The 10 Scariest Things About Glass Window Repair

Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work from high above the ground, navigating massive glass panes. They adhere to strict safety standards and are often working in harsh weather conditions.

Wearing protective clothing, take off the metal glazing points and all glazing putty with an utility knife. A heat gun can help soften the old putty and accelerate the removal process.

Replacement

When a window's pane is broken, it may be tempting to repair the glass instead of replace it. However, replacing a window is typically more cost-effective and can aid in preventing other issues in your home's energy efficiency. Examine the type of glass that is broken to determine whether it's a temporary fix, or if a long-term solution is required.

The first step to repair damaged windows is to remove the sash, or frame, and lay it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, carefully wiggle and pull out any shards remaining within the window. Then, use a knife to peel off the glazing compound as well as the glazing points that hold the glass in place. Keep track of the components and their locations so that they can be put back in place.

After removing the frame and sash, you can begin preparing to replace the glass. Be sure to check that the opening of the frame is the proper size for the replacement upvc window repairs. 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. After that, you can purchase double-strength glasses cut to these exact measurements. It is recommended to also purchase enough glazier's clips or points to install every 6 inches around the window repairs pane.

Depending on the warranty of the window the window may be covered by the manufacturer, in which 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 of glaziers compound. After drying the compound, you can paint it to match the frame of the window.

If you have a crack that extends more than an inch, cutting the crack with a razor blade that is just above the crack will help stop it from spreading further. This trick is not foolproof but it will slow down the progression of the cracked until you can take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors know how to deal with a variety of glass, and they have the tools necessary to do the job correctly. They know how to dispose of waste safely, so they are less likely than others to leave behind pieces of glass that could harm family pets or family members. They are also familiar with working with different kinds of windows, and may be able spot problems that a home owner with no experience might not be able to notice.

Before beginning the process of fixing cracked window glass, make sure to wear safety glasses and gloves. A minor crack could cause shards of glass to fly away, posing a danger to anyone living in 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.

Make a two-part mixture of epoxy. They are typically 50/50 mix of hardener and resin and they must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture is done, apply it to the glass crack and leave it to dry. It will take just about a few minutes, but you need to be quick because the mixture is very thick and dries very quickly.

After the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of any excess using a putty knife. You'll need to clean the cracks in the glass. If you don't do it correctly, the residue could cause further damage to the glass. After cleaning the glass with a putty blade, use it to smooth the compound along the edge of the window and to align it with the frame made of wood.

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

If you're unable to get to 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. Simply place a tiny amount of the stuff around the outside of the broken window. It won't completely seal the gap between the glass and the frame completely, but it will hold the fracture until you are able to repair it.

Repainting

If your windows with glass are old, you might want to repaint them. This is a cost-effective alternative to replacing windows and can give your home a new appearance. Make sure that the surface is clean before painting. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to get rid of oil smudges and other residues which can prevent paint from adhering. You should also wear rubber gloves when working on glass to avoid the risk of transferring your own oils onto the window's surface. Apply several thin coats rather than one thick coat. This will allow the paint to last longer, and will keep your windows looking smooth and even.

Make sure you have the right tools on hand when you are planning to repaint glass windows. You'll require a brush or sponge, painter's adhesive, toothpicks, a ruler and a few other tools, such as a rag or paper towel. It is recommended to have the brushes and paints you'll use on hand. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's directions and have a good amount of patience because it may take some time for the paint to dry.

It is also important to ensure that the space you're working is well ventilated if you're using solvent-based paint. This will decrease the chance of inhaling harmful chemicals, and the paint will dry quicker. Use a mask that is protective when using spray paints.

You'll need to wash the glass window thoroughly using warm water and soap before you paint it. Clean the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water. You can then use rubbing alcohol to clean away any grease or oil that could hinder paint's adhesion. Make sure the windows are completely dried before you begin to paint them.

If you have energy efficient double pane windows on your windows, it may be possible to make a claim for repair or replacement with the window company or dealer who sold them. This is particularly true if you have experienced several issues with broken glass or condensation even though the windows are covered under warranty.

Sealing

If you have double-pane windows with a cracked seal or newer insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging or fog, there are many options for fixing the problem. The most expensive option is to replace the insulated unit and frame however it could be required if fog or condensation are causing energy loss. Other alternatives include replacing the current IGU with a single-pane, or repair it by drilling a small hole into the bottom of the unit and filling the solution with anti-fog.

You can also close the gap between windows and a threshold or sill using a felt strip or vinyl V-strip. Felt is inexpensive and can be fixed with glue, nailed or stapled to the frame, but it does not provide a lot of protection from moisture. Vinyl weather stripping v-strip is durable and easy to install however it can be expensive and is generally reserved for areas that are exposed to high abrasion. Door sweeps are cheap and can be nailed into place but they create virtually no barrier between the threshold or sill and dust, air and debris.

To fix a damaged 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 hold the glass into the recess of the frame. After getting rid of the glazing points clean out the grooves and sand down the wood. Clean any sanding dust, then seal the bare wooden surface with a linseed-oil-based paint or clear sealer.

Traditional glazing putty can be applied with the help of a putty blade or caulking gun, however using a knife allows for a more efficient, more precise application and will provide a better seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass windows as it will have higher adhesion and a longer life.

Apply a thin layer of putty on the inside of the frame, where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame, so that the cut line on the glass lines up with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure on the glass to compress the putty to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound with fingers that are gloved, and wipe away any caulk that is applied incorrectly or spills that are not properly wiped away prior to drying.