The 10 Scariest Things About Glass Window Repair

Glass Window Repair

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

Wearing protective clothing, remove all glaze putty and glazing points using a knife. A heat gun can help soften the old glue and make it easier to remove.

Replacement

If a window pane breaks, it could be tempting to repair the glass instead of replace it. However, replacing windows is often more cost-effective and may help prevent other problems that could affect your home's energy efficiency. Consider the type of glass that is broken to determine if it's a temporary fix, or if a permanent solution is required.

To fix a damaged window, take off the frame or sash, and lay it flat on the work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle and pull out any shards remaining within the window. Then, use a utility knife to cut off the glazing compound and points that help to hold the glass in place. Keep track of the components and their locations to ensure that they can be replaced later.

After you've removed the frame and sash you can start preparing to replace the glass. Before doing this make sure that the opening in the frame is size for the replacement window. To allow for the expansion of the frame and glass and contraction, measure both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. After that, you can purchase double-strength glasses cut to these exact measurements. It is also recommended to purchase enough new glazier's clips or glazier's points to be installed every 6 inches around the window pane.

Depending on the window's warranty it could be covered by the manufacturer, in which case you must contact them to file a claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it should be bedded in with a thin layer of the compound used by glaziers. After the compound is dry you can paint the frame to match.

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

Repair

Professional window contractors know how to handle a variety of glass, and they have the tools needed to complete a proper job. They also know the best methods for disposing of waste, and are less likely to leave waste that are left behind, which could hurt pets or family members. They're also familiar with various types of windows and are aware of issues that aren't obvious to an inexperienced homeowner.

Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to beginning the process of repairing cracked glass. A small crack can cause shards to fly, which could pose a risk to anyone living in or around the home. It's also crucial to determine what caused the crack in the first place, since it could help avoid future issues.

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

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

If you want a more durable solution you can consider using a plastic covering. You can cover the glass using masking tape or a strong-duty trashbag. This will keep the crack from expanding, and will also keep out wind, water bugs, debris, and water.

You can create a temporary fix when you are unable get to the window in an efficient manner. Apply a small amount silicone sealant to the edge of the damaged glass. It won't close the gap between the glass and the frame completely however it will keep the break in place until you are able to repair it.

Repainting

Repainting your old glass windows is a good idea. This is a cost-effective alternative to replacing windows and will give your home a fresh new appearance. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to wash away oil smudges, and other residues that could prevent paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves while working on glass to prevent the transfer of your own oils onto the surface of the window. Apply multiple thin coats instead of a single thick one. This will make the paint last longer and will keep your windows looking smooth and even.

If you're planning to repaint your glass windows, be sure you have the proper tools in your arsenal. You'll need either a brush or sponge painter's tap, a ruler and toothpicks. You should also have the brushes and paint you'll need to complete the project. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Be patient because it could take some time for the paint to completely dry.

Also, ensure that the area you're working in is well ventilated, especially if you're using solvent-based paint. This will reduce the chance of inhaling harmful chemicals, and the paint will 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. Make use of soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, use rubbing alcohol on any oil or grease residues that could interfere with the adhesion of the paint. Make sure the windows are completely dry before you begin coating them.

If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, you may be eligible 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 you have experienced multiple problems with broken glass or condensation even though the windows are covered under warranty.

Sealing

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

You can also fill in the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill by using a felt strip vinyl v-strips, or a door sweep. Felt is cheap and can be glued, nailed or stapled in place however it doesn't provide much protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strips are simple to install and long-lasting however it can be expensive. It is typically reserved for areas that are subject to high abrasion. Door sweeps are affordable and can be fixed to the floor however they provide very little or no protection between the threshold or sill and dust, air, and debris.

To fix a damaged window seal, use a putty blade to take off the caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection take care to remove the glazing points, which are tiny fasteners that fix the glass into the frame's recess using sharp, pointed edges. After you have removed the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood until it is smooth. Wipe away any sanding sludge and then seal the unfinished wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.

Traditional glazing putty can be applied with a putty knife or caulking gun, but a knife provides a better precision and precise application. It also will provide a better seal. Select a putty specifically designed for glass windows, since it will be more adhesive and a longer life.

Apply a thin layer of glue across the inside of the frame where it meets with the glass. Slide the window into frame in a way that the scribed line on glass aligns with edge of frame. Apply pressure on the glass to compress the putty and create an elongated seal. Smooth the compound using an ungloved finger, and wipe away any mistakenly applied caulk or spills that are not properly wiped away before it dries.