Glass Window Repair: What No One Is Discussing
Glass Window Repair
Professional window repair men work from high off the ground, maneuvering massive glass panes. They work in extreme conditions and follow strict safety guidelines.
Wearing protective clothing, remove the metal glazing points and the glazing putty by using a utility knife. A heat gun may help to soften the old putty and speed up removal.
Replacement
When a window pane breaks, it can be tempting to repair the glass rather than replace it. It is more cost-effective to replace a window, and it will also help prevent other problems in your home's efficiency. You should also take into consideration the type of glass that's broken to determine if it is temporary or if you'll require an alternative that is more durable.
To repair a broken window, take off the frame or sash, and place it flat on the work surface. Wearing eye protection, carefully wiggle and pull out any remaining shards in the window. Use a utility blade to remove the glazing compound, and the glazing points that secure the window. Keep track of the components and their locations so that they can be put back in place.
After you have removed the frame and sash, you can start preparing to replace the glass. Before doing this, make sure that the opening in the frame is sized for your replacement window. To allow for the expansion of the frame and glass and contraction, measure both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, buy double-strength glasses cut to these exact dimensions. It is a good idea to purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to place them every 6 inches around the window pane.
Based on the window's warranty, this may be covered by the manufacturer in which case you need to contact them to file an claim. After the new glass has been installed, it is important to cover it with a thin layer glaziers compound. After the compound is dry it is possible to paint the frame to be a perfect match.
If you have a crack that is more than an inch, cutting an arc of a razor blade that is just above the crack will help prevent it from spreading any further. This method isn't foolproof, but it will slow down the development of the crack until you are able to take permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window installers have the right tools and know how to work with different types of glass. They know how to dispose of waste in a safe manner and are therefore less likely than others to leave behind a mess that could inflict harm on family pets or members of the family. They're also accustomed to working with different window types, and they may be aware of issues that aren't obvious to a homeowner who isn't experienced.
Before you begin the process of repairing cracked window glass, be sure to wear safety goggles and gloves. Even a tiny crack can cause shards of glass to fly around and pose a risk to anyone inside or around the house. It's also important to determine the cause of the crack in the first place, so that it could help avoid future issues.
Create a two-part mixture of epoxy. These are usually 50/50 mix of resin and hardener, and must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture is prepared, apply it to the crack in the glass and let it dry. It should only take about a few minutes, but you must be quick because the mixture is very thick and will dry very quickly.
After the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of any excess with a putty knife. You'll then need to clean around the cracked glass. If you don't clean the area correctly the debris could cause further damage to your glass. Use a putty blade smooth out the compound around the edge of your window and match it with the frame made of wood.
To make a more durable option think about using a plastic cover. A trash bag that is heavy-duty or tarp is ideal, but you can also apply masking tape to the glass. This will prevent the crack from expanding and will also block out water, wind bugs, debris, and water.
You can create an interim solution if you are unable to access the window in a timely manner. Simply run a bead of the substance around the outside edge of the damaged pane. It won't 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 windows with glass are old, you might want to repaint them. This is a cost-effective alternative to replace windows and provide your home with a new look. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Clean the window with soap and water or use rubbing alcohol to remove oil smudges and other residues that can prevent the paint from adhering. You should also wear rubber gloves while working on glass to avoid transferring your own oils onto the window's surface. Apply multiple 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 proper tools on hand when you are planning to repaint glass windows. You'll require either a brush or sponge as well as a painter's tamper, a ruler and toothpicks. You should also have the brushes and paint you'll need to complete the project. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Be patient, as it may take some time for the paint to completely dry.
If you're using solvent-based paint, make sure that the area in which you work is well ventilated. This will help to reduce the risk of breathing toxic chemicals, and also the paint will dry quicker. Use a mask that is protective when using spray paints.
For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface before painting. Clean the glass thoroughly with soap and warm water. You can then apply rubbing alcohol to wash away any grease or oil that could affect the paint's adhesion. Make sure the windows are dry prior to coating them.
If you have energy-efficient double pane windows on your windows, it may be possible to file an insurance claim for repair or replacement with the window manufacturer or dealer that sold them. This is especially true if the windows are still under warranty and you've experienced several problems with condensation or damaged glass.
Sealing
There are several ways to fix the problem depending on regardless of whether you have an older double-pane window that has a cracked seal, or if you have a newer insulated 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 may be necessary if condensation or fog is causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with just one pane, or repairing the existing IGU by drilling a hole in its bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging product.
You can also close the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill using a felt strip, or vinyl v-strip. Felt can be stapled, glued or placed in place, but doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl weather stripping that is v-strip is strong and easy to put in however, it is costly and is typically reserved for areas that are exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps can be easily nailed in place and are cheap. However, they offer very little or no protection between the threshold and the air.
To fix a cracked window seal first, you must use a putty blade to take off the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves, pry out the glazing point -- small fasteners with sharp pointed tips that secure the glass in the frame's recess. Once you have removed the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood until it is smooth. Clean any sanding residue and then seal the unfinished wood with a linseed oil based paint or clear wood sealer.
A caulking knife or putty can be used to apply traditional glazing putty, but using a knife will give the most precise application and a better seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass as it will be more durable and adhere better.
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 scribed line on the glass aligns with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure on the glass to compress the putty and glass to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound using fingers that are gloved and then wipe off any caulk that is applied incorrectly or spills that are not properly wiped away before it is dry.