Glass Window Repair: It's Not As Difficult As You Think
Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen work from high above the ground, moving massive glass panes. window repairs follow strict safety protocols and often work under harsh weather conditions.
Wearing protective clothing, take off the metal glazing points as well as the glazing putty by using a utility knife. A heat gun may help to soften the old putty and make it easier to remove.
Replacement
When a window pane breaks, it can be tempting to repair the glass instead of replace it. It is more cost-effective to replace a window, and it can also help prevent other problems in the efficiency of your home. It is also important to consider the type of glass that is damaged to determine if it is a temporary fix or if you will need to invest in an alternative that is more durable.
The first step in repairing a broken window is to take off the sash, also known as the frame, and lay it flat on a table. Wearing eye protection, carefully wiggle and pull out any remaining shards within the window. Utilize a utility blade to cut off the glazing compound, as well as the glazing points that keep the window in place. Keep track of these components and their locations so that they can be put back in place later.
After you have removed the frame and sash, you can begin preparing to replace the glass. Before you do so, make sure that the opening in the frame is designed for the replacement window. Measure both sides of the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement in order to leave room for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, buy double-strength glasses made to these exact measurements. It is also an excellent idea to buy enough new glazier's glazier's pointing or clips to be placed every 6 inches around the window pane.
Depending on the window's warranty it could be covered by the manufacturer and in this case, you need to contact them to make a claim. Once the new glass is installed, it needs to be covered with a thin coating of the compound used by glaziers. Once the compound is dry it is possible to paint the frame to be a perfect match.
If you have a crack that extends more than an inch, scoring the crack with the edge of a blade just over the crack will help prevent it from spreading any further. This method isn't foolproof, but it will slow down the growth of the cracked until you can take permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors are equipped with the proper tools and know how to handle different types of glass. They know how to dispose of waste properly which means they are less likely than others to leave behind a mess that could inflict harm on family pets or family members. They're also familiar with various types of windows, and they may be capable of identifying issues that might not be apparent to an inexperienced homeowner.
Before beginning the process of repairing damaged window glass, ensure to wear safety goggles and gloves. Even a small crack can cause shards of glass to fly around and could pose a danger to anyone in or around the home. It's also crucial to determine what caused the crack in the first place, since it can help prevent future problems.
Make a two-part mix of epoxy. These are usually a 50/50 mix of hardener and resin, and they must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture has been prepared then apply it directly to the crack and allow it to dry. It should take only about a few minutes, but you must be quick because the mixture is thick and dries quickly.
Once the epoxy is dried, you can remove any excess with a putty knife. The next step is to clean around the cracked glass. If you don't clean the area correctly, the debris could cause further damage to your glass. After the glass has been cleaned with a putty blade, use it to smooth the compound along the edge of the window and to match it to the frame of wood.
For a more durable solution think about using a plastic cover. A trash bag that is heavy-duty or tarp is the best option, but you can also apply masking tape to the glass. This will prevent the crack from expanding and will also block out water, wind bugs, debris, and water.
If you're not able to get to the window in a timely manner, you can use silicone sealant to make temporary repairs. Simply apply a small amount of the stuff around the outside edge of the broken window. It won't close the gap between the frame and the glass completely, but it will hold the break in place until you can fix it.
Repainting
If your glass windows are old, you may want to repaint them. This is a cost-effective alternative to replacing windows and it can give your home a new look. Make sure the window is clean prior to painting. Wash the window with soap and water or use ruby alcohol to eliminate 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 surface. Also you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a thick layer. This will help the paint last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.
If you're planning to repaint your glass windows, be sure you have the proper tools at hand. You'll need a brush or sponge, painter's tape toothpicks, a ruler and a few other tools such as a rag or paper towel. It is recommended to have the paints and brushes that you'll use in your kit. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's directions and have a good amount of patience since it may take some time for the paint to dry.
If you're using solvent-based paint, you should make sure that the area in which you work is well ventilated. This will help to reduce the risk of inhaling toxic chemicals, and also the paint will dry quicker. You should also make sure you have a protective mask for any spray paints you apply.
For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior painting. Make use of soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, rub alcohol on any oil or grease remnants that may 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, then you might be in a position to file a claim with the window manufacturer or dealer who sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if the windows are still under warranty and you've experienced several issues with condensation or broken glass.
Sealing
There are a variety of options to resolve the issue, whether you have an old double-pane window with cracks in the seal, or if you own an IGU (IGU) that has experienced fogging. The most expensive option is to replace the insulated unit and frame however it could be necessary if condensation or fog 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 filling the solution with anti-fog.
You can also fill in the gap between the window frame and the sill or threshold with a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or door sweep. Felt is affordable and can be fixed by gluing, nailing, or stapled into place however it doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strips are easy to install and durable, but can be expensive. It is generally reserved for areas that are subjected to high abrasion. Door sweeps are easy to nail in place and are inexpensive. However, they provide little or no protection between the threshold and air.
To repair a damaged window seal make use of a putty blade to scrape off the caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves take out the glazing point, which are small fasteners with sharp, pointed tips that pin the glass in the frame's recess. Once you have removed the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood smooth. Wipe off any sanding traces, then seal the bare wood using a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.
Traditional glazing putty is applied using a putty knife or caulking gun. However, a knife provides a better application that is more precise and provides a stronger seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass, as it will be more durable and will adhere better.
Apply a thin bead of the putty to the inside edge of the frame, where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the cut line on the glass is aligned with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure on the glass to compress the putty into a solid seal. Smooth the compound using a gloved finger, and wipe away any caulk that is applied incorrectly or spills that are not properly wiped away prior to drying.