Glass Window Repair

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

Wearing protective clothing, window replacement remove the glazing points made of metal and all glazing putty with an utility knife. A heat gun can soften the old glue and accelerate the removal process.

Replacement

If a window pane breaks, it could be tempting to repair the glass rather than replace it. It is more cost-effective to replace windows and it can also help you prevent other problems in the efficiency of your home. Consider the type of glass that is broken to determine if it's a temporary fix, or if a long-term solution is needed.

The first step to repair damaged windows is to remove the sash, also known as the frame, and lay it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window's frame and remove any remaining shards. Then, use a utility knife to cut off the glazing compound and points that keep the glass in place. Make sure you keep track of these components and their locations to ensure that they can be reinstalled later.

After the frame and sash are removed, you can begin preparing to install the new glass. Before you begin make sure that the opening in the frame is sized for your replacement window. To allow for frame and glass expansion and contraction take measurements in both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, buy double-strength glass cut to these exact measurements. It is also an excellent idea to buy 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 and in this case, you need to contact the company to file a claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it needs to be bedded in with a thin coating of glazier's compound. After drying the compound then you can paint it to match the rest of the window replacement frame.

If your crack is more than an inch, you can prevent it from spreading by scoring the crack with a small arc, just above the crack. This technique isn't 100% foolproof but it can slow the growth of the cracked until you are able to take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers are equipped with the proper tools and know how to handle different kinds of glass. They know how to dispose of waste properly which means they are less likely than others to leave behind scraps that could harm family members or pets. They're also familiar with different types of windows, and they may be capable of identifying issues that aren't apparent to the uninitiated homeowner.

Wear safety glasses and gloves before you begin repair work on cracked glass. A small crack could cause shards of glass to fly and put anyone at risk in or around the home. It is important to determine the cause of the crack, as this will help prevent any future problems.

Begin by creating an epoxy mixture that has two parts. These are usually a 50/50 mix of hardener and resin and must be mixed quickly. After the mix has been prepared and applied, simply apply it to the crack and let it dry. It will take just some minutes, but it's essential to get it done quickly as the mixture is very thick and fast drying.

Once the epoxy has dried, you can take off excess epoxy with a blade. You'll need to clean the cracks in the glass. If you don't clean it correctly, the resulting residue could cause further damage to the glass. After cleaning the glass using a putty knife, you can use it to smooth the compound along the edge of the window, and then match it to the wood frame.

To make a more durable option you can consider using a plastic covering. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a heavy-duty trash bag. This will stop the crack from expanding and will also block out wind, water bugs, debris, and water.

You can create a temporary fix if you are unable to get to the window in a timely manner. Apply a small amount silicone sealant on the edge of the damaged glass. It won't completely fill the gap between the frame and glass but it will help keep the broken piece 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 fresh new look. Make sure that the surface is clean before painting. Clean the window with soap and water or use rubbing alcohol to remove oil smudges and other traces which can hinder the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent the transfer of oils from your fingers onto the glass. Apply multiple thin coats instead of one thick coat. This will help the paint last longer, and will keep your windows looking even and smooth.

If you're planning on repainting your glass windows, make sure you have the proper tools nearby. You'll require brushes or sponges as well as a painter's tamper, a ruler and toothpicks. You should also have the paint and brushes you'll be using for the project on hand. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and be prepared with plenty of patience since it may take some time for the paint to dry.

If you are using solvent-based paint, you should make sure that the area where you work is well-ventilated. This will decrease the risk of breathing into harmful chemicals and allow the paint to dry quicker. You should also make sure you have a protective mask for any spray paints that you use.

You'll need to clean the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water prior to you paint it. Use 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 prior to coating them.

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

Sealing

If you have 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 both the insulated unit as well as the frame. However, it might be required in situations where condensation or fog is causing energy losses. Other alternatives include replacing the current IGU with a single pane or repairing it by drilling a small hole into the bottom of the unit and window replacement then filling the solution with anti-fog.

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 inexpensive and can be fixed with glue, nailed, or stapled into place but it doesn't provide a lot of protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strip weather stripping is durable and simple to install however it can be expensive and is usually reserved for areas exposed to high abrasion. Door sweeps are affordable and can be nailed to the floor however they provide little to no barrier between the sill or threshold and dust, air, and debris.

To repair a cracked window seal first, employ a putty knife to remove the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection, pry out the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp pointed tips that secure the glass to the recess of the frame. After taking out the glazing points, clean out the grooves and sand down the wood. Clean any sanding residue Then, seal the bare wood using a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.

Traditional glazing putty is applied using either a putty knife or a caulking gun. However, a knife provides a better application that is more precise and creates a better seal. Choose a putty specifically for glass as it will last longer and will adhere better.

Apply a thin layer of putty across the inside of the frame where it meets with 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 to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound with a gloved hand and remove any drips or caulk that were not properly applied before it has dried.