The 10 Scariest Things About Glass Window Repair
Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen work up above the ground, navigating huge panes of glass. They follow strict safety protocols and are often working in extreme weather conditions.
Wearing protective clothing, remove the metal glazing points and all glazing putty with an utility knife. A heat gun can help soften the old putty and make it easier to remove.
Replacement
It can be tempting to fix the glass of your window instead of replacing it if a pane breaks. However, replacing a window is usually more cost-effective and may aid 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 this is temporary or if you will need to invest in a more permanent solution.
To fix a damaged window, remove the sash or frame and place it on the floor. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window's pane and remove any remaining fragments. Use a utility blade to cut off the glazing compound, and the glazing points that keep the window in place. Keep an eye on the components and where they are to ensure they are reinstalled.
Once the frame and sash are removed then you can begin the process of preparing to install the new glass. Before you do so ensure that the opening in the frame is sized for your replacement window. To allow for frame and glass expansion and contraction to both directions, measure the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, buy double-strength glasses made to these exact measurements. It is also an excellent idea to buy enough new glazier's clips or glazier's points to be installed every 6 inches around the window pane.
Depending on the window's warranty, this may be covered by the manufacturer and in this case, you should call them to make an claim. After the new glass has been put in place it is essential 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 the crack is greater than an inch You can stop it from spreading by scoring an arc that is just a little beyond the crack. This method isn't completely foolproof, but it could slow the growth of the crack down to a manageable amount until you can take more permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors are trained to handle various kinds of glass and have the tools needed to complete a proper job. They know how to dispose of waste in a safe manner which means they are less likely than other people to leave behind a mess that could harm family pets or family members. They're also accustomed repairs to double glazing windows working with various types of windows, and they may be aware of issues that might not be apparent to a homeowner who isn't experienced.
Wear safety glasses and gloves before you begin repair work on cracked glass. A small crack can cause shards of glass to fly away, which could pose a risk to anyone living in or around the home. It's important to determine the cause of the crack, since this can prevent future issues.
Begin by creating an epoxy mixture that has two parts. They are typically 50/50 mix of resin and hardener, and they need to be mixed quickly. When the mixture is prepared put it in the crack in the glass and leave it to dry. It should only take about a few minutes, but you need to be quick because the mixture is extremely thick and dries quickly.
Once the epoxy is dried, you can remove any excess with a putty knife. You'll then need to scrub the cracked glass. If you don't do it correctly, the residue could cause further damage to the glass. After the glass has been cleaned with a putty blade, use it to smooth the compound along the edge of the window and align it with the frame made of wood.
If you want a more durable solution think about using a plastic cover. A trash bag that is heavy-duty or tarp is the best option, but you can also apply masking tape to the glass. This will stop the crack from growing and will also keep out wind, water, bugs, and debris.
If you're not able to reach the window in a timely manner, you can use silicone sealant to make a temporary repair. Simply run a bead of the stuff around the outside edge of the damaged pane. It won't seal the gap between the glass and the frame completely, but it will hold the break in place 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 replace windows and give your home a fresh appearance. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Wash the window with water and soap or ruby alcohol to get rid of oil smudges and other residues which can hinder the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent transferring oils from your hands onto the glass. Apply several thin coats instead of a single thick one. This will help the paint last longer, and ensure that your windows appear smooth and even.
Make sure you have the right tools in your arsenal if you plan to repaint glass windows. You'll need brushes or sponges, painter's tap, a ruler and toothpicks. It is recommended to have the paints and brushes that you'll be using in your kit. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Have patience because it could take a while 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 lower the risk of breathing in harmful chemicals and allow the paint to dry quicker. It is also important to ensure you have a mask to protect yourself for any spray paints that you use.
For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior to painting. Use warm water and soap to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, use rubbing alcohol on any oil or grease residues that could interfere with the paint's adhesion. Make sure that the windows are dry before you begin coating them.
If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, then you might be eligible to make a claim with the window company or dealer who sold them to cover any repair double glazing or replacement costs. This is especially the case if you've experienced numerous issues with cracked glass or condensation and the windows are covered under warranty.
Sealing
There are many ways to address the issue, regardless of whether you have an older double glazed window repair-pane glass with cracks in the seal or if you have a newer insulation unit (IGU) that has experienced fogging. It is the most expensive option to replace the IGU that is insulated as well as the frame. However, it might be necessary if fog or condensation is creating energy loss. Other options include replacing the existing IGU with a single-pane, or repair it by drilling a small hole in the bottom of the unit and filling the solution with anti-fog.
You can also close the gap between the window frame and the sill or threshold by using a felt strip vinyl v-strips, or door sweep. Felt is affordable and can be fixed by gluing, nailing or stapled to the frame however it doesn't provide much protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strip is easy to install and long-lasting however it can be expensive. It is usually reserved for areas subject to high abrasion. upvc door repairs sweeps are inexpensive and can be fixed into place however they provide little to no barrier between the threshold or sill and dust, air and debris.
To fix a damaged emergency window repair seal using a putty knife, you need to take off the caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves carefully remove the glazing points, which are tiny fasteners that fix the glass into the frame's recess using sharp, pointed ends. After you have removed the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood smooth. Clean any sanding residue and then seal the unfinished wood using a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.
Traditional glazing putty can be applied using a putty knife or caulking gun. However, the knife is a better precision and precise application. It also provides a stronger seal. Select a putty specifically designed for glass windows, since it will be more adhesive and long-lasting.
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 so that the cut line on the glass lines up with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure to the glass to press the putty and glass to form an elongated seal. Smooth the compound with gloves and get rid of any caulk or drips that were not applied correctly before it has dried.