A Productive Rant About Glass Window Repair
Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen can maneuver large panes of tempered glass from a height above the ground. They work under extreme conditions and follow strict safety guidelines.
Wearing protective clothing, take off the glazing points made of metal and all glazing putty with an utility knife. A heat gun can help to soften and take off the old putty.
Replacement
It's tempting to fix the window glass instead of replacing it if panes break. It is cheaper to replace windows and it can also help prevent other problems in the efficiency of your home. It is also important to consider the kind of glass that is damaged to determine if it is a temporary fix or if you will require an option that is more permanent.
The first step in repairing damaged windows is to remove the sash, or frame and lay it flat on a table. While wearing eye protection, carefully wiggle and pull out any shards that remain in the window pane. Use a utility blade to cut off the glazing compound and the glazing points that secure the window. Keep an eye on the components and where they are to ensure they are reinstalled.
After you've removed the frame and sash, you can start preparing to replace the glass. Before you do so make sure that the opening in the frame is properly sized for your replacement window. Measure both ways across the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement in order to leave room for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, purchase double-strength glass that are cut to these exact dimensions. It is also an excellent idea to buy enough new glazier's clips or glazier's points to be positioned every 6 inches around the window pane.
Based on the window's warranty, this may be covered by the manufacturer, in which case you must contact them to file a claim. After the new glass has been installed, it must be sprayed with a thin layer of glazier's compound. After letting the compound dry and dry, you can paint it to match the rest of the frame.
If your crack is longer than an inch you can stop it from spreading by slicing an arc that is just a little beyond the crack. This method isn't infallible, but it will slow the growth of the crack down to a manageable amount until you can take more permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors know how to handle various kinds of glass and have the tools to do the job correctly. They also know the best ways to dispose of waste, so they're less likely to leave crumbs behind, which could potentially cause harm to pets or family members. They're also accustomed to working with different kinds of windows and could be able to spot problems that a home owner with no experience might not be able to notice.
Before you begin the process of repairing damaged window glass, be sure that you wear safety goggles and gloves. Even a tiny crack can cause shards of glass to fly and put anyone at risk in or around the home. It's also crucial to determine what caused the crack in the first place, as it can help prevent future problems.
Make a two-part mixture of epoxy. These are usually 50/50 mix of hardener and resin, and must be quickly mixed. When the mixture is done apply it to the glass crack and let it dry. This should only take a few minutes however it is important to do it quickly because the mixture is very thick and fast-drying.
Once the epoxy has dried, you can take off excess epoxy with a blade. Then, you'll have to clean the area around the broken glass. If you don't clean the area correctly, the leftovers could cause further damage to your glass. Use a putty blade to smooth the compound around the edge of the window and match it to the frame made of wood.
To make a more durable option think about using a plastic covering. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is the best option, but you can also apply masking tape to the glass. This will stop the crack from spreading, and will also keep wind, water and insects out.
You can create an interim solution in the event that you are unable to reach the window in time. Simply run a bead of the substance around the outside edge of the damaged pane. It won't completely fill the gap between glass and frame but it will help keep the crack in place while you repair it.
Repainting
If your glass windows are old, you might consider repainting them. This is a low-cost alternative to replace windows and give your house a new appearance. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Clean the window using water and soap or ruby alcohol to get rid of oil smudges and other traces that could hinder the 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 window's surface. Apply multiple thin coats instead of one thick coat. This will make the paint last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.
If you're planning to repaint your glass windows, be sure you have the proper tools at hand. You'll need a brush or sponge, painter's tape toothpicks, a ruler as well as a few other tools like a rag or paper towel. You'll need the paints and brushes that you'll be using on hand. Make sure you adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and be prepared with plenty of patience since it may take awhile for the paint to dry.
Also, ensure that the room you're working in is well ventilated if you're using solvent-based paint. This will lower the risk of breathing in harmful chemicals and allow the paint to dry faster. Use a protective mask when using spray paints.
For older glass windows, it is necessary 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 might hinder the paint's adhesion. Make sure the windows are completely dry prior to coating them.
If you have energy efficient double pane windows on your windows, it might be possible to file claims for repair or replacement with the window manufacturer or the dealer who sold them. This is especially true if your windows are still under warranty and have experienced multiple problems with condensation or damaged glass.
Sealing
If you have double-pane windows that have a cracked seal or newer insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging, there are several methods for fixing the problem. It is the most expensive option to replace the insulated unit as well as the frame. However, it may be necessary in cases where fog or condensation is causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with just one pane, or repairing the IGU that is in place by drilling a hole in its bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging agent.
You can also fill in the gap between a window frame and a sill or threshold with a felt strip or vinyl v-strip. Felt is affordable and can be glued, nailed or stapled to the frame but it doesn't provide a lot of protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strip is easy to put up and is durable, but can be expensive. It is usually reserved for areas that are subjected to high abrasion. Door sweeps are affordable and can be put into place, but they create very little or no protection between the sill or threshold and dust, air and other debris.
To repair a damaged window seal, first employ a putty knife to scrape off the caulk. Wearing double glazing repairs Wythenshawe and gloves, carefully pry out the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that fix the glass in the frame's recess using sharp edges and pointed edges. After removing the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood to a smooth finish. Wipe off any sanding traces and then seal the unfinished wood with a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.
Traditional glazing putty can be applied using a putty knife or caulking gun, however a knife provides a better application that is more precise and will provide a better seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass windows, since it has better adhesion and a longer life.
Apply a thin layer across the inside of the frame where it meets with the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the scribed 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 then remove any caulk or drips that were not properly applied before it has dried.