Glass Window Repair

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

Wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and glazing points using a utility knife. A heat gun can soften the old putty and accelerate the removal process.

Replacement

When a window pane breaks, it could be tempting to repair the glass instead of replace it. However, window replacement replacing windows is often more cost-effective and can assist in preventing other issues with your home’s energy efficiency. Take a look at the kind of glass damaged to determine whether it’s a temporary fix or if a more permanent solution is needed.

The first step in repairing a broken window is to remove the sash, also known as the frame and lay it flat on a table. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window’s frame and pull out any remaining shards. Use a utility blade to scrape off the glazing compound, and the glazing points that secure the window. Keep track of the components and their locations to ensure that they can be put back in place later.

After you’ve removed the frame and sash you can begin preparing to replace the glass. Make sure that the opening of the frame is the proper size for the replacement window. Take measurements both ways across the opening, and then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement in order to leave the expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Afterwards, purchase double glazing-strength glass cut to these exact measurements. It is a good idea also to purchase enough glazier’s clips, or points to place them every 6 inches around each window replacement pane.

Depending on the warranty of the window the window may be covered by the manufacturer, in which case you must contact them to make a claim. Once the new glass is installed, it must be sprayed with a thin coating of glazier’s compound. After the compound has dried it is possible to paint the frame to match.

If the crack is greater than an inch in length, you can prevent it from spreading by scoring a small arc just beyond the crack. This trick won’t be completely foolproof, but it could slow the growth of the crack down to a manageable amount until you are able to take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors are trained to handle a variety of glass types, and they have the tools needed to complete the job correctly. They are able to dispose of waste in a safe manner which means they are less likely than other people to leave behind scraps that could inflict harm on family pets or family members. They’re also familiar with different window types and are capable of identifying issues that might not be apparent to the uninitiated homeowner.

Before you begin the process of repairing cracked window glass, make sure that you wear safety goggles and gloves. A minor crack could cause shards to fly off, posing a danger 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 issues.

Begin by creating an epoxy mixture that has two parts. They are usually a 50/50 mixture of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture has been made and applied, simply apply it to the crack and let it dry. It should take only about a few minutes, but it is important to be quick because the mixture is extremely thick and drys 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 crack of glass. If you don’t clean the area properly the leftovers could cause further damage to your glass. Make use of a putty knife to smooth out the compound around the edge of the window and match it with the frame made of wood.

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

If you’re not able to get to the window fast enough and you’re not able to get there quickly, you can use silicone sealant to make temporary repairs. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant around the edge of the damaged glass. It won’t completely seal the gap between frame and glass however it will keep the break in place while you repair it.

Repainting

Repainting old glass windows is a great idea. This is a low-cost alternative to window replacement and it can give your home a fresh new look. Make sure the surface is clean prior to painting. Wash the window with water and soap or ruby alcohol to get rid of oil smudges and other traces that could hinder the 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 glass surface. Apply several thin coats rather than a single thick one. This will help the paint last longer, and ensure that your windows appear smooth and even.

If you’re planning to paint your glass windows, be sure you have the proper tools at hand. You’ll need a brush or sponge, painter’s adhesive, toothpicks, a ruler and other tools such as a rag or paper towel. You’ll need the brushes and paints you’ll be using in your kit. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Be patient as it can take some time for the paint to fully dry.

If you’re using solvent-based paints, you must also ensure that the space where you work is well-ventilated. This will lower the risk of breathing into harmful chemicals and allow the paint to dry faster. Wear a mask to protect yourself when using spray paints.

For older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface prior painting. Use soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, rub alcohol on any grease or oil remnants that may hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are completely dry before you begin painting them.

If you have energy-efficient double pane windows on your windows, it could be possible to file a claim for repair or replacement with the window manufacturer or dealer that sold them. This is particularly true if the windows are still under warranty and you’ve experienced several problems with condensation or damaged glass.

Sealing

There are several ways to fix the problem depending on regardless of whether you have an old double-pane window with a cracked seal, or if you have an insulated unit (IGU) that has experienced fogging. The most costly option is to replace the insulated unit and frame, but it may be necessary if condensation or fog cause 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 filling the solution with anti-fog.

You can also fill in the gap between windows and a threshold or sill with a felt strip or vinyl V-strip. Felt can be stapled, glued or nailed into place but is not a great protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strips are simple to install and durable however it can be expensive. It is usually reserved for areas that are subjected to high abrasion. Door sweeps are cheap and can be fixed into place however they provide very little or no protection between the threshold or sill and dust, air, and window replacement debris.

To repair a damaged window seal first, you must use a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves take care to remove the glazing points — small fasteners that fix the glass to the frame’s recess, with sharp and pointed ends. After removing the glazing points, remove the grooves and sand down the wood. Clean any sanding dust and then seal the unfinished wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.

Traditional glazing putty can be applied with either a putty knife or a caulking gun, but a knife provides a better application that is more precise and will provide a better seal. Select a putty specifically designed for glass windows as it has better adhesion and long-lasting.

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 scribed line on the glass aligns with the frame’s edge. Apply pressure to the glass to force the putty into a solid seal. Smooth the compound with fingers that are gloved and clean up any mistakenly applied caulk or errant drips prior to drying.