The 10 Most Scariest Things About Glass Window Repair
Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen work up above the ground, moving huge panes of glass. They work under extreme weather conditions and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Wearing protective clothing, cut off the glazing points made of metal and all glazing putty using an utility knife. A heat gun can to soften and take off the old putty.
Replacement
It's tempting to fix the glass on your windows instead of replacing it when panes break. However, replacing a window is often more cost-effective and may assist in preventing other issues with your home's energy efficiency. It is also important to consider the type of glass that's broken to determine if this is a temporary fix or if you'll need to invest in a more permanent solution.
The first step in repairing damaged windows is to remove the sash, or frame and place it flat on a work table. While wearing eye protection, carefully move the frame and remove any shards remaining in the window. Utilize a utility knife to scrape off the glazing compound, as well as the glazing points that keep the window in place. Keep the track of the components and their location to ensure they are reinstalled.
After removing the frame and sash, you can begin preparing to replace the glass. Make sure that the opening of the frame is the proper size for your replacement window. To allow for the expansion of the frame and glass and contraction to both directions, measure the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, you can purchase double-strength glasses that are cut to these exact dimensions. It is a good idea to also purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to be installed every 6 inches around each window pane.
Based on the window's warranty the window may be covered by the manufacturer in which case you must contact them to file an claim. After the new glass has been installed it is essential to cover it with a thin layer glaziers compound. Once the compound is dry you can paint the frame to match.
If you have a crack that is more than an inch, scoring the crack with the edge of a blade just over the crack can help to prevent it from spreading any further. This method isn't foolproof, however it can slow the growth of the cracked until you can take permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors are equipped with the appropriate tools and know how to work with different types of glass. They know how to dispose of waste properly and are therefore less likely than others to leave behind scraps which could cause harm to family members or pets. They are also familiar with working with different types of windows, and may be able spot problems that a novice home owner might not be able to notice.
Before beginning the process of repairing cracked window glass, ensure that you wear safety goggles and gloves. A small crack can cause shards to fly, which could pose a risk to anyone in or around the home. It is important to determine the cause of the crack, since this can prevent future issues.
Create a two-part mixture of epoxy. They are usually a 50/50 mixture of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. After the mixture is made, apply it directly to the crack and let it dry. It will take just about a minute however it is important to get it done quickly as the mixture is extremely thick and fast drying.
Once the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of excess epoxy with a blade. After that, you'll need clean the area around the crack of glass. If you do not clean the area properly the debris could cause further damage to your glass. After cleaning the glass, use a putty knife to smooth the compound along the edges of the window and to match it with the frame made of wood.
You could consider using a plastic cover for a more robust option. 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 prevent the crack from spreading, and will also keep water, wind and bugs out.
You can come up with an interim fix in the event that you are unable to get to the window in an efficient manner. Simply run a bead of the material around the outside of the damaged pane. It won't completely seal the gap between the glass and the frame completely however it will keep the broken piece in place until you can fix it.
Repainting
If your glass windows are old, you might need to paint them. This is a cost-effective alternative to replacing your windows and can give your home a fresh look. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to remove oil smudges and other residues that could prevent paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to avoid transferring oils from your hands onto the glass. In the end you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a thick layer. This will help the paint last longer and will keep your windows looking smooth and even.
If you're planning to repaint your glass windows, ensure that you have all the right tools nearby. You'll require a brush or sponge, painter's tape a ruler, toothpicks, as well as a few other tools like paper towels or a rag. It is recommended to have the brushes and paints you will be using on hand. Make sure you adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and have plenty of patience because it may take some time for the paint to dry.
If you're using solvent-based paint, also ensure that the room in which you work is adequately ventilated. This will lower the risk of breathing into toxic chemicals and permit the paint to dry faster. It is also important to ensure you wear a mask that is protective for any spray paints that you use.
For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior painting. Make use of soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass upvc window repair. Then, rub alcohol on any grease or oil residues that might hinder the paint's adhesion. Make sure that the windows are dry prior to coating them.
If you have energy-efficient double-pane windows on your windows, it might be possible to make a claim for repair or replacement with the company that makes the windows or the dealer who sold them. This is particularly true if the windows are still under warranty and have experienced numerous problems with condensation or broken glass.
Sealing
If you have double-pane windows that have a cracked seal or newer insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging or fog, there are many options to address the issue. It is the most expensive option to replace both the IGU that is insulated as well as the frame. However, it may be required in situations where fog or condensation is causing energy losses. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single pane, or repairing the existing IGU by drilling a hole through the bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging product.
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 inexpensive and can be fixed by gluing, nailing, or stapled into place, but it does not offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl weather stripping v-strip is durable and simple to install however it can be expensive and is typically reserved for areas exposed to high abrasion. Door sweeps are easy to nail to the floor and are affordable. However, they offer very little or no protection between the threshold and the air.
To fix a damaged window seal, use a putty blade to scrape 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, with sharp and pointed edges. After getting rid of the glazing points remove the grooves and sand down the wood. Wipe away 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 with the help of a putty blade or caulking gun, however using a knife allows for a more efficient application that is more precise and provides a stronger seal. Make sure you choose a putty made specifically for glass windows as it will be more adhesive and long-lasting.
Apply a small amount the putty to the inner edge 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 frame's edge. Apply pressure on the glass to compress the putty and glass into a tight seal. Smooth the compound using fingers that are gloved and clean up any mistakenly applied caulk or errant drips before it dries.