Glass Window Repair
Professional window repair men work from high above the ground, navigating huge glass panes. They work under extreme conditions and follow strict safety guidelines.
Wearing protective clothing, cut off the metal glazing points and the glazing putty by using a utility knife. A heat gun can help to soften the old putty and speed up removal.
Replacement
It is tempting to fix the glass of your window instead of replacing it if the glass breaks. However, replacing windows is usually more cost-effective and can aid in preventing other issues in your home's energy efficiency. You should also take into consideration the type of glass that is damaged to determine if it is temporary or if you'll need to invest in an alternative that is more durable.
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 that remain in the window. Then, use a knife to peel off the glazing compound and glazing points that keep the glass in the position. Keep the track of these components and their locations so that they can be replaced later.
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, make sure that the opening in the frame is designed for the replacement window. To allow for expansion and contraction of the glass and frame and contraction take measurements in both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Afterwards, purchase double-strength glass cut to these exact dimensions. It is a good idea also to purchase enough glazier's clips or points to be installed every 6 inches around each window pane.
Depending on the window's warranty, this may be covered by the manufacturer, in which case you need to contact the company to file an claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it needs to be covered with a thin coating of glazier's compound. Once the compound is dry you can paint the frame to match.
If the crack is greater than an inch You can stop it from spreading by cutting the crack with a small arc, just above the crack. This method isn't infallible, but it will slow the growth of the crack to a manageable level until you are able to take more permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors are trained to handle a variety of glass, and they have the tools needed to complete a proper job. They know how to dispose of waste in a safe manner which means they are less likely than other contractors to leave behind scraps that could harm family pets or family members. They're also used to working with different window types, and they may be able to spot problems that aren't obvious to a homeowner who isn't experienced.
Before beginning the process of repairing cracked window glass, ensure that you wear safety goggles and gloves. A minor crack could cause shards to fly off, creating a risk for anyone who lives in or around the home. It's important to determine what caused the crack, as this could prevent future problems.
Begin by creating an epoxy mixture that has two parts. They typically are a 50/50 mixture of hardener and resin. They must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture is done put it in the glass crack and let it dry. It should only take about a few minutes, but you need to be quick as the mixture is extremely thick and will dry very quickly.
Once the epoxy has dried, you can remove excess epoxy using a putty blade. After that, you'll need clean the area around the crack of glass. If you don't do this properly, the residue can cause further damage to the glass. Make use of a putty knife to smooth out the compound around the edge of the window and match it with the frame of wood.
For a more durable solution think about using a plastic cover. You can cover the glass using masking tape or a sturdy trashbag. This will prevent the crack from spreading, and will also keep water, wind and bugs out.
If you're unable to reach the window quickly, you can use silicone sealant to create a temporary repair. Simply apply a small amount of the material around the outside edge of the damaged pane. It won't fully seal the gap between the frame and glass however it will keep the break in place while you repair it.
Repainting
Repainting old glass windows is a good idea. This is a cost-effective alternative to window replacement and will give your home a new look. Make sure the surface is clean before painting. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to remove oil smudges, and other residues which can prevent paint from adhering. It is also recommended to wear rubber gloves when working on glass to prevent the transfer of your own oils onto the surface of the window. In the end you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of one thick layer. This will allow the paint to last longer and will keep your windows looking smooth and even.
Make sure you have the appropriate tools on hand when you are planning to repaint glass windows. You'll need either a brush or sponge as well as a painter's tamper as well as a ruler and toothpicks. It is also recommended to have the paint and brushes you'll be using for the project in your possession. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Have patience as it can take some time for the paint to completely dry.
You should also make sure the room you're working in is ventilated when you're using solvent-based paint. This will decrease the risk of breathing harmful chemicals, and the paint will dry quicker. You should also make sure you wear a mask that is protective for any spray paints that you use.
You'll need to wash the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water prior to you paint it. Use warm water and soap to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, rub alcohol on any oil or grease remnants that may hinder the adhesion of the paint. Be sure that the windows are completely dry before you begin to paint them.
If you have energy efficient double pane windows on your windows, it may be possible to submit claims for repair or replacement with the window manufacturer or dealer who sold the windows. This is particularly true if the windows are still under warranty and you've experienced several problems with condensation or broken glass.
Sealing
There are a variety of options to resolve the issue depending on regardless of whether you have an old double-pane window that has cracks in the seal or if you own a newer IGU (IGU) that has experienced defogging. The most expensive option is to replace the insulated unit and frame however it could be necessary if condensation or fog are causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with just one pane, or fixing the existing IGU by drilling a hole in the bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging product.
You can also close the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill by using a felt strip vinyl v-strips, or door sweep. Felt is inexpensive and can be glued, nailed or stapled to the frame but it doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip weather stripping is durable and easy to install however, it can be expensive and is generally reserved for areas that are exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are able to be easily nailed to the floor and are affordable. However, they provide only a small amount of protection between the threshold and the air.
To repair a broken window seal make use of a putty blade to take off the caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves take care to remove the glazing points -- small fasteners that fix the glass into the frame's recess with sharp edges and pointed ends. After taking out the glazing points, remove the grooves and sand down the wood. Wipe off any sanding traces, then seal the bare wood with a linseed oil based paint or clear wood sealer.
A caulking knife or putty can be used to apply traditional glazing putty. However, using a knife will give the most precise application and a stronger seal. Choose a putty that is made specifically for glass windows as it has better adhesion and durability.
Apply a thin layer of putty 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 the glass is aligned with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to compress the putty into a solid seal. Smooth the compound using an ungloved finger and clean up any mistakenly applied caulk or spills that are not properly wiped away before it dries.