Watch Out: How Glass Window Repair Is Gaining Ground And How To Respond

Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen can maneuver large glass panes from a height higher than the ground. They follow strict safety protocols and are often working in harsh weather conditions.

While wearing protective clothing remove all glaze putty and glazing points using a utility knife. A heat gun will help to soften and eliminate the old putty.

Replacement

When a window's pane is broken, it may be tempting to repair the glass rather than replace it. However, replacing a window is typically more cost-effective and can help prevent other problems with your home's energy efficiency. You should also take into consideration the type of glass that is broken to determine if this is an interim fix or if you'll require a more permanent solution.

To fix a damaged window, you must remove the frame or sash and place it flat on your work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window's pane and pull out any remaining shards. Then, use a utility knife to remove the glazing compound and glazing points that help to hold the glass in place. Make sure you keep an eye on these components and their locations to ensure that they can be replaced later.

Once the frame and sash are removed then you can begin the process of preparing to install the new glass. Before doing this ensure that the opening in the frame is size for the replacement window. Measure both sides of the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to allow room for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. After that, you can purchase double-strength glasses cut to these exact measurements. It is a good idea to purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to place them every 6 inches around the window pane.

Depending on the warranty of the window it could be covered by the manufacturer and in this case, you must contact them to file a claim. After the new glass has been erected, it is important to cover it with a thin layer of glaziers compound. After the compound has dried and dry, you can paint it to match the rest of the frame.

If you have a crack that extends more than an inch, scoring the crack with the edge of a blade just over the crack could 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 level until you can take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers know how to handle a variety of glass, and they have the tools necessary to do the job correctly. They also understand the best practices for disposing of garbage, which means they're less likely to leave waste behind, which could potentially hurt pets or family members. They're also used to working with different window types, and they may be able to spot problems that might not be apparent to an inexperienced homeowner.

Before you begin the process of fixing cracked window glass, make sure that you wear safety goggles and gloves. A small crack could cause shards of glass to fly around and put anyone at risk within 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. They are usually composed of a 50/50 blend of hardener and resin. They must be mixed quickly. After the mix has been prepared then apply it directly to the crack and let it dry. It should take only a couple of minutes, but you need to work quickly because the mixture is very thick and will dry quickly.

Once the epoxy is dried, you can take off any excess with a knife. Then, you'll need to clean the area around the broken glass. If you don't clean it correctly, the residue could cause further damage to the glass. After cleaning the glass, use a putty knife to smooth the compound along the edge of the window and align it with the frame made of wood.

To make a more durable option, consider using a plastic covering. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a heavy-duty trash bag. This will stop the crack from spreading, and will also keep wind, water and bugs out.

You can come up with a temporary fix if you are unable to reach the window in a timely manner. Apply a small amount silicone sealant on the edge of the broken glass. It won't seal the gap between the frame and the glass completely, but it will hold the fracture until you can repair it.

Repainting

If your glass windows are old, you might consider repainting them. This is a cost-effective alternative to replace your windows and can give your home a fresh look. Make sure the surface is clean before painting. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to wash away oil smudges, as well as other traces of dirt that can hinder paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent the transfer of oils from your hands onto the glass. In the end it is recommended to apply several thin coats of paint instead of one thick layer. This will help the paint last longer and will keep your windows looking smooth and even.

Make sure you have the proper tools on hand in case you want to paint glass windows. You'll need a brush or sponge, painter's adhesive, toothpicks, a ruler as well as a few other tools, such as a rag or paper towel. It is recommended to have the brushes and paints you will be using on hand. Follow the manufacturer's directions. Be patient because it could take a while for the paint to fully dry.

If you are using solvent-based paint, you should also ensure that the space in which you work is well ventilated. This will help to reduce the chance of inhaling toxic chemicals, and also the paint will dry quicker. It is also important to ensure you have a mask to protect yourself for any spray paints that you use.

You'll need to clean 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, use rubbing alcohol on any grease or oil residues that might hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are completely dry prior to coating them.

If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, then you might be able to make a claim with the window manufacturer or dealer who sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially the case if you've experienced several issues with condensation or broken glass while the windows are still covered by warranty.

Sealing

There are many ways to resolve the issue depending on regardless of whether you have an older double-pane window with a cracked seal, or if you have a newer insulation unit (IGU) that has experienced fogging. The most expensive option is to replace the frame and insulated unit however it could be required if fog or condensation cause energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU by a single pane, or repairing the IGU that is in place by drilling a hole in the bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging solution.

You can also fill in the gap between a window frame and a threshold or sill using a felt strip or vinyl v-strip. Felt is inexpensive and can be fixed by gluing, nailing or stapled in place, but it does not offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip weather stripping is durable and easy to put in however it is costly and is usually used for areas that are subject to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are easy to nail in place and are inexpensive. However, they offer very little or no protection between the threshold and the air.

To repair a damaged window seal, use a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves carefully remove the glazing points -- small fasteners that hold the glass into the frame's recess with sharp, pointed edges. After removing the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood until it is smooth. Clean any sanding residue Then, seal the bare wood with a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.

Traditional glazing putty can be applied using the help of a putty blade or caulking gun, however the knife is a better precision and precise application. It also creates a better seal. Choose a putty specifically for glass, as it is more durable and stick better.

Apply a small amount of the putty to the inner edge of the frame where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the drawn line on the glass lines up with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to compress the putty to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound using an ungloved finger and then wipe off any caulk that is applied incorrectly or errant drips before it dries.