Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen work high above the ground, navigating huge glass panes. They work in extreme conditions and follow strict safety guidelines.
Wearing protective clothing, cut off the glazing points made of metal and the glazing putty by using a utility knife. A heat gun may help soften the old putty and accelerate the removal process.
Replacement
It's tempting to repair the glass on your windows instead of replacing it if the glass breaks. It is cheaper 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 is broken to determine if this is a temporary fix or if you will need to invest in an alternative that is more durable.
The first step to repair damaged windows is to take off the frame, or sash, and lay it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, gently move the frame and remove any remaining shards in the window pane. Utilize a utility blade to remove the glazing compound and the glazing points that secure the window. Make sure you keep an eye on the components and their locations so that they can be replaced later.
After removing the frame and sash you can begin to prepare to replace the glass. Before doing this, make sure that the opening in the frame is properly designed for the 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, you can purchase double-strength glasses made to these exact measurements. It is recommended to also purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to install every 6 inches around each window pane.
If the manufacturer is responsible for this you should contact them and file an claim. Once the new glass is installed, it must be covered with a thin layer of glazier's compound. After drying the compound then you can paint it to match the frame of the window.
If you have a crack that is more than an inch, cutting the crack with a razor blade that is just above the crack could help stop it from spreading further. This method isn't completely foolproof, but it could slow the growth of the crack to a manageable level until you can take more permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors are equipped with the proper tools and know how to work with different kinds of glass. They also know the best practices for disposing of garbage, which means they're less likely to leave crumbs in the trash, which could hurt pets or family members. They are also familiar with working with different types of windows and could be able to spot issues that a home owner with no experience would not notice.
Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to starting repair work on cracked glass. A small crack could cause glass shards to fly and put anyone at risk in or around the home. It is important to determine the cause of the crack, as this could prevent future problems.
Make window repairs -part mixture of epoxy. They are typically a 50/50 mix of resin and hardener, and they need to be quickly mixed. Once the mixture is ready apply it to the crack in the glass and leave it to dry. It will take just about a minute however it is important to get it done quickly as the mixture is very dense and quick drying.
Once the epoxy is dried, you can take off any excess using a putty knife. The next step is to clean the cracks in the glass. If you don't clean it properly, the residue can cause further damage to the glass. Use a putty blade smooth the compound around the edge of the window and match it to the wood frame.
If you want a more durable solution, consider using a plastic cover. You can cover the glass using masking tape or a sturdy trash bag. This will keep the crack from growing and will also block out wind, water bugs, debris, and water.
If you're not able to get to the window in a timely manner, you can use silicone sealant to create a temporary repair. Apply a small amount silicone sealant to the edge of the damaged glass. It won't seal the gap between the frame and the glass completely but it will hold the break in place until you can repair it.
Repainting
If your glass windows are old, you might consider repainting them. This is a low-cost alternative to replacing windows, and will give your home a fresh new appearance. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Wash the window with soap and water or use ruby alcohol to get rid of oil smudges and other residues that could hinder the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent the transfer of oils from your hands onto the glass. Finally it is recommended to apply several thin coats of paint instead of a single thick layer. This will allow the paint to last longer and make your windows appear smooth and even.
If you're planning on repainting your glass windows, be sure you have the appropriate tools in your arsenal. You will need brushes or sponges as well as a painter's tamper, a ruler and toothpicks. It is recommended to have the paints and brushes that you'll use in your kit. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Be patient, as it may take some time for the paint to fully dry.
It is also important to ensure that the room you're working in is ventilated when you're using solvent-based paint. This will reduce the chance of inhaling toxic chemicals, and also the paint will dry more quickly. Use a protective mask when using spray paints.
For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface before painting. Clean the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water, then use rubbing alcohol to scrub off any grease or oil that might hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure the windows are dry before you begin coating them.
If you have energy efficient double pane windows on your windows, it could be possible to submit claims for repair or replacement with the window manufacturer or dealer who sold the windows. This is particularly relevant if you've had numerous issues with broken glass or condensation and the windows are covered by warranty.
Sealing
Whether you have old double-pane windows that have a broken seal or a newer version of insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced defogging and fogging, there are a variety of options to fix the issue. It is the most expensive option to replace both the IGU that is insulated as well as the frame. However, it could be necessary if fog or condensation is causing energy losses. Other alternatives include replacing the current IGU with a single-pane or repairing it by drilling a small hole through the bottom of the unit and then filling the solution with anti-fog.
You can also fill in the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill by using a felt strip vinyl v-strips, or door sweep. Felt can be stapled, glued or put in place, but it does not offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip is easy to install and durable, but can be expensive. It is usually reserved for areas that are subjected to high abrasion. Door sweeps are inexpensive and can be fixed to the floor but they create very little or no protection between the sill or threshold and dust, air and debris.
To fix a damaged window seal make use of a putty blade to scrape off the caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection take care to remove the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that fix the glass into the frame's recess using sharp, pointed ends. After removing the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood. Clean any sanding residue and then seal the unfinished wood using a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.
A putty or caulking knife can be used to apply the traditional glazing putty. However, the use of a knife allows for an easier application and a better seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass as it will last longer and will adhere better.
Apply a thin layer across the inside of the frame, where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the cut line on the glass aligns with the frame's edge. Apply pressure on the glass to press the putty and create a tight seal. Smooth the compound using a gloved hand and remove any drips or caulk that were not applied correctly before it has dried.