Glass Window Repair
Professional window repair men work high off the ground, maneuvering massive glass panes. They adhere to strict safety guidelines and are often working in harsh weather conditions.
Wearing protective clothing, take off the glazing points made of metal and all glazing putty with an utility knife. A heat gun can to soften and take off the old putty.
Replacement
When a window pane breaks, it could be tempting to repair the glass instead of replace it. However, replacing windows is often more cost-effective and may aid in preventing other issues that could affect your home's energy efficiency. You should also take into consideration the type of glass that is broken to determine if this is temporary or if you will need to invest in an alternative that is more durable.
The first step in repairing broken windows is to remove the sash, or frame and place it flat on a table. While wearing eye protection, carefully wiggle and pull out any shards that remain within the window. Then, use a knife to cut off the glazing compound and points that help to hold the glass in the position. Be sure to keep track of the components and their locations to ensure that they can be put back in place later.
Once the frame and sash are removed then you can begin the process of preparing to install new glass. Be sure to check that the opening of the frame is the right size for the replacement window. To allow for frame and glass expansion and contraction take measurements in both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, purchase double-strength glass cut to these exact 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.
If the manufacturer is responsible then you should call them and file an claim. Once the new glass is installed, it must be covered with a thin coating of the compound used by glaziers. Once the compound is dry you can paint the frame to be a perfect match.
If the crack is greater than an inch in length You can stop it from expanding by cutting an arc that is just a little beyond the crack. This method isn't foolproof, but it can slow the development of the crack until you are able to take permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window installers are equipped with the right tools and know how to handle various types of glass. They are able to dispose of waste properly which means they are less likely than other people to leave behind scraps that could harm family members or pets. They're also accustomed to working with various types of windows and may be able to spot problems that aren't apparent to the uninitiated homeowner.
Before beginning the process of repairing damaged window glass, make sure that you wear safety goggles and gloves. Even a small break can cause shards to fly off, creating a risk for anyone in or around the home. It is crucial to determine what caused the crack, so that you will help prevent any future issues.
Make a two-part mixture of epoxy. These are usually 50/50 mixture of resin and hardener, and they must be quickly mixed. Once the mixture has been prepared, apply it directly to the crack and let it dry. It should only take about a few minutes, but you must work quickly because the mixture is very thick and drys quickly.
Once the epoxy is dried, you can get rid of 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 in a proper manner the debris could cause further damage to your glass. Use a putty blade to smooth out the compound around the window's edge and match it to the frame of wood.
Consider using a plastic cover for a more robust option. A trash bag that is heavy-duty or tarp is the best option, but you can also use masking tape to cover the glass. This will prevent the crack from spreading, and will also keep water, wind and insects out.
You can create a temporary fix if you are unable to reach the window in time. Simply apply a small amount of the material around the outside edge of the broken window. It won't completely fill the gap between glass and frame but it will help keep the broken piece in place while you fix it.
Repainting
Repainting your old glass windows is a good idea. This is a low-cost alternative to replace your windows and will give your home a fresh appearance. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Wash the window with water and soap or ruby alcohol to get rid of oil smudges as well as other residues which can hinder the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent the transfer of oils from your fingers onto the surface. Apply multiple thin coats instead of one thick coat. This will allow the paint to last longer and make your windows appear smooth and even.
If you're planning to paint your glass windows, ensure that you have the proper tools in your arsenal. You'll need either a brush or sponge painter's tap, a ruler and toothpicks. You should have the paints and brushes that you will be using in your kit. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Have patience because it could take some time for the paint to completely dry.
It is also important to ensure that the space you're working is well ventilated if you're using solvent-based paint. This will reduce the chance of breathing into harmful chemicals and allow the paint to dry more quickly. Wear a mask to protect yourself when using spray paints.
For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior to painting. Make use of soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, use rubbing alcohol on any oil or grease residues that could interfere with the paint's adhesion. Be 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 in a position to file a claim with the window manufacturer or dealer that sold them to pay any repair or replacement costs. This is especially the case if you've experienced multiple problems with broken glass or condensation and the windows are covered by warranty.
Sealing
If you have double-pane windows with a broken seal or a newer version of insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced defogging, there are several methods to address the issue. The most costly option is to replace the frame and insulated unit 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 then filling the solution with anti-fog.
You can also close the gap between a window frame and a threshold or sill using a felt strip, or vinyl v-strip. Felt can be stapled, glued or nailed into place but doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip is easy to install and durable, but can be expensive. It is usually reserved for areas that are exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are affordable and can be nailed to the floor however they provide virtually no barrier between the sill or threshold and air, dust, and debris.
To repair a damaged window seal make use of a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection, pry out the glazing point -- small fasteners with sharp pointed tips that hold the glass into the frame's recess. After removing the glazing points, clean the grooves, then sand the wood. Wipe off any sanding debris and then seal the unfinished wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.
Traditional glazing putty can be applied using either a putty knife or a caulking gun, but a knife provides a better application that is more precise and creates a better seal. Make sure you choose a putty made specifically for glass windows as it will be more adhesive and a longer life.
Apply a thin layer along the inside edge of frame where it meets with the glass. Slide the window into frame so that scribed line on the glass is aligned with edge of frame. Apply pressure on the glass to press the putty to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound with fingers that are gloved and then wipe off any caulk that was applied incorrectly or spills that are not properly wiped away before it is dry.