Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen can maneuver large panes of tempered glass from a high point above the ground. They follow strict safety protocols and are often working in harsh weather conditions.
Wearing protective clothing, take off the metal glazing points and all glazing putty using an utility knife. A heat gun may help soften the old glue and speed up removal.
Replacement
It can be tempting to repair the window glass instead of replacing it if panes break. It is more cost-effective to replace windows and it will also help avoid other issues that could affect the efficiency of your home. Examine the type of broken glass to determine whether it's a temporary fix, or if a long-term solution is required.
The first step in repairing broken windows is to take off the frame, or sash and lay it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window's frame and then remove any remaining shards. Utilize a utility knife to remove the glazing compound, and the glazing points that keep the window in place. Keep track of the components and their location so they can be reinstalled.
After you've removed the frame and sash, you can begin preparing to replace the glass. Be sure to check that the opening of the frame is of the correct size for your 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. Then, buy double-strength glasses made to these exact measurements. It is recommended also to purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to be installed every 6 inches around each window pane.
Based on the window's warranty the window may be covered by the manufacturer, in which case you must contact them to file an claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it needs to be bedded in with a thin coating of glazier's compound. After drying the compound and dry, you can paint it to match the rest of the frame.
If your crack is more than an inch you can stop it from expanding by slicing a small arc just beyond the crack. This trick is not foolproof but it can slow the growth of the cracked until you can take permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors are trained to deal with a variety of glass, and they have the tools necessary to do an excellent job. They know how to dispose of waste properly and are therefore less likely than other contractors to leave behind scraps that could harm family members or pets. window repairs near me used to working with different types of windows and are able to spot problems that aren't obvious to the uninitiated homeowner.
Wear safety goggles and gloves before you begin repair work on cracked glass. Even a small break can cause shards to fly, posing a danger to anyone in or around the home. It's also crucial to determine what caused the crack in the first place, so that it could help avoid future problems.
Begin by creating an epoxy mixture that has two parts. These are usually a 50/50 mix of hardener and resin and must be quickly mixed. After the mixture is prepared, apply it directly to the crack and let it dry. It should take only a few minutes, but it's essential to do it quickly because the mixture is very thick and quick drying.
After the epoxy has dried, you can remove excess epoxy with a blade. Then, you'll have to clean the area around the crack of glass. If you don't clean the area in a proper manner, the residue could cause further damage to your glass. Once the glass is cleaned, use a putty knife to smooth the compound along the edge of the window and to align it with the frame of wood.
You could consider using a plastic cover to make a more durable choice. A trash bag that is heavy-duty or tarp is the best option, but you can also use masking tape to cover the glass. This will prevent the crack from spreading and will also keep water, wind and insects out.
You can come up with a temporary fix if you are unable to get to the window in time. Apply a small amount silicone sealant around the edge of the damaged glass. It won't fully seal the gap between frame and glass, but it will keep the break in place while you fix it.
Repainting
If your glass windows are old, you may need to paint them. This is a low-cost alternative to replacing your windows and can give your home a fresh look. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to get rid of oil smudges, as well as other traces of dirt that can hinder paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass to avoid transferring your own oils onto the glass surface. Apply several thin coats rather than just one large coat. This will make the paint last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.
Make sure you have the appropriate tools in your arsenal in case you want to paint glass windows. You'll require brushes or sponges, painter's tap, a ruler and toothpicks. It is recommended to have the paints and brushes that you will be using in your kit. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions and have plenty of patience as it can take awhile for the paint to dry.
If you're using solvent-based paint, also ensure that the room in which you work is well-ventilated. This will decrease the risk of breathing into harmful chemicals and allow the paint to dry more quickly. Use a protective mask when using spray paints.
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 grease or oil remnants that may hinder the adhesion of the paint. Be sure that the windows are completely dry 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 company that makes the windows or dealer that sold the windows. This is particularly relevant if you've had multiple problems with condensation or broken glass even though the windows are covered under warranty.
Sealing
There are a variety of options to address the issue depending on regardless of whether you have an old double-pane window that has cracks in the seal or if you have 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 are causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single-pane, or repairing it by drilling a small hole in the bottom of the unit and then 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-strip, or a door sweep. Felt is affordable and can be glued, nailed or stapled in place but it doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl weather stripping that is v-strip is strong and simple to install however it is costly and is typically reserved for areas exposed to high abrasion. Door sweeps are able to be easily nailed in place and are cheap. However, they provide only a small amount of protection between the threshold and air.
To fix a cracked window seal first, you must employ a putty knife to scrape off the caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves take out the glazing point -- small fasteners with sharp pointed tips that secure the glass into the frame's recess. After removing the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood smooth. Wipe off any sanding debris and then seal the unfinished wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.
A putty or caulking knife can be used to apply the traditional glazing putty, however a knife will provide an easier application and a more secure seal. Make sure you choose a putty made specifically for glass windows as it will have higher adhesion and durability.
Apply a thin bead of the putty to the inside edge of the frame where it touches 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 on the glass to press the putty to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound with an ungloved finger and then wipe off any mistakenly applied caulk or errant drips prior to drying.