Some Of The Most Common Mistakes People Make Using Glass Window Repair
Glass Window Repair
Professional window repair men work from high off the ground, maneuvering huge panes of glass. They adhere to strict safety guidelines and frequently work in extreme weather conditions.
Wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and metal glazing points using a utility knife. A heat gun may help to soften the old putty and accelerate the removal process.
Replacement
It's tempting to repair the glass of your window instead of replacing it when panes break. It is more cost-effective to replace a window and it can also help you avoid other issues that could affect your home's efficiency. You should also take into consideration the type of glass that's broken to determine if this is temporary or if you'll require an option that is more permanent.
The first step to repair damaged windows is to remove the frame, or sash, and lay it flat on a table. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window pane and remove any remaining fragments. Then, use a utility knife to peel off the glazing compound and points that keep the glass in place. Keep the track of the components and their location so they can be reinstalled.
After you've removed the frame and sash, you can begin to prepare to replace the glass. Before doing this ensure that the opening in the frame is sized for your replacement window. Take measurements both ways across the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement in order to leave space for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. After that, you can purchase double-strength glasses cut to these exact dimensions. It is also recommended to purchase enough new glazier's glazier's pointing or clips to be placed every 6 inches around the window pane.
Depending on the warranty of the window the window may be covered by the manufacturer and in this case, you should call them to file a claim. After the new glass has been put in place it is essential to cover it with a thin layer glaziers compound. Once the compound has dried you can paint the frame to match.
If you have a crack that is more than an inch, cutting the crack with the edge of a blade just over the crack will help stop it from spreading further. This method isn't foolproof, however it can slow the development of the crack until you are able to take permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window installers know how to handle various kinds of glass types, and they have the tools necessary to do an excellent job. They are able to dispose of waste in a safe manner, so they are less likely than others to leave behind a mess that could harm family members or pets. They're also accustomed to working with different types of windows, and may be able to spot problems that an inexperienced home owner would not notice.
Wear safety glasses and gloves before you begin repair work on cracked glass. A small crack can cause shards to fly, posing a danger to anyone who lives in or around the home. It's important to determine the cause of the crack, since this could prevent future problems.
Begin by creating an epoxy mixture that has two parts. It is usually a 50/50 mix of hardener and resin and they must be mixed quickly. After the mix has been prepared and applied, simply apply it to the crack and allow it to dry. It will take just some minutes, but it's essential to get it done quickly as the mixture is extremely thick and fast drying.
After the epoxy has dried, you can take off excess epoxy using a putty blade. Then, you'll need to clean the area around the broken glass. If you don't clean the area in a proper manner the residue could cause further damage to the glass. After the glass has been cleaned, use a putty knife to smooth the compound along the edges of the window and match it with the frame made of wood.
Think about using a plastic lid to make a more durable choice. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is ideal, but you can also use masking tape to cover the glass. This will keep the crack from growing and will also keep out wind, water, bugs, and debris.
You can make a temporary fix when you are unable get to the window in an efficient manner. Simply place a tiny amount of the stuff around the outside edge of the damaged pane. It won't completely seal the gap between the frame and the glass completely but it will hold the fracture until you can fix it.
Repainting
Repainting your old glass windows is a great idea. This is a low-cost alternative to window replacement and it can give your home a new appearance. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Clean the window using soap and water or use ruby alcohol to get rid of oil smudges and other residues that can prevent the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to avoid the transfer of oils from your fingers onto the surface. Finally you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a thick layer. This will make the paint last longer and make your windows appear smooth and even.
If you're planning to paint your glass windows, be sure you have the proper tools at hand. You'll require a sponge or brush as well as a painter's tamper, a ruler and toothpicks. You should have the paints and brushes that you will be using in your kit. Make sure you adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and have a good amount of patience since it may take some time for the paint to dry.
If you're using solvent-based paint, you should also ensure that the room in which you work is well-ventilated. This will decrease the risk of inhaling harmful chemicals, and the paint will dry quicker. Also, make sure you have a protective mask for any spray paints you apply.
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 adhesion of the paint. Make sure the windows are completely dried before you begin to paint them.
If you have energy efficient double pane windows on your windows, it may be possible to submit claims for repair or replacement with the company that makes the windows or dealer that sold the windows. This is especially true if the windows are still under warranty and you've had multiple 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 for fixing the problem. It is the most expensive option to replace both the insulated unit as well as the frame. However, it could be necessary if fog or condensation is creating energy losses. Other options include replacing the IGU by a single pane, or fixing the existing IGU by drilling a hole through the bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging product.
You can also seal the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill by using a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or door sweep. Felt is cheap and can be glued, nailed or stapled to the frame but it doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl weather stripping that is v-strip is strong and simple to install, but it can be expensive and is usually used for areas that are subject to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are cheap and can be put into place, but they create very little or no protection between the threshold or sill and dust, air, and debris.
To fix a damaged window seal using a putty knife, you need to take off the caulk. Wearing protective eyewear and gloves carefully remove the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that pin the glass to the frame's recess, with sharp edges and pointed edges. After you have removed the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood until it is smooth. Wipe off any sanding debris and then seal the unfinished wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.
A caulking knife or putty can be used to apply the traditional glazing putty, however the use of a knife allows for the most precise application and a stronger seal. Choose a putty specifically for glass, as it will be more durable and adhere better.
Apply a thin layer across the inside of the frame, where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the drawn line on the glass lines up with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to force the putty and glass into a tight seal. Smooth the compound with gloves and then remove any drips or caulk that were applied incorrectly before it dries.