A Productive Rant About Glass Window Repair
Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen work from high off the ground, maneuvering huge glass panes. They work under extreme weather conditions and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
Wearing protective clothing, remove the glazing points made of metal and all glazing putty with an utility knife. A heat gun will help to soften and take off the old putty.
Replacement
It can be tempting to repair the glass on your windows instead of replacing it when panes break. It is more cost-effective to replace a window, and it will also help avoid other issues that could affect the efficiency of your home. 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 require a more permanent solution.
The first step in fixing broken windows is to take off the frame, or sash and lay it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle and pull out any shards remaining in the window pane. Then, use a utility knife to remove the glazing compound and points that help to hold the glass in place. Keep the track of the components and where they are so that they can be put back in place.
Once the frame and sash have been removed and the frame is removed, you can begin preparation to install the new glass. Make sure you check the opening of the frame is the proper size for your replacement window. Take measurements both ways across the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement in order to leave the expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Afterwards, purchase double-strength glass 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 the window may be covered by the manufacturer, in which case you must contact the company to file an claim. Once the new glass is installed, it should be bedded in with a thin coating of the compound used by glaziers. After the compound has dried then you can paint it to match the rest of the window frame.
If you have a crack that is more than an inch, cutting an arc of the edge of a blade just over the crack will help stop it from spreading further. This trick won't be infallible, but it will slow the development of the crack to a manageable amount 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 an excellent job. They also understand the best methods for disposing of garbage, which means they're less likely to leave scraps behind, which could potentially injure family members or pets. They are also familiar with working with different kinds of windows, and may be able spot problems that an inexperienced home owner might not be able to notice.
Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to beginning repair work on cracked glass. A small crack could cause glass shards to fly away and put anyone at risk inside or around the house. It is important to determine the cause of the crack, as this can prevent future issues.
Make a two-part mix of epoxy. They typically are a 50/50 mixture of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. When the mixture is ready put it in the glass crack and let it dry. It will take just about a minute but it's important to get it done quickly as the mixture is very dense and quick drying.
Once the epoxy has dried, you can remove excess epoxy with a blade. You'll then need to clean the cracks in the glass. If you don't clean it properly, the residue can cause further damage to the glass. Use a putty blade to smooth the compound around the edge of the window and match it with the wood frame.
If you want a more durable solution you can consider using a plastic cover. A trash bag that is heavy-duty or tarp is ideal, but you can also use masking tape to cover the glass. This will stop the crack from spreading and will also keep water, wind and insects out.
You can make an interim fix when you are unable access the window in an efficient manner. Simply apply a small amount of the substance around the outside edge of the damaged pane. It won't completely fill the gap between the frame and glass, but it will keep the crack in place while you repair it.
Repainting
Repainting old glass windows is a great idea. This is a low-cost alternative to replacing windows, and can give your home a fresh new look. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to wash away oil smudges, as well as other residues that could prevent paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent the transfer of oils from your hands onto the surface. Apply several thin coats instead of a single thick one. This will allow the paint to last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.
If you're planning on repainting your glass windows, ensure that you have all the right tools nearby. You'll require a brush or sponge, painter's adhesive, a ruler, toothpicks, and other tools such as a rag or paper towel. You'll need the brushes and paints you'll be using in your kit. Be sure to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and have plenty of patience as it can take some time for the paint to dry.
If you are using solvent-based paints, you must also ensure that the room in which you work is well ventilated. This will reduce the chance of breathing in toxic chemicals and permit the paint to dry more quickly. Also, make sure you have a mask to protect yourself for any spray paints you use.
For older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface prior painting. Use warm water and soap 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 the windows are completely dry before you start coating them.
If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, you might be able to file a claim with the dealer or window company who sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if your windows are still under warranty and you've had several issues with condensation or broken glass.
Sealing
There are several ways to fix the problem, regardless of whether you have an old double-pane window with cracks in the seal or if you own a newer insulated unit (IGU) that has experienced fogging. 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 options include replacing the existing IGU with a single-pane, or repairing it by drilling a small hole into the bottom of the unit and filling the solution with anti-fog.
You can also fill in the gap between a window frame and a sill or threshold using a felt strip, or vinyl V-strip. Felt can be stapled, glued, or put in place, but it does not offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strips are easy to install and long-lasting however it can be expensive. It is typically reserved for areas that are exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are able to be easily nailed to the floor and are affordable. However, they provide only a small amount of protection between the threshold and air.
To repair a cracked window seal first, employ a putty knife to scrape off the caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves carefully remove the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that hold the glass into the frame's recess with sharp edges and pointed edges. After removing the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood. Wipe off any sanding debris then seal the wood surface using 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 an easier application and a stronger seal. Make sure you choose a putty specifically designed for glass windows as it will have higher adhesion and a longer life.
Apply a thin layer of putty across the inside of the frame where it meets with the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the scribed line on glass aligns with edge of frame. Apply pressure on the glass to press the putty and glass into a tight seal. Smooth the compound with a gloved finger, and wipe away any mistakenly applied caulk or spills that are not properly wiped away before it is dry.