Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen are able to move large panes of tempered glass from a high point above the ground. They follow strict safety protocols and frequently work in extreme weather conditions.

While wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and glazing points using a knife. A heat gun will help soften and remove the old putty.

Replacement

It's tempting to repair the glass on your windows instead of replacing it when the glass breaks. It is more cost-effective to replace a window and it will also help avoid other issues that could affect the efficiency of your home. Examine the kind of glass damaged to determine whether it's a temporary fix or if a long-term solution is required.

To repair a broken window, take off the frame or sash, and lay it flat on the floor. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window's frame and pull out any remaining shards. Utilize a utility blade to scrape off the glazing compound and the glazing points that secure the window. Be sure to keep an eye on the components and their locations to ensure that they can be reinstalled later.

After the frame and sash have been removed, you can begin preparing to install new glass. Make sure you check the opening of the frame is the proper size for your replacement window. To allow for expansion and contraction of the glass and frame and contraction, measure both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Afterwards, purchase double-strength glass cut to these precise dimensions. It is also recommended to purchase enough new glazier's clips or glazier's points to be positioned every 6 inches around the window pane.

If the manufacturer is accountable you should contact them and submit an claim. After the new glass has been erected it is crucial to cover it with a thin layer of glaziers compound. After drying the compound, you can paint it to match the rest of the frame.

If you have a crack that is more than an inch, scoring the crack with the edge of a blade just over the crack will help prevent it from spreading any further. 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 contractors know how to deal with a variety of glass, and they have the tools necessary to do an excellent job. They are able to dispose of waste properly which means they are less likely than others to leave behind a mess which could cause harm to family members or pets. They're also accustomed to working with different kinds of windows, and may be able to spot problems that a home owner with no experience might not be able to notice.

Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to beginning the process of repairing damaged glass. A small crack can cause shards of glass to fly away, posing a danger to anyone living in or around the home. It is crucial to determine the cause of the crack, as this could prevent future problems.

Make a two-part mix of epoxy. It is usually 50/50 mixture of hardener and resin and they must be quickly mixed. When the mixture is done, apply it to the crack in the glass and leave it to dry. It should take only some minutes but it's important to get it done quickly as the mixture is extremely thick and fast-drying.

After the epoxy has dried, you can remove excess epoxy using a putty blade. Then, you'll have to clean the area around the crack of glass. If you do not clean the area in a proper manner, the residue could cause further damage to the glass. Make use of a putty knife to smooth out the compound around the window's edge 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 with masking tape or a strong-duty trash bag. This will stop the crack from expanding and will also block out water, wind bugs, debris, and water.

If you're not able to reach the window quickly and you're not able to get there quickly, you can use silicone sealant to make temporary repairs. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant on the edge of the broken glass. It won't completely seal the gap between frame and glass, but it will keep the crack in place while you repair it.

Repainting

If your windows with glass are old, you may want to repaint them. This is a low-cost alternative to window replacement and can give your home a fresh new appearance. Make sure the window is clean before painting. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to remove oil smudges and other traces of dirt that can hinder paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to avoid the transfer of oils from your fingers onto the surface. In the end you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a thick layer. This will allow the paint to last longer and make your windows appear smooth and even.

If you're planning to repaint your glass windows, ensure that you have all the right tools nearby. You'll need brushes or sponges painter's tap, a ruler and toothpicks. You should also have the paint and brushes you'll use to complete the project. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions and be prepared with plenty of patience as it can take awhile for the paint to dry.

If you're using solvent-based paint, also ensure that the space in which you work is well ventilated. This will lower the risk of breathing into toxic chemicals and permit the paint to dry faster. It is also important to ensure you have a protective mask for any spray paints that you use.

For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior to painting. Make use of soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, use rubbing alcohol on any grease or oil residues that could interfere with the paint's adhesion. Make sure that the windows are dry before you begin painting them.

If you have energy-efficient double-pane windows on your windows, it could be possible to file an insurance claim for repair or replacement with the company that makes the windows or dealer who sold the windows. This is especially true if the windows are still under warranty and have experienced multiple problems with condensation or damaged glass.

Sealing

If you have 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. The most costly option is to replace the frame and insulated unit however it could be necessary if condensation or fog is causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with just one pane, or fixing the existing IGU by drilling a hole through the bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging product.

You can also fill in the gap between a window frame and a threshold or sill by with a felt strip or vinyl v-strip. Felt is affordable and can be fixed by gluing, nailing or stapled to the frame but it doesn't provide a lot of protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strip is easy to put up and is durable however, it can be costly. It is usually reserved for areas subjected to high abrasion. Door sweeps are easy to nail to the floor and are affordable. However, they provide very little or no protection between the threshold and the air.

To repair a cracked window seal first, use a putty knife to remove the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection, pry out the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp pointed tips that secure the glass to the recess of the frame. After removing the glazing points, clean out the grooves and sand the wood. Wipe off any sanding traces and then seal the unfinished 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 a more precise application, and a better seal. Select a putty specifically designed for glass windows, since it will be more adhesive and durability.

Apply a small amount of the putty to the inner edge of the frame where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame, so that the cut line on the glass lines up with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure to the glass to compress the putty and glass into an elongated seal. Smooth the compound using a gloved finger, and wipe away any caulk that was applied incorrectly or drips that have escaped before it dries.