Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work high above the ground, moving huge panes of glass. They adhere to strict safety standards and often work under harsh weather conditions.

Wearing protective clothing, cut off the metal glazing points and the glazing putty by using a utility knife. A heat gun may help soften the old glue and speed up removal.

Replacement

It can be tempting to fix the window glass instead of replacing it when the glass breaks. It is more cost-effective to replace windows and it can also help you prevent other problems in your home’s efficiency. You should also take into consideration the type of glass that is broken to determine if this is a temporary fix or if you will need to invest in an option that is more permanent.

The first step in fixing a broken window is to remove the sash, also known as the frame and place it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window pane and then remove any remaining fragments. Then, use a utility knife to cut off the glazing compound and glazing points that help to hold the glass in the position. Keep track of the components and their locations so that they can be put back in place.

After you have removed the frame and sash you can start preparing to replace the glass. Before you begin, make sure that the opening in the frame is properly size for the replacement window. To allow for the expansion of the frame and glass and contraction take measurements in both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, buy double-strength glass cut to these precise dimensions. It is a good idea to also purchase enough glazier’s clips, or points to be installed every 6 inches around the window pane.

If the manufacturer is accountable, you can call them and make an claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it should be bedded in with a thin layer of glazier’s compound. After the compound has dried, you can paint the frame to match.

If your crack is more than an inch in length, you can prevent it from expanding by scoring a small arc just beyond the crack. This technique isn’t 100% foolproof, but it can slow the growth of the crack to a manageable level until you are able to take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window replacement contractors are equipped with the appropriate tools and know how to work with different types of glass. They know how to dispose of waste properly which means they are less likely than other people to leave behind pieces of glass that could harm family members or pets. They’re also used to working with different window types and may be able to spot problems that might not be apparent to a homeowner who isn’t experienced.

Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to beginning repair work on cracked glass. Even a small break can cause shards of glass to fly away, which could pose a risk to anyone living in or around the home. It’s also crucial to determine the cause of the crack in the first place, since it could help avoid future issues.

Start by making a two-part epoxy mixture. They are typically 50/50 mix of resin and hardener, and they need to be quickly mixed. After the mixture is prepared then apply it directly to the crack and allow it to dry. It should take only some minutes however it is important to work quickly since the mixture is extremely thick and fast-drying.

Once the epoxy is dried, you can remove any excess using a putty knife. Then, you’ll have to clean the area around the cracked glass. If you do not clean the area properly, the debris could cause further damage to the glass. Make use of a putty knife to smooth the compound around the edge of the window and then match it to the frame of wood.

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

You can make an interim solution when you are unable reach the window in an efficient manner. 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, but it will keep the broken piece in place while you fix it.

Repainting

If your glass windows are old, you might consider repainting them. This is an affordable alternative to replace your windows and can give your home a fresh appearance. Make sure that the surface is clean prior to painting. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to get rid of oil smudges, as well as other residues which can prevent paint from adhering. You should also wear rubber gloves when working on glass to avoid the risk of transferring your own oils onto the window’s surface. In the end, you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of one thick layer. This will make the paint last longer, and Fitters ensure that your windows appear smooth and even.

Make sure you have the proper tools on hand when you are planning to repaint glass windows. You’ll need a sponge or brush, painter’s tap, a ruler and toothpicks. You should have the paints and fitters brushes that you’ll be using in your kit. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Have patience as it can take some time for the paint to completely dry.

Also, ensure that the room you’re working in is well ventilated if you’re using solvent-based paint. This will reduce the chance of breathing into toxic chemicals and permit the paint to dry more quickly. Use a mask that is protective when using spray paints.

For older glass windows, you’ll need to prepare the surface prior to painting. Clean the glass thoroughly with soap and warm water. You can 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 prior to coating 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 company or the dealer who sold the windows. This is especially the case if you’ve experienced several issues with broken glass or condensation and the windows are covered under warranty.

Sealing

If you have double-pane windows with a cracked seal or newer insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced defogging or fog, there are many options for fixing the problem. The most costly option is to replace the insulated unit and frame, but it may be required if fog or condensation cause energy loss. Other alternatives include replacing the current IGU with a single-pane, or repair it by drilling a small hole through the bottom of the unit and filling the solution with anti-fog.

You can also close the gap between a window frame and a sill or threshold using a felt strip, or vinyl v-strip. Felt is inexpensive and can be glued, nailed or stapled to the frame, but it does not offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip weather stripping is durable and simple to install however it can be expensive and is generally used for areas that are subject to high abrasion. Door sweeps are cheap and can be fixed into place, but they create virtually no barrier between the sill or threshold and dust, air, and debris.

To repair a damaged window seal first, you must use a putty blade to scrape off the caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves, carefully pry out the glazing points — small fasteners that hold the glass to the frame’s recess, with sharp edges and pointed ends. After getting rid of the glazing points clean the grooves and sand down the wood. Wipe away any sanding sludge and then seal the unfinished wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.

A putty or caulking knife can be used to apply the traditional glazing putty, but a knife will provide a more precise application, and a better seal. Make sure you choose a putty made specifically for glass windows as it has better adhesion and durability.

Apply a thin bead of the putty on the inside edge of the frame where it touches the glass. Slide the window into frame so that the scribed line on glass aligns with edge of frame. Apply pressure to the glass to press the putty and glass into an elongated seal. Smooth the compound using fingers that are gloved, and wipe away any caulk that was applied incorrectly or errant drips prior to drying.