Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen work up above the ground, moving huge panes of glass. They adhere to strict safety guidelines and frequently work in harsh weather conditions.
While wearing protective clothing, remove all glaze putty and glazing points using a knife. A heat gun will help soften and remove the old putty.
Replacement
When a window's pane breaks, it can be tempting to repair the glass rather than replace it. It is more cost-effective to replace windows and it will also help prevent other problems in the efficiency of your home. Take a look at the type of glass that is broken to determine if it's a temporary fix, or if a more permanent solution is required.
To fix a broken window, remove the frame or sash, and lay it flat on the floor. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window's pane and pull out any remaining fragments. Then, use a knife to peel off the glazing compound as well as the glazing points that keep the glass in place. Keep the track of the components and where they are to ensure they are reinstalled.
After removing the frame and sash you can begin preparing to replace the glass. Before you do so ensure that the opening in the frame is designed for the replacement window. Measure both ways across the opening, and then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to allow room for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, purchase double-strength glass that are cut to these exact dimensions. It is a good idea also to purchase enough glazier's clips or points to place them every 6 inches around the window pane.
Based on the window's warranty the window may be covered by the manufacturer, in which case you must contact the company to file an claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it needs to be covered with a thin coating of the compound used by glaziers. Once the compound is dry you can paint the frame to match.
If the crack is greater than an inch in length you can stop it from spreading by cutting a small arc just beyond the crack. This trick is not foolproof however it can slow the growth of the cracked until you can take more permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window installers know how to deal with a variety of glass types, and they have the tools to do the job correctly. They also know the best methods for disposing of garbage, which means they're less likely to leave waste that are left behind, which could hurt pets or family members. They're also accustomed to working with different types of windows and are able to spot problems that aren't obvious to an inexperienced homeowner.
Before beginning the process of repairing cracked window glass, make sure to wear safety goggles and gloves. A small crack could cause glass shards to fly away and could pose a danger to anyone inside or around the house. It is important to determine the cause of the crack, so that you could prevent future problems.
Make a two-part mixture of epoxy. They usually consist of composed of a 50/50 blend of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture has been prepared and applied, simply apply it to the crack and allow it to dry. It will take just about a few minutes, but you need 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 blade. You'll then need to clean the cracks in the glass. If you don't do it correctly, the resulting residue could cause further damage to the glass. Make use of a putty knife to smooth the compound around the edge of the window and then match it to 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 use masking tape to cover the glass. This will prevent the crack from spreading, and will also keep wind, water and insects out.
You can make an interim solution if you are unable to access the window in a timely manner. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant to the edge of the damaged glass. It won't fully seal the gap between the frame and glass however it will keep the break in place while you fix it.
Repainting
If your windows with glass are old, you may want to repaint them. This is an affordable alternative to replacing windows and it can give your home a fresh new look. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to remove oil smudges, as well as other residues which can prevent paint from adhering. You should also wear rubber gloves when working on glass to avoid transferring your own oils onto the glass surface. Finally window repairs is recommended to apply several thin coats of paint instead of a thick layer. This will help the paint last longer, and will keep your windows looking smooth and even.
If you're planning on repainting your glass windows, make sure you have the appropriate tools in your arsenal. You'll need brushes or sponges, painter's tap, a ruler and toothpicks. You'll need the paints and brushes that you will be using on hand. Follow the manufacturer's directions. Be patient, as it may take some time for the paint to completely dry.
It is also important to ensure that the room you're working in is well ventilated, especially if you're using solvent-based paint. This will help to reduce the risk of breathing harmful chemicals, and the paint will dry faster. Use a protective mask when using spray paints.
For older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface prior painting. Make use of soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, use rubbing alcohol on any grease or oil residues that could interfere with the paint's adhesion. Make sure the windows are completely dried before you begin painting them.
If you have energy-efficient double-pane windows on your windows, it may be possible to file a claim for repair or replacement with the window manufacturer or dealer who sold the windows. This is especially true if you have experienced multiple problems with cracked glass or condensation while the windows are still covered under warranty.
Sealing
Whether you have old double-pane windows that have a cracked seal or newer insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced defogging or fog, there are many options to fix the issue. It is the most expensive option to replace both the insulation unit and the frame. However, it could be necessary in cases where condensation or fog is causing energy losses. Other options include replacing the IGU by a single pane, or repairing the IGU that is in place by drilling a hole through the bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging product.
You can also close the gap between the window frame and the sill or threshold by using a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or door sweep. Felt is affordable and can be glued, nailed or stapled to the frame however it doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl weather stripping v-strip is durable and simple to install however, it is costly and is typically reserved for areas that are exposed to high abrasion. Door sweeps are affordable and can be put into place however they provide virtually no barrier between the threshold or sill and dust, air and other debris.
To repair a cracked window seal, first use a putty knife to take off the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection, pry out the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp pointed tips that secure the glass into the recess of the frame. After getting rid of the glazing points remove the grooves, then sand the wood. Clean any sanding residue and then seal the unfinished wood with a linseed oil based paint or clear wood sealer.
Traditional glazing putty is applied using either a putty knife or a caulking gun, but using a knife allows for a more efficient precision and precise application. It also creates a better seal. Choose a putty that is made specifically for glass windows, as it will be more adhesive and long-lasting.
Apply a thin layer of putty on the inside of the frame where it meets with the glass. Slide the window into frame so that scribed line on the glass is aligned with edge of frame. Apply pressure on the glass to press the putty to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound with gloves and get rid of any caulk or drips that were not applied correctly before it has dried.