The 10 Most Scariest Things About Glass Window Repair

Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work up above the ground, moving huge panes of glass. They work under extreme conditions and follow strict safety guidelines.

While wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and metal glazing points with a utility knife. A heat gun can soften and remove the old putty.

Replacement

It's tempting to fix the glass of your window instead of replacing it if the glass breaks. However, replacing a window is often more cost-effective, and can also aid in preventing other issues with your home's energy efficiency. Take a look at the type of glass that is broken to determine whether it's a temporary fix, or if a long-term solution is required.

The first step to repair broken windows is to take off the sash, or frame and lay it flat on a table. While wearing eye protection, carefully move the frame and remove any shards that remain in the window. Use a utility blade to cut off the glazing compound, as well as the glazing points that hold the window in place. Keep track of the components and where they are to ensure they are reinstalled.

After you have removed the frame and sash you can start preparing to replace the glass. Be sure to check that the opening of the frame is of the correct size for the replacement window. To allow for expansion and contraction of the glass and frame and contraction, measure both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, you can purchase double-strength glasses made to these exact measurements. It is also an excellent idea to buy enough new glazier's glazier's pointing or clips to be positioned every 6 inches around the window pane.

Depending on the window's warranty the window may be covered by the manufacturer and in this case, you need to contact the company to file an claim. Once the new glass is installed, it must be sprayed with a thin layer of glazier's compound. After drying the compound then you can paint it to match the rest of the window frame.

If you have a crack that is more than an inch, cutting an arc of a razor blade just beyond the crack will help prevent it from spreading any further. This trick is not foolproof but it will slow down the development of the crack until you are able to take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers have the proper tools and know how to work with various types of glass. They are able to dispose of waste properly and are therefore less likely than others to leave behind scraps which could cause harm to family members or pets. They're also accustomed to working with different kinds of windows and could be able to spot problems that an inexperienced home owner might not be able to notice.

Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to starting repair work on cracked glass. A small crack could cause shards of glass to fly and put anyone at risk in or around the home. It is also crucial to determine the cause of the crack in the first place, as it could help avoid future problems.

Make a two-part mixture of epoxy. These are usually 50/50 mixture of hardener and resin, and must be mixed quickly. After the mixture is prepared then apply it directly to the crack and let it dry. It will take just about a minute, but it's essential to get it done quickly as the mixture is very thick and fast-drying.

After the epoxy has dried, you can take off any excess with a putty knife. Then, you'll need to clean the area around the cracked glass. If you don't clean the area correctly, the debris could cause further damage to your glass. After cleaning the glass with a putty blade, use it to smooth the compound along the edges of the window and match it with the frame made of wood.

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

You can come up with a temporary fix in the event that you are unable to access the window in an efficient manner. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant around the edge of the damaged glass. It won't completely fill the gap between glass and frame, but it will keep the crack in place while you repair it.

Repainting

If your windows with glass are old, you may 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. Clean the window using water and soap or ruby alcohol to get rid of oil smudges and other traces that could hinder the 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 several thin coats rather than a single thick one. This will allow the paint to last longer, and will keep your windows looking smooth and even.

If you're planning to paint your glass windows, make sure you have the proper tools in your arsenal. You'll need a brush or window repair sponge, painter's tape, toothpicks, a ruler and other tools such as paper towels or a rag. You should also have the paint and brushes you'll use to complete the project. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's directions and be prepared with plenty of patience since it may take some time for the paint to dry.

It is also important to ensure that the space you're working is ventilated when you're using solvent-based paint. This will help to reduce the risk of inhaling toxic chemicals, and also the paint will dry quicker. Also, make sure you have a mask to protect yourself for any spray paints you use.

It is necessary to clean the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water prior to you paint it. Clean the glass thoroughly with soap and warm water. You can then use rubbing alcohol to clean off any oil or grease that could hinder adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are completely dried before you begin painting them.

If you have energy-efficient double pane windows on your windows, it could be possible to submit claims for repair or replacement with the window company or the 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

If you have double-pane windows with a broken seal or a newer version of insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging and fogging, there are a variety of options for fixing the problem. It is the most expensive option to replace both the IGU that is insulated as well as the frame. However, it could be necessary if fog or condensation is causing energy losses. Other alternatives include replacing the current 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 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 affordable and can be fixed by gluing, nailing, window repair or stapled into place, but it does not offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strips are easy to install and durable, but can be expensive. It is generally used in areas that are subjected to high abrasion. Door sweeps are affordable and can be put into place, but they create very little or no protection between the threshold or sill and dust, air and debris.

To repair a cracked window seal, first use a putty knife to take off the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves carefully remove the glazing points -- small fasteners that fix the glass to the frame's recess with sharp and pointed edges. After removing the glazing points, remove the grooves and sand down the wood. Wipe off any sanding debris then seal the wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.

A putty or caulking knife can be used to apply traditional glazing putty, but using a knife will give an easier application and a more secure seal. Make sure you choose a putty made specifically for glass windows, since it will have higher adhesion and long-lasting.

Apply a small amount the putty on the inside edge of the frame where it touches the glass. Slide the window repair into the frame, so that the cut line on the glass lines up with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure to the glass in order to press the putty into a solid seal. Smooth the compound with a gloved hand and remove any caulk or drips that were applied incorrectly before it dries.