Glass Window Repair
Professional window repair men work high above the ground, moving huge panes of glass. They adhere to strict safety guidelines and often work under harsh weather conditions.
Wearing protective clothing, cut off the metal glazing points and all glazing putty using an utility knife. A heat gun may help soften the old putty and make it easier to remove.
Replacement
It can be tempting to fix the glass of your window instead of replacing it when the glass breaks. However, replacing windows is often more cost-effective and may assist in preventing other issues in your home's energy efficiency. Take a look at the type of broken glass to determine if it's a temporary fix or if a permanent solution is required.
To fix a broken window, remove the sash or frame and place it on the work surface. While wearing eye protection, gently move around and pull out any shards remaining in the window pane. Utilize a utility knife to remove the glazing compound and the glazing points that secure the window. Keep an eye on the components and their locations to make sure they can be reinstalled later.
Once the frame and sash are removed, you can begin preparing to install new glass. Make sure you check the opening of the frame is the right size for your replacement window. Measure both sides of the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to give room for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, you can purchase double-strength glasses made to these exact measurements. It is recommended also to purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to be installed every 6 inches around the window pane.
If the manufacturer is responsible, you can call them and submit a claim. After the new glass has been erected it is essential to cover it with a thin layer of glaziers compound. After the compound has dried, you can paint the frame to be a perfect match.
If your crack is more than an inch in length, you can prevent it from spreading by slicing the crack with a small arc, just above the crack. This technique isn't 100% foolproof but it can slow the development of the crack until you are able to take permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window installers have the appropriate tools and know how to handle different kinds of glass. They know how to dispose of waste in a safe manner which means they are less likely than other people to leave behind pieces of glass that could inflict harm on family pets or family members. They're also used to working with various types of windows, and they may be aware of issues that aren't apparent to the uninitiated homeowner.
Before beginning the process of fixing cracked window glass, ensure to wear safety goggles and gloves. Even a tiny crack can cause shards of glass to fly away and could pose a danger to anyone in or around the home. It's also crucial to determine the cause of the crack in the first place, so that it can help prevent future problems.
Create a two-part mixture of epoxy. They are usually composed of a 50/50 blend of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. After the mixture is made and applied, simply apply it to the crack and allow it to dry. It will take just a few minutes however it is important to get it done quickly as the mixture is extremely thick and fast-drying.
Once the epoxy is dried, you can take off any excess with a putty knife. Then, you'll have to clean the area around the cracked glass. If you don't clean the area in a proper manner the residue could cause further damage to your glass. Use a putty blade smooth out the compound around the edge of your window and match it with the frame of wood.
If you want a more durable solution, consider using a plastic cover. You can cover the glass using masking tape or a strong-duty trashbag. This will stop the crack from spreading and will also keep water, wind and bugs out.
You can make an interim solution when you are unable access the window in a timely manner. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant to the edges of the broken glass. It won't close the gap between the frame and glass completely, but it will hold the break in place until you are able to fix it.
Repainting
Repainting old glass windows is a good idea. This is a low-cost alternative to replacing windows and give your house a new look. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to get rid of oil smudges, as well as other residues which can prevent paint from adhering. It is also recommended to wear rubber gloves when working on glass to prevent the transfer of your own oils onto the surface of the window. Finally you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a thick layer. This will make the paint last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.
Make sure you have the proper tools available in case you want to paint glass windows. You'll need a brush, sponge, painter's tape, toothpicks, a ruler and a few other tools like paper towels or a rag. It is recommended to have the brushes and paints you'll use on hand. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Be patient, as it may take some time for the paint to fully dry.
If you are using solvent-based paint, make sure that the area in which you work is adequately ventilated. This will lower the risk of breathing in toxic chemicals and permit the paint to dry faster. Wear a mask to protect yourself when using spray paints.
For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface before painting. Clean the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water. Then, use rubbing alcohol to clean off any oil or grease that could hinder paint's adhesion. Make sure that the windows are dry before you start coating them.
If you have energy-efficient double-pane windows on your windows, it could be possible to make claims for repair or replacement with the window manufacturer or dealer that sold them. This is particularly the case if you've experienced several issues with condensation or broken glass while the windows are still covered by warranty.
Sealing
Whether you have old double-pane windows with a damaged seal or more recent insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging, there are several methods to fix the issue. It is the most expensive option to replace both the insulated unit as well as the frame. However, it might be necessary if condensation or fog is causing energy losses. Other options include replacing the existing IGU with a single-pane or fixing it by drilling a small hole into the bottom of the unit and filling the solution with anti-fog.
You can also seal up the gap between windows and a sill or threshold with a felt strip or vinyl v-strip. Felt can be stapled, glued or put in place, but it is not a great protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strips are simple to put up and is durable, but can be expensive. It is typically reserved for areas exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are cheap and can be put to the floor however they provide little to no barrier between the sill or threshold and air, dust, and other debris.
To repair a damaged window seal first, you must use a putty knife to take off the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves, pry out the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp pointed tips that secure the glass in the frame's recess. After removing the glazing points, clean out the grooves and sand the wood. Wipe off any sanding traces Then, seal the bare wood with 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 a more precise application, and a better seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass, since it is more durable and will adhere better.
Apply a small amount the putty on the inside edge of the frame where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that scribed line on glass aligns with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to compress the putty and glass into a tight seal. Smooth the compound with gloves and get rid of any caulk or drips that were applied incorrectly before it has dried.