Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen work from high above the ground, navigating huge glass panes. They follow strict safety protocols and often work under extreme weather conditions.
Wearing protective clothing, take off the metal glazing points and the glazing putty by using a utility knife. A heat gun can to soften and take off the old putty.
Replacement
If a window pane is broken, it may be tempting to repair the glass rather than replace it. It is more cost-effective to replace a window and it will also help to avoid other issues in the efficiency of your home. It is also important to consider the type of glass that is broken to determine if this is an interim fix or if you'll require an alternative that is more durable.
To fix a damaged window, you must remove the sash or frame and place it on your work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window's pane and then remove any remaining fragments. Then, use a knife to peel off the glazing compound as well as the glazing points that keep the glass in the position. Keep track of the components and their locations so they can be reinstalled.
After you have removed the frame and sash you can begin to prepare to replace the glass. Make sure you check the opening of the frame is of the correct size for the replacement window. Measure both ways across the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement in order to leave room for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, buy double-strength glasses made to these exact measurements. It is a good idea also to purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to place them every 6 inches around the window pane.
Depending on the window's warranty, this may be covered by the manufacturer, in which case you need to contact them to make a claim. After the new glass has been installed it is essential to cover it with a thin layer glaziers compound. After the compound is dry you can paint the frame to be a perfect match.
If the crack is greater than an inch you can stop it from expanding by scoring a small arc just beyond the crack. This method isn't completely foolproof, but it could slow the development of the crack down to a manageable level until you are able to take more permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors are equipped with the proper tools and know how to handle different kinds of glass. They are able to dispose of waste in a safe manner, so they are less likely than other people to leave behind pieces of glass that could inflict harm on family pets or members of the family. They're also used to working with different window types, and they may be aware of issues that aren't obvious to an inexperienced homeowner.
Before you begin the process of fixing cracked window glass, make sure to wear safety glasses and gloves. A minor crack could cause shards of glass to fly away, posing a danger to anyone living in or around the home. It is also crucial to determine the cause of the crack in the first place, so that it can help prevent future problems.
Begin by creating an epoxy mixture that has two parts. It is usually 50/50 mix of hardener and resin, and they must be quickly mixed. After the mixture is prepared then apply it directly to the crack and let it dry. It should take only a couple of minutes, but you must be quick as the mixture is thick and drys quickly.
After the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of excess epoxy with a blade. The next step is to scrub the cracked glass. If you don't do it properly, the residue can cause further damage to the glass. Use a putty blade to smooth the compound around the edge of the window and match it with the wood frame.
Consider using a plastic cover for a more robust option. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a strong-duty trash bag. This will keep the crack from expanding, and will also keep out water, wind insects, water, and other debris.
window repairs near me can make a temporary fix in the event that you are unable to get to the window in an efficient manner. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant on the edges of the broken glass. It won't seal the gap between the frame and glass completely but it will hold the fracture until you can repair it.
Repainting
If your glass windows are old, you may want to repaint them. This is a cost-effective alternative to replacing your windows and will provide your home with a new appearance. Make sure the window is clean prior to painting. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to remove oil smudges, and other residues which can prevent paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to avoid transferring oils from your hands onto the glass. Apply multiple thin coats instead of a single thick one. This will help the paint last longer and make your windows appear smooth and even.
Make sure you have the appropriate tools available in case you want to paint glass windows. You will need either a brush or sponge as well as a painter's tamper, a ruler and toothpicks. You'll need the brushes and paints you will be using in your kit. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's directions and be prepared with plenty of patience since it may take some time for the paint to dry.
Also, ensure that the area you're working in is well ventilated if you're using solvent-based paint. This will decrease the risk of breathing in toxic chemicals and allow the paint to dry quicker. Also, make sure you have a mask to protect yourself for any spray paints that you use.
For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior to painting. Use soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, rub alcohol on any grease or oil remnants that may hinder the paint's adhesion. Be sure that the windows are completely dry before you begin to paint them.
If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, you might be eligible to file a claim with the dealer or window company that sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is particularly relevant if you've had multiple problems with broken glass or condensation while the windows are still covered by warranty.
Sealing
There are several ways to fix the problem depending on whether you have an old double-pane glass with cracks in the seal or if you have an insulated unit (IGU) that has experienced defogging. It is the most expensive option to replace both the insulation unit and the frame. However, it may be necessary in cases where fog or condensation is causing energy losses. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single pane or repair it by drilling a small hole through the bottom of the unit and then filling the solution with anti-fog.
You can also seal up the gap between windows and a threshold or sill using a felt strip or vinyl v-strip. Felt can be stapled, glued, or nailed into place but is not a great protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strips are simple to install and durable however, it can be costly. It is usually reserved for areas subjected to high abrasion. Door sweeps are able to be easily nailed in place and are inexpensive. However, they provide little or no protection between the threshold and the air.
To repair a broken window seal make use of a putty blade to take off the caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection remove the glazing point -- small fasteners with sharp pointed tips that secure the glass in the recess of the frame. Once you have removed the glazing points, scrub the grooves and sand the wood smooth. Wipe away any sanding residue, then seal the bare wood using a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.
A caulking knife or putty can be used to apply the traditional glazing putty, but using a knife will give the most precise application and a more secure seal. Select a putty specifically designed for glass windows as it has better adhesion and long-lasting.
Apply a small amount the putty to the inside edge of the frame where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the scribed line on glass aligns with edge of frame. Apply pressure to the glass to compress the putty into a solid seal. Smooth the compound using gloves and then remove any drips or caulk that were not properly applied before it dries.