the most precise application and a more secure seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass, as it is more durable and stick better.

Apply a small amount of the putty to the inside edge of the frame, where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the scribed line on glass aligns with edge of frame. Apply pressure on the glass to force the putty to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound with fingers that are gloved and then wipe off any caulk that is applied incorrectly or errant drips before it dries.