Glass Window Repair

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

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

Replacement

It can be tempting to fix the window glass instead of replacing it when the glass breaks. However, replacing windows is typically more cost-effective and can assist in preventing other issues that could affect your home's energy efficiency. Consider the type of broken glass to determine if it's a temporary fix or if a long-term solution is required.

The first step in fixing damaged windows is to remove the frame, or sash and lay it flat on a table. While wearing eye protection, gently wiggle and Window doctor pull out any shards remaining in the window pane. Then, use a utility knife to remove the glazing compound and glazing points that hold the glass in place. Be sure to keep the track of the location of these components to make sure they can be reinstalled later.

Once the frame and sash have been removed, you can begin preparing to install the new glass. Before you begin, make sure that the opening in the frame is size for the replacement window. Measure both ways across the opening, and then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to give room for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, purchase double glazing repair-strength glass that are cut to these exact dimensions. It is a good idea to also purchase enough glazier's clips or points to install every 6 inches around each window pane.

If the manufacturer is accountable, you can call them and file a claim. After the new glass has been erected, it is important to cover it with a thin layer of glaziers compound. Once 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 expanding by slicing an arc that is just a little beyond the crack. This trick is not foolproof but it can slow the development of the crack until you can take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors are trained to deal with a variety of glass and have the tools to do an excellent job. They also understand the best methods for disposing of waste, and are less likely to leave waste behind, which could potentially injure family members or pets. They are also experienced in working with different types of windows, and may be able to spot problems that a home owner with no experience might not see.

Before beginning the process of fixing cracked window glass, ensure that you wear safety goggles and gloves. Even a small crack can cause shards of glass to fly and could pose a danger to anyone in or around the home. It's important to determine what caused the crack, so that you could prevent future issues.

Create a two-part mixture of epoxy. They are typically 50/50 mixture of resin and hardener, and must be quickly mixed. Once the mixture is prepared apply it to the crack in the glass and allow it to dry. It should take only about a minute but it's important to work quickly since the mixture is very thick and fast-drying.

Once the epoxy is dried, you can get rid of any excess using a putty knife. Then, you'll have to clean the area around the cracked glass. If you don't do this properly, the residue can cause further damage to the glass. After cleaning the glass, use a putty knife to smooth the compound along the edges of the window and to match it to the frame made of wood.

For a more durable solution think about using a plastic covering. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a strong-duty trash bag. This will prevent the crack from expanding, and will also block out wind, water bugs, debris, and water.

You can come up with an interim fix if you are unable to get to the window in an efficient manner. Simply place a tiny amount of the stuff around the outside of the broken pane. It won't completely seal the gap between the frame and the glass completely, but it will hold the broken piece in place until you are able to repair it.

Repainting

If your windows with glass are old, you may consider repainting them. This is a low-cost alternative to replacing windows and give your home a fresh look. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Wash the window with soap and water or use ruby alcohol to get rid of oil smudges as well as 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. Apply several thin coats rather than just one large coat. This will make the paint last longer and keep your windows looking even and smooth.

If you're planning on repainting your glass windows, ensure that you have the appropriate tools nearby. You will need a sponge or brush as well as a painter's tamper, a ruler and toothpicks. You should have the brushes and paints you'll use on hand. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Have patience because it could take some time for the paint to fully dry.

If you are using solvent-based paints, you must make sure that the area where you work is adequately ventilated. This will decrease the risk of breathing into toxic chemicals and permit the paint to dry quicker. Also, make sure you wear a mask that is protective for any spray paints you apply.

You'll need to clean the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water before you paint it. Clean the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water. You can then use rubbing alcohol to clean off any oil or grease that might hinder the paint's adhesion. Be sure that the windows are completely dried 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 Window Doctor company or dealer who sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially the case if you've experienced numerous issues with condensation or broken glass even though the windows are covered by warranty.

Sealing

If you have double-pane windows that have a cracked seal or newer insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging or fog, there are many options to address the issue. It is the most expensive option to replace both the insulation unit and the frame. However, it may be required in situations where fog or condensation is creating energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU by a single pane, or fixing the existing IGU by drilling a hole through the bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging product.

You can also seal up the gap between a window frame and a threshold or sill by with a felt strip or vinyl v-strip. Felt can be stapled, glued, or placed in place, but is not a great protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip is easy to install and durable however, it can be costly. It is usually used in areas that are subject to high abrasion. Door sweeps are able to be easily nailed in place and are inexpensive. However, they provide very little or no protection between the threshold and air.

To fix a damaged window seal using a putty knife, you need to scrape off the caulk. Wearing protective eyewear and gloves, carefully pry out the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that hold the glass to the frame's recess, with sharp edges and pointed ends. After removing the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood until it is smooth. 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, a knife will provide an easier application and a more secure seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass, as it will be more durable and adhere better.

Apply a thin layer along the inside edge of frame, where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the scribed line on glass lines up with edge of frame. Apply pressure to the glass to press the putty and create an elongated seal. Smooth the compound using a gloved hand and remove any caulk or drips that were not applied correctly before it dries.