The Most Valuable Advice You Can Ever Get About Glass Window Repair
Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen work high off the ground, maneuvering huge glass panes. window repairs work under extreme conditions and follow strict safety protocols.
Wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and metal glazing points using a knife. A heat gun can to soften and take off the old putty.
Replacement
It's tempting to repair the window glass instead of replacing it if panes break. However, replacing windows is often more cost-effective and can aid in preventing other issues with your home's energy efficiency. You should also consider the kind of glass that is broken to determine if it is temporary or if you'll require a more permanent solution.
To fix a damaged window, remove the sash or frame and lay it flat on your work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window's pane and then remove any remaining fragments. Use a utility blade to scrape off the glazing compound, as well as the glazing points that keep the window in place. Be sure to keep the track of these components and their locations so that they can be replaced later.
Once the frame and sash are removed and the frame is removed, you can begin preparation to install the new glass. Before you begin make sure that the opening in the frame is sized for your replacement window. Measure both ways across the opening, and then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement in order to leave the expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, purchase double-strength glass made to these exact measurements. It is also an excellent idea to buy enough new glazier's clips or glazier's points to be installed every 6 inches around the window pane.
Depending on the warranty of the window it could be covered by the manufacturer and in this case, you must contact them to make an claim. Once the new glass is installed, it should be covered with a thin layer of glazier's compound. After the compound has dried then you can paint it to match the rest of the window frame.
If your crack is more than an inch in length, you can prevent it from expanding by cutting an arc that is just a little beyond the crack. This technique isn't 100% completely foolproof, but it could slow the growth of the crack down to a manageable size until you can take permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors are trained to handle various kinds of glass and have the tools necessary to do the job correctly. They also understand the best methods for disposing of waste, so they're less likely to leave crumbs behind, which could potentially hurt pets or family members. They're also accustomed to working with different window types and are able to spot problems that might not be apparent to an inexperienced homeowner.
Before beginning the process of repairing cracked window glass, make sure that you 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 crucial to determine what caused the crack in the first place, as it could help avoid future issues.
Begin by creating an epoxy mix that is two-part. They are usually composed of a 50/50 blend of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. After the mix has been prepared and applied, simply apply it to the crack and let it dry. It will take just about a minute but it's important to work quickly since the mixture is extremely thick and fast-drying.
After the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of any excess using a putty knife. Then, you'll have to clean the area around the broken glass. If you don't clean the area in a proper manner, the leftovers could cause further damage to the glass. Use a putty blade to smooth the compound around the edge of your window and match it with the wood frame.
You could consider using a plastic cover to make a more durable choice. You can cover the glass using masking tape or a heavy-duty trashbag. This will prevent the crack from expanding and will also keep out water, wind, bugs, and debris.
You can make an interim solution when you are unable access the window in time. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant to the edge of the damaged glass. It won't completely seal the gap between frame and glass, but it will keep the broken piece in place while you fix it.
Repainting
If your windows with glass are old, you may want to repaint them. This is an affordable alternative to window replacement and can give your home a fresh new look. Make sure the window is clean prior to painting. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to remove oil smudges and other residues that could prevent paint from adhering. It is also recommended to wear rubber gloves while working on glass to avoid transferring your own oils onto the window's surface. In the end 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 smooth and even.
If you're planning on repainting your glass windows, ensure that you have the proper tools nearby. You'll need a brush or sponge, painter's adhesive, a ruler, toothpicks, and other tools such as a rag or paper towel. You'll also need the paint and brushes you'll be using for the project in your possession. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Have patience as it can take a while for the paint to completely dry.
If you're using solvent-based paint, make sure that the area where you work is well-ventilated. This will lower the risk of breathing into toxic chemicals and permit 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 painting. Make use of soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, rub alcohol on any grease or oil residues that might hinder the paint's adhesion. Make sure that the windows are completely dried before you begin painting them.
If you have energy efficient double pane windows on your windows, it could be possible to file a claim for repair or replacement with the company that makes the windows or the dealer who sold the windows. This is especially relevant if you've had numerous issues with condensation or broken glass while the windows are still covered by warranty.
Sealing
There are many ways to address the issue depending on whether you have an old double-pane glass with cracks in the seal, or if you have a newer insulation unit (IGU) that has experienced defogging. The most expensive option is to replace the frame and insulated unit but it may be required if fog or condensation cause energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single pane, or repairing the existing IGU by drilling a hole through the bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging solution.
You can also close the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill by using a felt strip, vinyl v-strip, or a door sweep. Felt is affordable and can be glued, nailed, or stapled into place however it doesn't provide a lot of protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strip weather stripping is durable and easy to put in however, it can be expensive and is generally reserved for areas exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps can be easily nailed to the floor and are affordable. However, they provide little or no protection between the threshold and air.
To repair a broken window seal using a putty knife, you need to remove the old caulk. Wearing protective eyewear and gloves carefully remove the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that pin the glass in the frame's recess with sharp and pointed edges. After getting rid of the glazing points clean the grooves and sand down the wood. Wipe away any sanding residue, then seal the bare wood using a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.
Traditional glazing putty can be applied using the help of a putty blade 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 will have higher adhesion and durability.
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 drawn line on the glass is aligned with the frame's edge. Apply pressure on the glass to press the putty and create an elongated seal. Smooth the compound with an ungloved finger and then wipe off any caulk that is applied incorrectly or drips that have escaped prior to drying.