Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work from high above the ground, navigating huge panes of glass. They work in extreme conditions and follow strict safety protocols.

While wearing protective clothing, remove all glaze putty and glazing points with a utility knife. A heat gun may help soften the old glue and speed up removal.

Replacement

It can be tempting to repair the glass on your windows instead of replacing it if a pane breaks. It is cheaper to replace a window and it can also help prevent other problems in the efficiency of your home. You should also consider the type of glass that is broken to determine if it is an interim fix or if you will need to invest in an alternative that is more durable.

To repair a broken window, take off the frame or sash, and lay it flat on the work surface. While wearing eye protection, gently move the frame and remove any remaining shards in the window pane. Utilize a utility blade to scrape off the glazing compound and the glazing points that hold the window in place. Keep the track of the components and where they are so that they can be put back in place.

After the frame and sash have been removed then you can begin the process of preparing to install the new glass. Before you do so ensure that the opening in the frame is properly sized for your replacement window. Take measurements both ways across the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to allow room for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. After that, you can purchase double-strength glasses cut to these precise dimensions. It is also recommended to purchase enough new glazier's glazier's pointing or clips to be positioned every 6 inches around the window pane.

Based on the window's warranty it could 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 must be sprayed with a thin layer of the compound used by glaziers. Once the compound has dried, you can paint the frame to be a perfect match.

If you have a crack that extends more than an inch, cutting a small arc with a razor blade just beyond the crack could help prevent it from spreading any further. This method isn't foolproof, but it can slow the development of the crack to a manageable amount until you can take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors are equipped with the proper tools and Window Repair know how to work with different kinds of glass. They know how 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 family members. They're also accustomed to working with different window repair types and are aware of issues that aren't apparent to a homeowner who isn't experienced.

Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to beginning repair work on cracked glass. A minor crack could cause shards to fly off, creating a risk for anyone who lives in or around the home. It is also crucial to determine what caused the crack in the first place, as it can help prevent future problems.

Create a two-part mixture of epoxy. They are typically 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 about a minute however it is important to work quickly since the mixture is very dense and fast-drying.

Once the epoxy is dried, you can take off any excess with a knife. Then, you'll need to clean the area around the broken glass. If you don't do this properly, the residue can cause further damage to the glass. Once the glass is cleaned with a putty blade, use it to smooth the compound along the edges of the window, and then align it with the frame made of wood.

Consider using a plastic cover to make a more durable choice. You can cover the glass using masking tape or a strong-duty trash bag. This will stop the crack from spreading, and will also keep wind, water and insects out.

You can make an interim solution if you are unable to reach the window in time. Apply a small amount silicone sealant on the edge of the broken glass. It won't completely fill the gap between frame and glass, but it will keep the broken piece in place while you fix it.

Repainting

Repainting your old glass windows is a great idea. This is a low-cost alternative to window replacement and can give your home a fresh new look. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Wash the window with water and soap or ruby alcohol to eliminate oil smudges and other residues that can prevent the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to avoid the transfer of oils from your fingers onto the surface. 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.

If you're planning to repaint your glass windows, be sure you have the appropriate tools nearby. You will need either a brush or sponge as well as a painter's tamper as well as a ruler and toothpicks. You'll need the paints and brushes that you'll be using in your kit. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Have patience as it can take some time for the paint to fully 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 lower the risk of breathing in toxic chemicals and allow the paint to dry faster. It is also important to ensure you have a protective mask for any spray paints that you use.

You'll need to wash the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water prior to you paint it. Make use of soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, rub alcohol on any oil or grease remnants that may hinder the paint's adhesion. Make sure the windows are dry before you begin to paint them.

If you have energy-efficient double pane windows on your windows, it could be possible to file claims for repair or replacement with the company that makes the windows or dealer who sold the windows. This is particularly true if you have experienced multiple problems with cracked glass or condensation and the windows are covered by warranty.

Sealing

If you have double-pane windows with a broken seal or a newer version of insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging and fogging, there are a variety of options for fixing the problem. The most expensive option is to replace the insulated unit and frame, but it may be required if fog or condensation cause energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single pane or fixing it by drilling a small hole through the bottom of the unit and then filling the solution with anti-fog.

You can also seal the gap between the window repairs frame and the sill or threshold with a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or a door sweep. Felt can be stapled, glued or nailed into place but does not offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strips are easy to install and durable, but can be expensive. It is usually reserved for areas subjected to high abrasion. Door sweeps can be easily nailed in place and are cheap. However, they provide only a small amount of protection between the threshold and the air.

To fix a cracked window seal first, you must employ a putty knife to take off the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves remove the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp pointed tips that secure the glass into the frame's recess. After you have removed the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood until it is smooth. Clean any sanding dust, then seal the bare wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.

A putty or caulking knife can be used to apply traditional glazing putty, but a knife will provide the most precise application and a better seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass windows, since it will be more adhesive and a longer life.

Apply a thin layer of putty along the inside edge of frame where it meets with the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the drawn line on the glass is aligned with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to press the putty to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound using a gloved finger and then wipe off any mistakenly applied caulk or errant drips before it is dry.