The 10 Scariest Things About Glass Window Repair

Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work high above the ground, navigating huge glass panes. They follow strict safety protocols and often work under harsh weather conditions.

While wearing protective clothing remove all glazing putty and glazing points using a knife. A heat gun can soften the old putty and make it easier to remove.

Replacement

It is tempting to fix the window glass instead of replacing it when panes break. However, replacing a window is typically more cost-effective and may assist in preventing other issues with your home's energy efficiency. It is also important to consider the kind of glass that is damaged to determine if it is temporary or if you'll require an alternative that is more durable.

To fix a damaged window, remove the sash or frame and place it flat on your work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window's pane and pull out any remaining fragments. Utilize a utility blade to scrape off the glazing compound, as well as the glazing points that hold the window in place. Keep the track of the components and where they are so that they can be put back in place.

After the frame and sash have been removed then you can begin the process of preparing to install the new glass. Before you begin ensure that the opening in the frame is designed for the 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 cut to these exact dimensions. It is a good idea to purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to place them every 6 inches around the window pane.

If the manufacturer is responsible for this then you should call them and submit an claim. Once the new glass is installed, it should be covered with a thin layer of the compound used by glaziers. After the compound has dried you can paint the frame to match.

If you have a crack that is more than an inch, scoring an arc of the edge of a blade just over the crack could help stop it from spreading further. This technique isn't 100% infallible, but it will slow the growth of the crack down to a manageable amount until you can take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors know how to deal with a variety of glass, and they have the tools necessary to do an excellent job. They also know the best methods for disposing of waste, and are less likely to leave scraps behind, which could potentially injure family members or pets. They're also accustomed to working with different kinds of windows and could be able spot problems that a novice home owner might not see.

Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to beginning repair work on cracked glass. Even a tiny crack can cause shards of glass to fly away and pose a risk to anyone in or around the home. It is important to determine the cause of the crack, as this could prevent future issues.

Begin by creating an epoxy mix that is two-part. They are usually made up of a 50/50 mix of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture has been prepared, apply it directly to the crack and let it dry. It should take only about a few minutes, but you need to be quick as the mixture is extremely thick and drys very quickly.

After the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of any excess using a putty knife. You'll then need to scrub the cracked glass. If you do not clean the area in a proper manner the debris could cause further damage to your glass. Make use of a putty knife to smooth the compound around the edge of your window and match it with the wood frame.

For a more durable solution, consider using a plastic covering. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is ideal, but you can also use masking tape to cover the glass. This will prevent the crack from growing and will also keep out wind, water insects, water, and other debris.

If you're not able to reach the window in a timely manner and you're not able to get there quickly, you can use silicone sealant to make an interim repair. Apply a small amount silicone sealant on the edge of the damaged glass. It won't completely fill the gap between the frame and glass but it will help 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 appearance. Make sure the window repair is clean prior to painting. Clean 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 avoid the transfer of oils from your fingers onto the surface. Apply multiple thin coats instead of just one large coat. This will help the paint last longer, and will keep your windows looking smooth and even.

Make sure you have the appropriate tools available if you plan to repaint glass windows. You'll need a brush, sponge, painter's adhesive, a ruler, toothpicks, as well as a few other tools like a rag or paper towel. You'll also need the brushes and paint you'll use for the project on hand. Follow the manufacturer's directions. Have patience because it could take some time for the paint to completely dry.

If you're using solvent-based paints, you must also ensure that the room where you work is well-ventilated. This will reduce the chance of breathing into harmful chemicals and allow the paint to dry more quickly. Use a mask that is protective when using spray paints.

For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior painting. Clean the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water. Then, apply rubbing alcohol to wash away any grease or oil that could hinder adhesion of the paint. Be sure that the windows are completely dried before you begin painting them.

If you have energy-efficient double pane windows on your windows, it could be possible to submit claims for repair or replacement with the window manufacturer or dealer that sold them. This is particularly true if the windows are still under warranty and have experienced several problems with condensation or damaged glass.

Sealing

There are a variety of options to fix the problem regardless of regardless of whether you have an older double-pane window that has a cracked 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 however it could be required if fog or condensation is causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with just one pane, or repairing the IGU that is in place by drilling a hole in the bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging product.

You can also close the gap between the upvc window repair near me frame and the threshold or sill with a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or a door sweep. Felt can be stapled, glued, or placed in place, but doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strips are easy to put up and is durable however it can be expensive. It is usually reserved for areas subjected to high abrasion. Door sweeps are cheap and can be nailed to the floor, but they create very little or no protection between the sill or threshold and dust, air and debris.

To repair a damaged window seal make use of a putty blade to take off the caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves take care to remove the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that pin the glass into the frame's recess, with sharp, pointed edges. Once you have removed the glazing points, scrub the grooves and sand the wood until it is smooth. Clean any sanding residue and then seal the unfinished wood with a linseed oil based paint or clear wood sealer.

A caulking knife or putty can be used to apply the traditional glazing putty, however using a knife will give an easier application and a stronger seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass as it will last longer and will adhere better.

Apply a small amount of the putty to the inside edge of the frame, where it meets the glass. Slide the window into frame so that scribed line on glass lines up with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass in order to force the putty into a tight seal. Smooth the compound with a gloved hand and remove any caulk or drips that were not applied correctly before it dries.