5 Laws Anybody Working In Glass Window Repair Should Be Aware Of
Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairs repairmen work up above the ground, navigating massive glass panes. They work under extreme weather conditions and follow strict safety protocols.
Wearing protective clothing, remove the glazing points made of metal and all glazing putty using an utility knife. A heat gun can help soften the old glue and speed up removal.
Replacement
When a window pane is broken, it may be tempting to try and repair the glass rather than replace it. However, replacing windows is often more cost-effective and may assist in preventing other issues in your home's energy efficiency. It is also important to consider the type of glass that is broken to determine if it is an interim fix or if you'll require an alternative that is more durable.
The first step in fixing a broken window is to take off the sash, or frame and lay it flat on a table. While wearing eye protection, carefully wiggle and pull out any remaining shards within the window. Utilize a utility knife to cut off the glazing compound, and the glazing points that hold the window in place. Be sure to keep an eye on these components and their locations so that they can be put back in place later.
Once the frame and sash are removed then you can begin the process of preparing to install new glass. Before you begin make sure that the opening in the frame is size for the replacement window. Take measurements both ways across the opening, and then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to give room for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, buy double-strength glasses cut to these exact dimensions. It is also recommended to purchase enough new glazier's clips or glazier's points to be positioned every 6 inches around the window pane.
If the manufacturer is responsible, you can call them and make an claim. Once the new glass is installed, it needs to be covered with a thin coating of the compound used by glaziers. After the compound has dried you can paint the frame to the color of the.
If you have a crack that extends more than an inch, cutting a small arc with the edge of a blade just over the crack will help prevent it from spreading any further. This trick won't be completely foolproof, but it could slow the development of the crack to a manageable size until you are able to take more permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window installers know how to handle a variety of glass and have the tools needed to complete a proper job. They also understand the best ways to dispose of waste, and are less likely to leave waste behind, which could potentially injure family members or pets. They're also familiar with different window types and are able to spot problems that aren't obvious to the uninitiated homeowner.
Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to starting the process of repairing damaged glass. Even a small break can cause shards to fly, posing a danger to anyone in or around the home. It is also crucial to determine the cause of the crack in the first place, so that it could help avoid future issues.
Make a two-part mixture of epoxy. They are typically 50/50 mixture of resin and hardener, and must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture is done apply it to the glass crack and let it dry. This should only take some minutes however it is important to get it done quickly as the mixture is extremely thick and quick drying.
Once the epoxy is dried, you can remove any excess with a putty knife. Then, you'll have to clean the area around the broken glass. If you don't do it correctly, the resulting residue could cause further damage to the glass. After the glass has been cleaned, use a putty knife to smooth the compound along the edges of the window and to match it with the frame made of wood.
Consider using a plastic cover for a more durable option. 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 bugs out.
If you're unable to get to the window quickly, you can use silicone sealant to create a temporary repair. Simply run a bead of the substance around the outside edge of the broken pane. It won't completely fill the gap between glass and frame however it will keep the break in place while you fix it.
Repainting
Repainting your old glass windows is a great idea. This is a low-cost alternative to window replacement and can give your home a fresh new appearance. Make sure that the surface is clean prior to painting. Clean the window with soap and water or use rubbing alcohol to remove oil smudges as well as other residues that could hinder the paint from adhering. It is also recommended to wear rubber gloves when working on glass to avoid the risk of transferring your own oils onto the surface of the window. Apply several 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 proper tools in your arsenal when you are planning to repaint glass windows. You will need either a brush or sponge painter's tap along with a ruler, toothpicks and a ruler. It is also recommended to have the brushes and paint you'll need for the project on hand. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Be patient as it can take a while for the paint to fully dry.
Also, ensure that the area you're working in is well ventilated, especially if you're using solvent-based paint. This will lower the risk of breathing in toxic chemicals and allow the paint to dry faster. It is also important to ensure you have a protective mask for any spray paints you apply.
You'll need to wash the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water before you paint it. Use soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, rub alcohol on any oil or grease residues that could interfere with the paint's adhesion. Make sure the windows are completely 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 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
Whether you have old double-pane windows with a damaged seal or more recent insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced defogging and fogging, there are a variety of options to fix the issue. It is the most expensive option to replace both the insulated unit as well as the frame. However, it could be necessary if fog or condensation is creating energy losses. Other options include replacing the IGU by a single pane, or fixing the existing IGU by drilling a hole through the bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging agent.
You can also fill in the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill with a felt strip, vinyl v-strip, or a door sweep. Felt is inexpensive and can be fixed by gluing, nailing or stapled in place, but it does not provide much protection from moisture. Vinyl weather stripping v-strip is durable and simple to install however, it can be expensive and is usually used for areas that are subject to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are inexpensive and can be put to the floor but they create virtually no barrier between the sill or threshold and dust, air, and debris.
To repair a damaged window seal, use a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves take out the glazing point, which are small fasteners with sharp pointed tips that secure the glass in the frame's recess. Once you have removed the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood until it is smooth. Clean any sanding dust then seal the wooden surface with a linseed-oil-based paint or clear sealer.
A putty or caulking knife can be used to apply the traditional glazing putty, however using a knife will give the most precise application and a more secure seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass windows as it will have higher adhesion and a longer life.
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 in a way that the drawn line on the glass lines up with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to compress the putty and glass into an elongated seal. Smooth the compound with a gloved hand and remove any drips or caulk that were not properly applied before it has dried.