Glass Window Repair
Professional window repair men are able to move large panes of tempered glass from a height higher than the ground. They work in extreme conditions and follow strict safety protocols.
Wearing protective clothing, cut off the metal glazing points and the glazing putty by using a utility knife. A heat gun can help to soften and take off the old putty.
Replacement
It is tempting to repair the glass of your window instead of replacing it when panes break. It is cheaper to replace windows and it can also help you to avoid other issues in your home's efficiency. You should also consider the type of glass that's broken to determine if it is a temporary fix or if you will need to invest in an alternative that is more durable.
To fix a damaged window, take off the frame or sash and place it flat on the work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window's pane and remove any remaining fragments. Utilize a utility knife to scrape off the glazing compound and the glazing points that hold the window in place. Keep track of the components and where they are to ensure they are reinstalled.
Once the frame and sash are removed and the frame is removed, you can begin preparation to install the new glass. Before you do so ensure that the opening in the frame is sized for your replacement window. To allow for expansion and contraction of the glass and frame and contraction take measurements in both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, you can purchase double-strength glasses that are cut to these exact dimensions. It is recommended to purchase enough glazier's clips or points to place them every 6 inches around the window pane.
If the manufacturer is responsible, you can call them and file an claim. After the new glass has been installed, it should be covered with a thin coating of glazier's compound. Once the compound is dry you can paint the frame to match.
If you have a crack that is more than an inch, scoring the crack with a razor blade just beyond the crack can help to stop it from spreading further. This method isn't foolproof, but it can slow the development of the crack until you are able to take permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors are equipped with the appropriate tools and know how to work with different kinds of glass. They also know the best methods for disposing of waste, so they're less likely to leave crumbs that are left behind, which could injure family members or pets. They are also familiar with working with various types of windows and could be able to spot problems that a novice home owner might not see.
Before you begin the process of repairing cracked window glass, be sure that you wear safety goggles and gloves. A small crack could cause shards of glass to fly away and could pose a danger to anyone inside or around the house. It's important to determine the cause of the crack, since this can prevent future issues.
Begin by creating an epoxy mix that is two-part. It is usually 50/50 mixture of resin and hardener, and must be mixed quickly. When the mixture is ready put it in the glass crack and let it dry. It should only take about a few minutes, but you need to be quick because the mixture is very thick and drys very quickly.
Once the epoxy is dried, you can remove any excess with a putty knife. You'll need to scrub the cracked glass. If you don't do this properly, the residue can cause further damage to the glass. After cleaning the glass using a putty knife, you can use it to smooth the compound along the edge of the window, and then match it with the frame of wood.
To make a more durable option you can consider using a plastic covering. You can cover the glass using masking tape or a heavy-duty trashbag. This will keep the crack from growing and will also block out water, wind insects, water, and other debris.
You can create an interim solution in the event that you are unable to get to the window in a timely manner. Simply run a bead of the material around the outside edge of the damaged pane. It won't seal the gap between the glass and the frame completely but it will hold the broken piece in place until you are able to repair it.
Repainting
Repainting your old glass windows is a good idea. This is a cost-effective alternative to replacing your windows and will provide your home with a new appearance. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Wash the window with water and soap or ruby alcohol to get rid of oil smudges as well as other residues which can hinder the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent the transfer of oils from your fingers onto the glass. Apply multiple thin coats instead of one thick coat. This will allow the paint to last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.
Make sure you have the proper tools in your arsenal in case you want to paint glass windows. You'll need a brush or sponge, painter's tape a ruler, toothpicks, as well as a few other tools such as paper towels or a rag. You'll also need the paint and brushes you'll be using for the project in your possession. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and be prepared with plenty of patience because it may take a while for the paint to dry.
It is also important to ensure that the area you're working in is ventilated when you're using solvent-based paint. This will decrease the risk of breathing toxic chemicals, and also the paint will dry faster. Use a protective mask when using spray paints.
For older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface before 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 dry prior to coating them.
If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, then you might be able to make a claim with the dealer or window company that sold them to pay any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if you have experienced several issues with condensation or broken glass and the windows are covered under warranty.
Sealing
There are a variety of options to address the issue regardless of regardless of whether you have an old double-pane window that has cracks in the seal or if you own a newer insulated unit (IGU) that has experienced defogging. 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 a single-pane or repair it by drilling a small hole into the bottom of the unit and filling the solution with anti-fog.
You can also fill in the gap between a window frame and a threshold or sill by using a felt strip, or vinyl V-strip. Felt can be stapled, glued, or put in place, but it doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strips are simple to install and long-lasting, but can be expensive. It is typically reserved for areas that are subjected to high abrasion. Door sweeps are able to be easily nailed to the floor and are affordable. However, they provide very little or no protection between the threshold and air.
To repair a broken window seal, use a putty blade to take off the caulk. Wearing protective eyewear and gloves, carefully pry out the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that pin the glass to the frame's recess using sharp, pointed ends. Once you have removed the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood until it is smooth. Clean any sanding dust then seal the wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.
Traditional glazing putty can be applied with the help of a putty blade or caulking gun, but using a knife allows for a more efficient, more precise application and creates a better seal. Choose a putty specifically for glass, since it will last longer and stick better.
Apply a thin bead of the putty to the inside edge of the frame where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the scribed line on glass lines up with edge of frame. Apply pressure to the glass to compress the putty into a solid seal. Smooth the compound with a gloved finger and clean up any caulk that is applied incorrectly or errant drips before it dries.