Glass Window Repair
Professional window repair men work high above the ground, moving huge glass panes. They adhere to strict safety standards and often work under extreme weather conditions.
Wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and glazing points with a utility knife. A heat gun will help soften and remove the old putty.
Replacement
It is tempting to fix the glass of your window instead of replacing it if panes break. However, replacing a window is often more cost-effective, and can also help prevent other problems with your home's energy efficiency. Examine the kind of glass damaged to determine if it's a temporary fix, or if a permanent solution is needed.
To repair a broken window, take off the frame or sash, and lay it flat on your work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window's frame and remove any remaining fragments. Utilize a utility blade to remove the glazing compound, and the glazing points that hold the window in place. Make sure you keep track of these components and their locations to ensure that they can be reinstalled later.
After you've removed the frame and sash, you can start preparing to replace the glass. Before you do so make sure that the opening in the frame is properly designed for the replacement window. Measure both sides of the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to allow the expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, buy double-strength glass cut to these exact dimensions. It is recommended to also purchase enough glazier's clips or points to place them every 6 inches around each window pane.
Depending on the window's warranty, this may be covered by the manufacturer in which case you need to contact them to file an claim. After the new glass has been installed, it should be bedded in with a thin coating of glazier's compound. After the compound has dried, you can paint it to match the rest of the frame.
If your crack is more than an inch in length you can stop it from expanding by scoring a small arc just beyond the crack. This trick is not foolproof but it will slow down the progression of the cracked until you are able to take permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors are trained to deal with a variety of glass and have the tools needed to complete an excellent job. They know how to dispose of waste in a safe manner which means they are less likely than other contractors to leave behind scraps that could harm family members or pets. They're also used to working with different types of windows, and they may be capable of identifying issues that aren't apparent to the uninitiated homeowner.
Before beginning the process of repairing cracked window glass, ensure to wear safety goggles and gloves. Even a small crack can cause glass shards to fly around and could pose a danger to anyone within or around the home. It is important to determine the cause of the crack, so that you can prevent future issues.
Begin by creating a two-part epoxy mixture. They usually consist of made up of a 50/50 mix of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture is prepared, apply it to the crack in the glass and let it dry. It should only take about a few 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 get rid of excess epoxy with a putty blade. The next step is to clean around the cracked glass. If you do not clean the area in a proper manner the leftovers could cause further damage to the glass. Use a putty blade to smooth out the compound around the edge of the window and match it with the frame of wood.
Think about using a plastic lid for a more robust option. A trash bag that is heavy-duty or tarp is ideal, however you can also apply masking tape to the glass. This will stop the crack from spreading, and will also keep water, wind and insects out.
If you're unable to get to the window fast enough and you're not able to get there quickly, you can use silicone sealant to create a temporary repair. Simply apply a small amount of the stuff around the outside of the broken pane. It won't completely seal the gap between the frame and glass but it will help keep the crack in place while you repair it.
Repainting
If your windows with glass are old, you may consider repainting them. This is a cost-effective alternative to replace your windows and will give your house a new look. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Wash the window with soap and water or use ruby alcohol to get rid of oil smudges and other traces that could hinder the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent transferring oils from your hands onto the glass. Also it is recommended to apply several thin coats of paint instead of one 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 as well as a painter's tamper, a ruler and toothpicks. You'll also need the brushes and paint you'll need for the project on hand. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Have patience because it could take some time for the paint to completely dry.
If you are using solvent-based paint, you should make sure that the area where you work is adequately ventilated. This will reduce the risk of inhaling toxic chemicals, and also the paint will dry more quickly. It is also important to ensure you wear a mask that is protective for any spray paints you use.
You'll need to clean the glass window thoroughly with warm water and soap before you paint it. Clean the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water. Then, use rubbing alcohol to clean off any grease or oil that might hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are completely dried before you begin painting them.
If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, you might be eligible to make a claim with the window company or dealer who sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is particularly true if the windows are still under warranty and have experienced several issues with condensation or broken glass.
Sealing
There are many ways to address the issue depending on regardless of whether you have an older double-pane glass with cracks in the seal or if you have an upgraded IGU (IGU) that has experienced defogging. It is the most expensive option to replace both the insulated unit as well as the frame. However, it might be necessary in cases where fog or condensation is causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single-pane or repair it by drilling a small hole through the bottom of the unit and then filling the solution with anti-fog.
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 placed in place, but does not offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl weather stripping that is v-strip is strong and easy to put in, but it can be costly and is typically used for areas that are subject to high abrasion. Door sweeps are easy to nail to the floor and are affordable. However, they offer only a small amount of protection between the threshold and the air.
To repair a broken window seal make use of a putty blade to take off the caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection, pry out the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp pointed tips that hold the glass in the recess of the frame. After removing the glazing points, scrub the grooves and sand the wood smooth. Clean any sanding residue, then seal the bare wood with a linseed oil based paint or clear wood sealer.
A putty or caulking knife can be used to apply traditional glazing putty, however using a knife will give the most precise application and a more secure seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass, as it will last longer and adhere better.
Apply a small amount of the putty to the inside edge of the frame where it touches the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the scribed line on glass lines up with edge of frame. Apply pressure to the glass to press the putty into a solid seal. Smooth the compound using gloves and then remove any drips or caulk that were not properly applied before it dries.