Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen work from high above the ground, moving massive glass panes. They work in extreme weather conditions and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Wearing protective clothing, remove the metal glazing points and all glazing putty with an utility knife. A heat gun can to soften and eliminate the old putty.
Replacement
It's tempting to repair the glass of your window instead of replacing it when a pane breaks. However, replacing a window is often more cost-effective and may assist in preventing other issues with your home's energy efficiency. Examine the kind of glass damaged to determine whether it's a temporary fix, or if a more permanent solution is required.
To fix a damaged window, take off the sash or frame and place it on your work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window's frame and remove any remaining shards. Then, use a knife to cut off the glazing compound and points that help to hold the glass in the position. Keep track of the location of these components so that they can be replaced later.
After the frame and sash have been removed then you can begin the process of preparing to install new glass. Before doing this ensure that the opening in the frame is properly designed for the replacement window. Measure both ways across the opening, and then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to allow the expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Afterwards, purchase double-strength glass cut to these precise dimensions. 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 warranty of the window it could be covered by the manufacturer in which case you need to contact them to make a claim. After the new glass has been installed, it must be sprayed with a thin coating of glazier's compound. After drying the compound and dry, you can paint it to match the frame of the window.
If you have a crack that extends more than an inch, cutting a small arc with a razor blade just beyond the crack could help prevent it from spreading any further. window repairs isn't 100% foolproof however it can slow the growth of the cracked until you can take permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors are equipped with the right tools and know how to work with different kinds of glass. They know how to dispose of waste safely and are therefore less likely than other people to leave behind pieces of glass that could harm family members or pets. They're also used to working with different types of windows and may be aware of issues that might not be apparent to an inexperienced homeowner.
Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to beginning the process of repairing cracked glass. Even a tiny crack can cause shards of glass to fly around and could pose a danger to anyone inside or around the house. It is also crucial to determine the cause of the crack in the first place, so that it could help avoid future problems.
Start by making an epoxy mix that is two-part. They are usually a 50/50 mixture of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. When the mixture is prepared apply it to the crack in the glass and leave it to dry. This should only take a few minutes but it's important to work quickly since the mixture is extremely thick and fast drying.
After the epoxy has dried, you can take off any excess with a putty knife. Then, you'll need to clean the area around the crack of glass. If you don't do it correctly, the resulting residue could cause further damage to the glass. Once the glass is cleaned, use a putty knife to smooth the compound along the edges of the window, and then align it with the wood frame.
To make a more durable option, consider using a plastic cover. A trash bag that is heavy-duty or tarp is ideal, but you can also apply masking tape to the glass. This will prevent the crack from growing and will also keep out wind, water bugs, debris, and water.
You can create an interim solution in the event that you are unable to access the window in an efficient manner. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant around the edges of the broken glass. It won't completely seal the gap between the frame and the glass completely however it will keep the broken piece in place until you are able to repair it.
Repainting
If your glass windows are old, you may need to paint them. This is a low-cost alternative to replace windows and give your house a new look. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to remove oil smudges, as well as other residues that could prevent paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent the transfer of oils from your fingers onto the surface. In the end you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of one thick layer. This will help the paint last longer, and keep your windows looking even and smooth.
Make sure you have the right tools available when you are planning to repaint glass windows. You'll require either a brush or sponge as well as a painter's tamper as well as a ruler and toothpicks. You'll need the brushes and paints you will be using in your kit. Be sure to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and have plenty of patience since it may take a while for the paint to dry.
Also, ensure that the space you're working is ventilated when you're using solvent-based paint. This will help to reduce the chance of inhaling toxic chemicals, and also the paint will dry faster. You should also make sure you wear a mask that is protective for any spray paints you apply.
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, rub alcohol on any oil or grease residues that might hinder the paint's adhesion. Make sure the windows are dry before you start coating them.
If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, you might be eligible to make a claim with the window company or dealer that sold them to pay any repair or replacement costs. This is particularly true if the windows are still under warranty and have experienced several problems with condensation or damaged glass.
Sealing
There are several ways to address the issue regardless of regardless of whether you have an older double-pane window that has cracks in the seal or if you have an upgraded insulation unit (IGU) that has experienced fogging. The most expensive option is to replace the insulated unit and frame but it may 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 into the bottom of the unit, and then filling the solution with anti-fog.
You can also fill in the gap between windows and a sill or threshold with a felt strip or vinyl v-strip. Felt can be stapled, glued, or put in place, but it is not a great protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip is easy to install and durable however it can be expensive. It is generally used in areas that are subject to high abrasion. Door sweeps are inexpensive and can be fixed into place but they create little to no barrier between the threshold or sill and air, dust, and debris.
To fix a damaged window seal, use a putty blade to scrape off the caulk. Wearing protective eyewear and gloves, carefully pry out the glazing points, which are tiny fasteners that hold the glass into the frame's recess with sharp edges and pointed ends. After taking out 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.
Traditional glazing putty can be applied with either a putty knife or a caulking gun. However, using a knife allows for a more efficient application that is more precise and provides a stronger seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass as it will last longer and adhere better.
Apply a small amount the putty to the inside edge of the frame where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the scribed line on the glass is aligned with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to press the putty and glass into an elongated seal. Smooth the compound using a gloved hand and remove any drips or caulk that were applied incorrectly before it has dried.