Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen can maneuver large panes of tempered glass from a high point above the ground. They adhere to strict safety guidelines and often work under extreme weather conditions.

Wearing protective clothing, take off the glazing points made of metal and the glazing putty by using a utility knife. A heat gun will help to soften and take off the old putty.

Replacement

It's tempting to repair the window glass instead of replacing it when a pane breaks. It is cheaper to replace a window and it can also help you to avoid other issues in the efficiency of your home. You should also take into consideration the type of glass that is broken to determine if it is an interim fix or if you will require an option that is more permanent.

The first step to repair a broken window is to remove the frame, or sash and place it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, carefully move around and pull out any remaining shards in the window. Utilize a utility knife to remove the glazing compound and the glazing points that keep the window in place. Make sure you keep track of these components and their locations so that they can be replaced later.

After the frame and sash are removed and the frame is removed, you can begin preparation to install the new glass. Before you begin ensure that the opening in the frame is properly size for the replacement window. Take measurements both ways across the opening, and 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 exact measurements. It is a good idea to also purchase enough glazier's clips or points to place them every 6 inches around the window pane.

Depending on the warranty of the window, this may be covered by the manufacturer and in this case, you should call them to file a claim. Once the new glass is installed, it should be sprayed with a thin coating of glazier's compound. After the compound has dried and dry, you can paint it to match the frame of the window repairs.

If you have a crack that is more than an inch, cutting an arc of the edge of a blade just over the crack can help to prevent it from spreading any further. This trick won't be completely foolproof, but it could slow the growth of the crack to a manageable level until you can take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers know how to handle a variety of glass types, and they have the tools necessary to do the job correctly. They also know the best ways to dispose of garbage, which means they're less likely to leave scraps in the trash, which could hurt pets or family members. They are also familiar with working with various types of windows and could be able to spot problems that an inexperienced home owner might not be able to notice.

Before you begin the process of repairing damaged window glass, ensure that you wear safety goggles and gloves. Even a small crack can cause glass shards to fly around and pose a risk to anyone in or around the home. It's also crucial to figure out what caused the crack in the first place, as it can help prevent future problems.

Make a two-part mixture of epoxy. They are typically 50/50 mix of hardener and resin, and must be mixed quickly. After the mix has been made, apply it directly to the crack and allow it to dry. It should only take about a few minutes, but it is important to be quick as the mixture is extremely thick and will dry quickly.

Once the epoxy has dried, you can take off excess epoxy with a blade. Then, you'll need to clean the area around the broken glass. If you do not clean the area correctly the residue could cause further damage to your glass. Make use of a putty knife to smooth the compound around the edge of the window and then match it to the wood frame.

To make a more durable option you can consider using a plastic cover. A trash bag that is heavy-duty or tarp is the best option, but you can also apply masking tape to the glass. This will prevent the crack from spreading and will also keep wind, water and bugs out.

You can make a temporary fix when you are unable access the window in time. Simply apply a small amount of the substance around the outside edge of the broken pane. It won't completely fill the gap between glass and frame however it will keep the crack in place while you repair it.

Repainting

Repainting your old glass windows is a good idea. This is a cost-effective alternative to replacing windows, and it can give your home a new appearance. Make sure that the surface is clean before painting. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to get rid of oil smudges, as well as 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 hands onto the surface. Apply several thin coats rather than a single thick one. This will make the paint last longer and ensure that your windows appear even and smooth.

Make sure you have the appropriate tools in your arsenal when you are planning to repaint glass windows. You'll require a brush or sponge, painter's adhesive, a ruler, toothpicks, as well as a few other tools like paper towels or a rag. It is recommended to have the brushes and paints you will be using in your kit. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Have patience, as it may take a while for the paint to fully dry.

Also, ensure that the area you're working in is well ventilated, especially if you're using solvent-based paint. This will lower the risk of breathing into harmful chemicals and allow the paint to dry more quickly. It is also important to ensure you have a mask to protect yourself for any spray paints you apply.

You'll need to clean the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water prior to you paint it. Clean the glass thoroughly with soap and warm water, then apply rubbing alcohol to wash off any grease or oil that might hinder the paint's adhesion. Make sure that the windows are dry before you start coating them.

If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, you might be able to file a claim with the window company or dealer who sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is particularly true if the windows are still under warranty and have experienced numerous problems with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

If you have double-pane windows with broken seal or a newer version of insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced defogging or fog, fitters there are many options to address the issue. The most costly option is to replace the insulated unit and frame but it may be required if fog or condensation is causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU by a single pane, or repairing the IGU that is in place by drilling a hole through the bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging solution.

You can also seal the gap between the window frame and fitters the sill or threshold with a felt strip, vinyl v-strip, or a door sweep. Felt is inexpensive and can be glued, nailed or fitters stapled to the frame but it doesn't provide a lot of protection from moisture. Vinyl weather stripping v-strip is durable and easy to install, but it can be expensive and is usually used for areas that are subject to high abrasion. Door sweeps are affordable and can be put to the floor, but they create little to no barrier between the sill or threshold and air, dust, and debris.

To repair a damaged window seal using a putty knife, you need to scrape off the caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves carefully remove the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that fix the glass to the frame's recess with sharp and pointed ends. After removing the glazing points, remove the grooves, then sand the wood. Wipe away any sanding sludge and then seal the unfinished wooden surface with a linseed-oil-based paint or clear sealer.

Traditional glazing putty can be applied with either a putty knife or a caulking gun, however the knife is a better precision and precise application. It also provides a stronger seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass windows, since it has better adhesion and long-lasting.

Apply a thin bead of the putty on the inside edge of the frame where it meets the glass. Slide the window into frame in a way that the scribed line on glass lines up with edge of frame. Apply pressure to the glass to compress the putty into a tight seal. Smooth the compound using gloves and then remove any drips or caulk that were not properly applied before it has dried.