The 10 Scariest Things About Glass Window Repair
Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen work from high above the ground, moving massive glass panes. They work under extreme conditions and follow strict safety protocols.
While wearing protective clothing remove all glazing putty and glazing points using a utility knife. A heat gun can soften the old putty and make it easier to remove.
Replacement
It's tempting to repair the glass of your window instead of replacing it if panes break. However, replacing a window is typically more cost-effective, and can also aid in preventing other issues in your home's energy efficiency. Take a look at the kind of glass damaged to determine whether it's a temporary fix or if a more permanent solution is required.
To repair a broken window, remove the frame or sash, and lay it flat on the work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window pane and pull out any remaining fragments. Use a utility blade to remove the glazing compound and the glazing points that keep the window in place. Keep track of the components and their locations so they can be reinstalled.
Once the frame and sash have been removed, you can begin preparing to install new glass. Make sure that the opening of the frame is the proper size for your replacement window. To allow for expansion and contraction of the glass and frame and contraction, measure both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, buy double-strength glasses that are cut to these exact dimensions. It is recommended to purchase enough glazier's clips or points to place them every 6 inches around each window pane.
Depending on the window's warranty the window may be covered by the manufacturer and in this case, you should call the company to file a claim. After the new glass has been put in place it is essential to cover it with a thin layer glaziers compound. After the compound is dry it is possible to paint the frame to be a perfect match.
If your crack is longer than an inch, you can prevent it from expanding by cutting a small arc just beyond the crack. This trick is not foolproof however it can slow the development of the crack until you are able to take 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 safely, so they are less likely than other people to leave behind scraps that could inflict harm on family pets or members of the family. They are also familiar with working with different kinds of windows and could be able to spot issues that a home owner with no experience might not see.
Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to starting the process of repairing damaged glass. Even a tiny crack can cause glass shards to fly and pose a risk to anyone in or around the home. It's also important to figure out what caused the crack in the first place, since it could help avoid future issues.
Make a two-part mix of epoxy. These are usually 50/50 mixture of hardener and resin, and they need to be mixed quickly. After the mix has been made then apply it directly to the crack and allow it to dry. This should only take about a minute, but it's essential to work quickly since the mixture is extremely thick and quick drying.
After the epoxy has dried, you can take off excess epoxy using a putty blade. Then, you'll need to clean the area around the broken glass. If you don't clean the area in a proper manner the debris could cause further damage to your glass. Use a putty blade smooth the compound around the edge of your window and match it to the wood frame.
Consider using a plastic cover for a more robust option. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a heavy-duty trash bag. This will keep the crack from growing and will also block out wind, water insects, water, and other debris.
You can make an interim fix if you are unable to access the window in an efficient manner. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant on the edge of the damaged glass. It won't seal the gap between the frame and the glass completely however it will keep the broken piece in place until you can repair it.
Repainting
Repainting old glass windows is a great idea. This is an affordable alternative to replacing windows, and can give your home a fresh new appearance. Make sure that the surface is clean before painting. Wash the window with soap and water or use ruby alcohol to get rid of oil smudges and other traces which can hinder the paint from adhering. It is also recommended to wear rubber gloves while working on glass to prevent the transfer of your own oils onto the surface of the window. Apply multiple thin coats instead of just one large coat. This will make the paint last longer and make your windows appear smooth and even.
Make sure you have the appropriate tools in your arsenal in case you want to paint glass windows. You'll require either a brush or sponge painter's tap as well as a ruler and toothpicks. You should have the paints and brushes that you will be using on hand. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's directions and have a good amount of patience as it can take awhile for the paint to dry.
It is also important to ensure that the room you're working in is well ventilated if you're using solvent-based paint. This will decrease the risk of breathing in toxic chemicals and permit the paint to dry faster. It is also important to ensure you wear a mask that is protective for any spray paints that you use.
For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior painting. Clean the glass thoroughly with soap and warm water. Then, use rubbing alcohol to scrub off any oil or grease that could affect the adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are dry before you start coating them.
If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, you might be able to file a claim with the window repair near me manufacturer or dealer that sold them to pay any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if you have experienced several issues with broken glass or condensation while the windows are still covered by warranty.
Sealing
There are many ways to fix the problem, whether you have an old double-pane window with a cracked seal, or if you have an upgraded IGU (IGU) that has experienced defogging. It is the most expensive option to replace both the insulation unit and the frame. However, it may be necessary if condensation or fog is causing energy losses. Other alternatives include replacing the current IGU with a single pane or repairing it by drilling a small hole in 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 by using a felt strip vinyl v-strip, or a door sweep. Felt is cheap and can be fixed by gluing, nailing or stapled in place but it doesn't provide a lot of protection from moisture. Vinyl weather stripping v-strip is durable and simple to install however it can be expensive and is generally reserved for areas exposed to high abrasion. Door sweeps are cheap and can be nailed to the floor, but they create virtually no barrier between the threshold or sill and dust, air, and other debris.
To fix a damaged upvc window repairs seal make use of a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves remove the glazing point -- small fasteners with sharp pointed tips that hold the glass in the frame's recess. After removing the glazing points, scrub the grooves and sand the wood smooth. Wipe away any sanding residue Then, seal the bare wood with a linseed oil based paint or clear wood sealer.
Traditional glazing putty can be applied with a putty knife or caulking gun. However, using a knife allows for a more efficient application that is more precise and creates a better seal. Make sure you choose a putty specifically designed for glass windows, as it will have higher adhesion and long-lasting.
Apply a thin bead of the putty on the inside edge of the frame where it touches the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that scribed line on glass lines up with edge of frame. Apply pressure on the glass to press the putty and glass to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound using gloves and then remove any drips or caulk that were not applied correctly before it has dried.