17 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Ignore Glass Window Repair
Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen work high off the ground, maneuvering huge panes of glass. They work in extreme conditions and follow strict safety guidelines.
Wearing protective clothing, take off the metal glazing points and all glazing putty using an utility knife. A heat gun can soften the old putty and speed up removal.
Replacement
It's tempting to repair the window glass instead of replacing it when panes break. It is more cost-effective to replace windows and it can also help avoid other issues that could affect the efficiency of your home. Take a look at the kind of glass damaged to determine if it's a temporary fix, or if a permanent solution is required.
The first step in fixing broken windows is to take off the frame, or sash and place it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window's frame and remove any remaining fragments. Use a utility blade to scrape off the glazing compound, and the glazing points that keep the window in place. Keep the track of the components and their locations so that they can be put back in place.
Once the frame and sash are removed, you can begin preparing to install new glass. Before you begin, make sure that the opening in the frame is properly sized for your replacement window. Measure both sides of the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to allow space for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, buy double-strength glasses that are cut to these exact dimensions. It is also recommended to purchase 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, in which case you should call the company to file an claim. Once the new glass is installed, it needs to be sprayed with a thin coating of the compound used by glaziers. Once the compound is dry it is possible to paint the frame to be a perfect match.
If your crack is longer than an inch in length You can stop it from expanding by cutting the crack with a small arc, just above the crack. This method isn't foolproof, but it can slow the development of the crack to a manageable level until you can take more permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors are trained to handle various kinds of glass types, and they have the tools to do a proper job. They know how to dispose of waste properly and are therefore less likely than other contractors to leave behind scraps that could inflict harm on family members or pets. They're also familiar with different window types and are aware of issues that might not be apparent to a homeowner who isn't experienced.
Before beginning the process of repairing cracked window glass, make sure to wear safety glasses and gloves. Even a small break can cause shards to fly off, which could pose a risk to anyone living in or around the home. It's also important to figure out what caused the crack in the first place, since it could help avoid future problems.
Create a two-part mixture of epoxy. It is usually a 50/50 mix of hardener and resin and they need to be quickly mixed. Once the mixture has been prepared, apply it directly to the crack and let it dry. It should take only a few minutes but it's important to do it quickly because the mixture is very dense and quick drying.
After the epoxy has dried, you can remove excess epoxy with a blade. Then, you'll need to clean the area around the cracked glass. If you don't clean the area properly the leftovers could cause further damage to your glass. After the glass has been cleaned with a putty blade, use it to smooth the compound along the edges of the window and match it to the frame of wood.
To make a more durable option you can consider using a plastic cover. You can cover the glass using masking tape or a sturdy trashbag. This will stop the crack from expanding, and will also block out wind, water insects, water, and other debris.
You can create an interim fix if you are unable to access the window in a timely manner. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant on the edges of the broken glass. It won't completely fill the gap between the frame and glass but it will help keep the broken piece in place while you repair it.
Repainting
If your glass windows are old, you may want to repaint them. 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 rubbing alcohol or soap and water to remove oil smudges, as well as other traces of dirt that can hinder paint from adhering. It is also recommended to wear rubber gloves while working on glass to avoid the risk of transferring your own oils onto the surface of the window. Finally you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a single thick layer. This will make the paint last longer, and keep your windows looking even and smooth.
Make sure you have the proper tools available when you are planning to repaint glass windows. You'll need either a brush or sponge as well as a painter's tamper as well as a ruler and toothpicks. It is recommended to have the paints and brushes that you'll use in your kit. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's directions and have plenty of patience as it can take awhile for the paint to dry.
Also, ensure that the area you're working in is ventilated when you're using solvent-based paint. This will reduce the chance of breathing into toxic chemicals and allow the paint to dry faster. Use a mask that is protective when using spray paints.
It is necessary to clean the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water prior to you paint it. Clean the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water, then apply rubbing alcohol to wash off any oil or grease that could hinder adhesion of the paint. Make sure the windows are dry before you begin painting them.
If you have energy-efficient double-pane windows on your windows, it might be possible to submit an insurance claim for repair or replacement with the window manufacturer or dealer who sold the windows. This is especially true if the windows are still under warranty and you've had multiple issues with condensation or broken glass.
Sealing
Whether you have old double-pane windows with damaged seal or more recent insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging and fogging, there are a variety of options for fixing the problem. It is the most expensive option to replace both the insulated unit as well as the frame. However, it might be necessary in cases where fog or condensation is causing energy loss. Other alternatives include replacing the current IGU with a single pane or repair it by drilling a small hole through the bottom of the unit, and then filling the solution with anti-fog.
You can also seal the gap between the window frame and the sill or threshold by using a felt strip vinyl v-strip, or a door sweep. Rayleigh double glazing repairs can be stapled, glued, or nailed into place but is not a great protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strips are easy to put up and is durable, but can be expensive. It is usually used in areas that are subject to high abrasion. Door sweeps are able to be easily nailed in place and are cheap. However, they offer only a small amount of protection between the threshold and the air.
To fix a cracked window seal first, use a putty knife to remove the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection take out the glazing point -- small fasteners with sharp pointed tips that hold the glass to the frame's recess. After removing the glazing points, scrub the grooves and sand the wood smooth. Clean any sanding dust and then seal the unfinished wooden surface with a linseed-oil-based paint or clear sealer.
A putty or caulking knife can be used to apply traditional glazing putty, however using a knife will give a more precise application, and a better seal. Select a putty specifically designed for glass windows as it will have higher adhesion and a longer life.
Apply a thin layer of glue along the inside edge of frame where it joins the glass. Slide the window into the frame, so that the drawn line on the glass aligns with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure on the glass to force the putty and create a tight seal. Smooth the compound using a gloved finger and then wipe off any caulk that is applied incorrectly or drips that have escaped prior to drying.