Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen work high off the ground, maneuvering massive glass panes. They follow strict safety protocols and frequently work in extreme weather conditions.
Wearing protective clothing, cut off the glazing points made of metal and the glazing putty by using a utility knife. A heat gun can soften the old glue and make it easier to remove.
Replacement
It can be tempting to repair the glass of your window instead of replacing it when panes break. It is cheaper to replace a window and it will also help to avoid other issues in your home's efficiency. You should also take into consideration the type of glass that's broken to determine if it is an interim fix or if you will need to invest in a more permanent solution.
The first step in fixing damaged windows is to remove the frame, or sash and lay it flat on a table. While wearing eye protection, carefully wiggle and pull out any shards remaining in the window pane. Then, use a knife to peel off the glazing compound as well as the glazing points that hold the glass in the position. Keep the track of the components and where they are so that they can be put back in place.
After the frame and sash have been removed and the frame is removed, you can begin preparation to install the new glass. Before you do so, make sure that the opening in the frame is properly designed for the replacement window. To allow for frame and glass expansion and contraction, measure both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, you can purchase double-strength glasses cut to these exact dimensions. It is a good idea to purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to be installed every 6 inches around each window pane.
Depending on the window's warranty, this may be covered by the manufacturer in which case you should call them to make an claim. After the new glass has been installed, it must be sprayed with a thin coating of glazier's compound. After the compound is dry, you can paint the frame to the color of the.
If you have a crack that is more than an inch, scoring an arc of a razor blade just beyond the crack could help prevent it from spreading any further. This method isn't completely foolproof, but it could slow the development of the crack down to a manageable size until you can take more permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors are equipped with the proper tools and know how to work with different kinds of glass. They know how to dispose of waste properly and are therefore less likely than other people to leave behind scraps which could cause harm to family pets or family members. They are also familiar with working with different types of windows and could be able to spot issues that a novice home owner might not see.
Before beginning the process of fixing cracked window glass, make sure to wear safety glasses and gloves. A small crack could cause glass shards to fly and put anyone at risk inside or around the house. It's important to determine the cause of the crack, so that you can prevent future issues.
Make a two-part mix of epoxy. They typically are composed of a 50/50 blend of hardener and resin. They must be mixed quickly. When the mixture is done, apply it to the glass crack and let it dry. It should only take some minutes, but you must work quickly because the mixture is thick and will dry quickly.
After the epoxy has dried, you can take off any excess using a putty knife. Then, you'll have to clean the area around the cracked glass. If you do not clean the area correctly the debris could cause further damage to your glass. Use a putty blade to smooth out the compound around the edge of your window and match it with the wood frame.
Consider using a plastic cover for a more durable option. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is ideal, however you can also use masking tape to cover the glass. This will stop the crack from expanding and will also block out wind, water bugs, debris, and water.
If you're unable to get to the window fast enough then you can apply silicone sealant to make a temporary repair. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant on the edges of the broken glass. It won't completely fill the gap between the frame and glass however it will keep the broken piece in place while you fix it.
Repainting
If your glass windows are old, you may need to paint them. This is an affordable alternative to replace your windows and will give your house a new look. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Clean the window with soap and water or use ruby alcohol to eliminate oil smudges as well as other residues that can prevent the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to avoid the transfer of oils from your fingers onto the glass. Finally you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a thick layer. This will allow the paint to last longer and make your windows appear smooth and even.
If you're planning to repaint your glass windows, be sure you have the proper tools nearby. You'll need a brush or sponge, painter's adhesive, toothpicks, a ruler and other tools like paper towels or a rag. You should also have the brushes and paint you'll use to complete the project. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and be prepared with plenty of patience because it may take a while for the paint to dry.
If you are using solvent-based paints, you must also ensure that the room in which you work is adequately ventilated. window repairs will reduce the chance of breathing into toxic chemicals and permit the paint to dry more quickly. You should also make sure you have a mask to protect yourself for any spray paints you apply.
For older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface prior to painting. Use soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, rub alcohol on any grease or oil residues that could interfere with the paint's adhesion. Make sure the windows are dry before you begin to paint them.
If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, you might be eligible to file a claim with the window manufacturer or dealer that sold them to pay any repair or replacement costs. This is particularly true if you have experienced numerous issues with condensation or broken glass while the windows are still covered under warranty.
Sealing
There are several ways to address the issue, regardless of whether you have an old double-pane window that has cracks in the seal or if you have an upgraded insulation unit (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 required in situations where fog or condensation is causing energy loss. 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 with an anti-fogging agent.
You can also seal the gap between the window frame and the sill or threshold by using a felt strip vinyl v-strips, or door sweep. Felt can be stapled, glued or nailed into place but is not a great protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip is easy to install and durable however, it can be costly. It is generally reserved for areas subjected to high abrasion. Door sweeps are easy to nail in place and are cheap. However, they offer little or no protection between the threshold and the air.
To repair a cracked window seal first, you must employ a putty knife to take off the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves carefully remove the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that fix the glass in the frame's recess with sharp, pointed edges. After removing the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood to a smooth finish. Wipe away any sanding sludge and then seal the unfinished wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.
Traditional glazing putty can be applied using the help of a putty blade or caulking gun, however a knife provides a better application that is more precise and will provide a better seal. Choose a putty that is made specifically for glass windows, as it will have higher adhesion and durability.
Apply a small amount the putty to the inside edge of the frame, where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame, so that the drawn line on the glass is aligned with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure to the glass to compress the putty and glass to form an elongated seal. Smooth the compound using gloves and then remove any drips or caulk that were not properly applied before it has dried.