Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen work high off the ground, maneuvering huge panes of glass. They work under extreme weather conditions and adhere to strict safety protocols.
While wearing protective clothing remove all glazing putty and glazing points using a knife. A heat gun can help soften and remove the old putty.
Replacement
If a window pane is broken, it may be tempting to repair the glass rather than replace it. It is more cost-effective to replace a window, and it will also help prevent other problems in the efficiency of your home. Examine the kind of glass damaged to determine whether it's a temporary fix, or if a permanent solution is needed.
The first step to repair damaged windows is to take off the sash, or frame and place it flat on a table. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window's pane and then remove any remaining shards. Use a utility blade to scrape off the glazing compound, as well as the glazing points that hold the window in place. Keep track of the location of these components to ensure that they can be put back in place later.
After you have removed the frame and sash you can begin to prepare to replace the glass. Before you begin, make sure that the opening in the frame is size 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 glass cut to these exact measurements. It is also an excellent idea to buy enough new glazier's points or clips to be placed every 6 inches around the window pane.
Depending on the warranty of the window the window may be covered by the manufacturer, in which case you need to contact the company to file an claim. After the new glass has been installed, it is important to cover it with a thin layer glaziers compound. After the compound has dried you can paint the frame to match.
If your crack is longer than an inch in length you can stop it from spreading by scoring an arc that is just a little beyond the crack. This method isn't foolproof, but it will slow down the progression of the cracked until you are able to take permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors are equipped with the right tools and know how to work with various types of glass. They are able to dispose of waste properly, so they are less likely than other people to leave behind a mess that could harm family pets or members of the family. They are also familiar with working with different types of windows and could be able to spot problems that a home owner with no experience would not notice.
Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to starting repair work on cracked glass. Even a small crack can cause shards of glass to fly around and put anyone at risk inside or around the house. It's also important to figure out what caused the crack in the first place, as it could help avoid future issues.
Start by making an epoxy mixture that has two parts. These are usually 50/50 mix of resin and hardener, and they must be quickly mixed. When the mixture is prepared put it in the glass crack and allow it to dry. It will take just some minutes however it is important to do it quickly because the mixture is very thick and quick drying.
Once the epoxy is dried, you can get rid of any excess using a putty knife. You'll need to scrub the cracked glass. If you don't do this correctly, the residue could cause further damage to the glass. After cleaning the glass using a putty knife, you can use it to smooth the compound along the edge of the window, and then match it to the wood frame.
You could consider using a plastic cover to make a more durable choice. You can cover the glass using masking tape or a strong-duty trashbag. This will stop the crack from spreading, and will also keep water, wind and insects out.
If window repairs to reach the window quickly, you can use silicone sealant to make a temporary repair. Apply a small amount silicone sealant around the edge of the damaged glass. It won't completely seal the gap between frame and glass however it will keep the break in place while you fix it.
Repainting
Repainting your old glass windows is a great idea. This is an affordable alternative to replacing windows and it can give your home a fresh new look. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Clean the window using soap and water or use rubbing alcohol to remove oil smudges as well as other residues 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. Finally, you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of one thick layer. This will make the paint last longer, and keep your windows looking smooth and even.
If you're planning to repaint your glass windows, make sure you have the appropriate tools at hand. You'll need a brush or sponge, painter's tape a ruler, toothpicks, as well as a few other tools such as a rag or paper towel. You'll need the brushes and paints you'll use on hand. Make sure you adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and have a good amount of patience because it may take a while for the paint to dry.
If you're using solvent-based paint, you should also ensure that the space in which you work is adequately ventilated. This will decrease the risk of breathing in toxic chemicals and allow the paint to dry quicker. It is also important to ensure you have a protective mask for any spray paints you apply.
For older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface before painting. Make use of soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, use rubbing alcohol on any grease or oil remnants that may hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure the windows are dry before you start coating them.
If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, you may be able to file a claim with the dealer or window company who sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially 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 depending on regardless of whether you have an older double-pane glass with a cracked seal, or if you own an insulation unit (IGU) that has experienced fogging. It is the most expensive option to replace both the IGU that is insulated as well as the frame. However, it might be necessary in cases where condensation or fog is causing energy losses. Other alternatives include replacing the current IGU with a single-pane, or fixing 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 threshold or sill with a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or door sweep. Felt is affordable and can be glued, nailed or stapled in place however it doesn't provide much protection from moisture. Vinyl weather stripping v-strip is durable and easy to install, but it can be expensive and is usually reserved for areas that are exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are inexpensive and can be fixed to the floor however they provide very little or no protection between the sill or threshold and dust, air and other debris.
To repair a broken window seal, use a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves take out the glazing point -- small fasteners with sharp, pointed tips that pin the glass to the frame's recess. After taking out the glazing points, remove the grooves, then sand the wood. Wipe off any sanding debris then seal the wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.
A caulking knife or putty can be used to apply the traditional glazing putty, however using a knife will give the most precise application and a stronger seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass, since it is more durable and adhere better.
Apply a thin layer of glue along the inside edge of frame where it joins the glass. Slide the window into frame so that the scribed line on glass lines up with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to compress the putty into a solid seal. Smooth the compound using gloves and get rid of any drips or caulk that were not properly applied before it dries.