The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Glass Window Repair

Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work high off the ground, maneuvering huge panes of glass. They adhere to strict safety standards and are often working in extreme weather conditions.

While wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and metal glazing points using a knife. A heat gun may help soften the old putty and make it easier to remove.

Replacement

It's tempting to repair the window repair glass instead of replacing it if a pane breaks. However, replacing windows is typically more cost-effective and may aid in preventing other issues that could affect your home's energy efficiency. Examine the kind of glass damaged to determine if it's a temporary fix or if a permanent solution is needed.

The first step in repairing damaged windows is to remove the sash, also known as the frame and place it flat on a table. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window pane and pull out any remaining shards. Utilize a utility blade to remove the glazing compound, and the glazing points that keep the window in place. Make sure you keep the track of the location of these components to ensure that they can be put back in place later.

After you've removed the frame and sash you can start preparing to replace the glass. Before you do so make sure that the opening in the frame is sized for your replacement window. Take measurements both ways across the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to give space for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. 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 place them every 6 inches around the window pane.

Depending on the warranty of the window, this may be covered by the manufacturer and in this case, you should call them to file an claim. After the new glass has been installed, it must be bedded in with a thin layer of the compound used by glaziers. After the compound has dried, you can paint it to match the frame of the window.

If you have a crack that extends more than an inch, scoring a small arc with the edge of a blade just over the crack could help prevent it from spreading any further. This method isn't completely foolproof, but it could slow the growth of the crack to a manageable size until you can take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers have the right tools and know how to work with different kinds of glass. They are able to dispose of waste in a safe manner, so they are less likely than other people to leave behind pieces of glass that could inflict harm on family 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 glasses and gloves prior to beginning the process of repairing cracked glass. A minor crack could cause shards to fly off, which could pose a risk to anyone in or around the home. It is important to determine the cause of the crack, so that you can prevent future problems.

Make a two-part mixture of epoxy. These are usually 50/50 mixture of resin and hardener, and must be quickly mixed. After the mixture is made and applied, simply apply it to the crack and allow it to dry. It will take just a couple of minutes, but you must work quickly because the mixture is extremely thick and dries very quickly.

Once the epoxy has dried, you can take off excess epoxy using a putty blade. Then, you'll have to clean the area around the broken glass. If you don't clean the area correctly the debris could cause further damage to the glass. After the glass has been cleaned with a putty blade, use it to smooth the compound along the edge of the window and match it to the frame made of wood.

For a more durable solution you can consider using a plastic covering. You can cover the glass using masking tape or a heavy-duty trash bag. This will stop the crack from growing and will also keep out water, wind insects, water, and other debris.

You can make an interim solution if you are unable to get to the window in a timely manner. Simply place a tiny amount of the stuff around the outside of the broken pane. It won't completely seal the gap between frame and glass however it will keep the broken piece in place while you repair it.

Repainting

Repainting old glass windows is a good idea. This is a cost-effective alternative to replacing your windows and will provide your home with a new appearance. Make sure the surface is clean before painting. Clean the window using soap and water or use ruby alcohol to eliminate oil smudges and other traces that could hinder the paint from adhering. You should also wear rubber gloves while working on glass to avoid the risk of transferring your own oils onto the surface of the window. Finally, you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a single thick layer. This will allow the paint to last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.

If you're planning on repainting your glass windows, be sure you have the appropriate tools at hand. You'll need a brush, sponge, painter's tape a ruler, toothpicks, and other tools like a rag or paper towel. You'll need the paints and brushes that you'll be using on hand. Follow the manufacturer's directions. Be patient because it could take some time for the paint to fully dry.

If you are using solvent-based paint, you should make sure that the area where you work is well ventilated. This will lower the risk of breathing in harmful chemicals and allow the paint to dry quicker. Use a protective mask when using spray paints.

For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior painting. Clean the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water, then use rubbing alcohol to scrub away any grease or oil that could hinder adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are completely dried before you begin painting them.

If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, you might be able to file a claim with the window company or dealer that sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially the case if you've experienced several issues with broken glass or condensation even though the windows are covered by warranty.

Sealing

There are many ways to address the issue regardless of whether you have an old double-pane window with a cracked seal, or if you own an upgraded insulation unit (IGU) that has experienced defogging. It is the most expensive option to replace both the IGU that is insulated as well as the frame. However, it might be required in situations where fog or condensation is creating energy losses. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single pane, or repairing the IGU that is in place by drilling a hole in the bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging agent.

You can also fill in the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill with a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or a door sweep. Felt is cheap and can be fixed by gluing, nailing or stapled to the frame, but it does not provide much protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strip is easy to put up and is durable however, it can be costly. It is usually reserved for areas exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are able to be easily nailed in place and are cheap. However, they provide little or no protection between the threshold and air.

To repair a damaged window seal make use of a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves take care to remove the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that pin the glass to the frame's recess, with sharp and pointed ends. After removing the glazing points, remove the grooves, then sand the wood. Clean any sanding dust, then seal the bare wooden surface with a linseed-oil-based paint or clear sealer.

Traditional glazing putty can be applied with either a putty knife or a caulking gun, however the knife is a better, more precise application and provides a stronger seal. Choose a putty specifically for glass as it will be more durable and adhere better.

Apply a small amount the putty to the inner edge of the frame where it touches the glass. Slide the window into frame so that scribed line on glass lines up with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to press the putty into a solid seal. Smooth the compound with a gloved hand and remove any drips or caulk that were not properly applied before it dries.