The 10 Scariest Things About Glass Window Repair

Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairs repairmen work high above the ground, navigating massive glass panes. They work in extreme weather conditions and follow strict safety protocols.

Wearing protective clothing, cut off the glazing points made of metal and all glazing putty using an utility knife. A heat gun may help to soften the old putty and make it easier to remove.

Replacement

If a window pane breaks, it could be tempting to repair the glass instead of replace it. It is more cost-effective to replace windows and it will also help avoid other issues that could affect your home's efficiency. You should also consider the kind of glass that is broken to determine if this is an interim fix or if you will need to invest in an option that is more permanent.

To repair a broken window, remove the frame or sash, and place it on the work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window's frame and then remove any remaining fragments. Utilize a utility blade to cut off the glazing compound, and the glazing points that secure the window. Keep the track of the components and their locations so that they can be put back in place.

After you've removed the frame and sash, you can begin to prepare to replace the glass. Before doing this, make sure that the opening in the frame is properly designed for the replacement window. To allow for expansion and contraction of the glass and frame and contraction to both directions, measure the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Afterwards, purchase double-strength glass cut to these exact measurements. It is a good idea 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 and in this case, you must contact them 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. Once the compound is dry it is possible to paint the frame to match.

If you have a crack that extends more than an inch, cutting a small arc with a razor blade that is just above the crack could help stop it from spreading further. This technique isn't 100% foolproof, but it can slow the growth of the crack to a manageable level until you are able to take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers are equipped with the proper tools and know how to work with different kinds of glass. They know how to dispose of waste safely, so they are less likely than other people to leave behind a mess that could harm family members or pets. They're also accustomed to working with different kinds of windows and could be able spot problems that an inexperienced home owner would not notice.

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

Make a two-part mixture of epoxy. They typically are composed of a 50/50 blend of hardener and resin. They must be mixed quickly. After the mixture is prepared, apply it directly to the crack and allow it to dry. It should only take some minutes, but you must be quick as the mixture is very thick and will dry very quickly.

After the epoxy has dried, you can remove excess epoxy using a putty blade. The next step is to clean the cracks in the glass. If you do not clean the area correctly the residue could cause further damage to the glass. After cleaning the glass with a putty blade, use it to smooth the compound along the edge of the window, and then align it with the wood frame.

Think about using a plastic lid to make a more durable choice. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is the best option, but you can also use masking tape to cover the glass. This will prevent the crack from expanding and will also block out water, wind, bugs, and debris.

If you're not able to reach the window fast enough, you can use silicone sealant to make temporary repairs. Simply run a bead of the stuff around the outside edge of the damaged pane. It won't completely fill the gap between glass and frame but it will help keep the broken piece in place while you fix it.

Repainting

If your windows with glass are old, you might consider repainting them. This is an affordable alternative to replace your windows and can provide your home with a new appearance. Make sure the surface is clean prior to painting. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to wash away oil smudges, and other traces of dirt that can hinder paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent the transfer of oils from your hands onto the glass. Apply several thin coats instead of just one large coat. This will allow the paint to last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.

If you're planning on repainting your glass windows, ensure that you have the appropriate tools nearby. You'll need a brush, sponge, painter's tape, a ruler, toothpicks, as well as a few other tools like paper towels or a rag. You'll need the paints and brushes that you will be using in your kit. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Be patient because it could take a while for the paint to completely dry.

You should also make sure the space you're working is ventilated when you're using solvent-based paint. This will reduce the chance of breathing in toxic chemicals and allow the paint to dry faster. Also, make sure you have a mask to protect yourself for any spray paints you apply.

For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface before painting. Clean the glass window repair near me thoroughly with soap and warm water. Then, apply rubbing alcohol to wash away 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 glazed window repairs-pane windows on your windows, it might be possible to make a claim for repair or replacement with the window company or dealer who sold the windows. This is especially true if you have experienced several issues with broken glass or condensation and the windows are covered under warranty.

Sealing

There are a variety of options to resolve the issue, regardless of whether you have an old double-pane window that has cracks in the seal, or if you own a newer insulation unit (IGU) that has experienced fogging. It is the most expensive option to replace the insulated unit as well as the frame. However, it might be necessary in cases where fog or condensation is creating energy losses. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single pane, or repairing the IGU that is in place by drilling a hole in its bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging solution.

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 is cheap and can be fixed with glue, nailed or stapled in place but it doesn't provide much protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strip weather stripping is durable and easy to install, but it can be costly and is typically reserved for areas that are exposed to high abrasion. Door sweeps are inexpensive and can be nailed to the floor however they provide virtually no barrier between the sill or threshold and dust, air and debris.

To repair a broken window seal, use a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection carefully remove the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that pin the glass in the frame's recess using sharp, pointed edges. After removing the glazing points, clean the grooves, then sand the wood. Wipe away any sanding sludge, then seal the bare wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.

A caulking knife or putty can be used to apply traditional glazing putty, however a knife will provide an easier application and a more secure seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass, as it is more durable and will adhere better.

Apply a thin layer of putty across the inside of the frame, where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the scribed line on the glass lines up with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure to the glass to compress the putty and create an elongated seal. Smooth the compound with fingers that are gloved, and wipe away any caulk that was applied incorrectly or spills that are not properly wiped away prior to drying.