Glass Window Repair: 11 Thing You're Not Doing Glass Window Repair

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

While wearing protective clothing remove all glaze putty and glazing points using a knife. A heat gun can soften and remove the old putty.

Replacement

It can be tempting to fix the window glass instead of replacing it when the glass breaks. It is cheaper to replace a window, and it will also help prevent other problems in the efficiency of your home. Examine the kind of glass damaged to determine whether it's a temporary fix, or if a permanent solution is needed.

To fix a broken window, you must remove the sash or frame and place it on your work surface. Wearing eye protection, carefully move the frame and remove any shards that remain in the window pane. Utilize a utility knife to remove the glazing compound, and the glazing points that keep the window in place. Keep an eye on the components and their location so that they can be put back in place.

After the frame and sash are removed then you can begin the process of preparing to install new glass. Before doing this make sure that the opening in the frame is size for the replacement window. Measure both sides of the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to allow room for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, buy double-strength glass cut to these precise dimensions. It is also an excellent idea to buy enough new glazier's clips or glazier's points to be positioned every 6 inches around the window pane.

If the manufacturer is responsible, you can call them and submit an claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it must be sprayed with a thin layer of glazier's compound. After drying the compound and dry, you can paint it to match the frame of the window.

If the crack is greater than an inch You can stop it from expanding by scoring an arc that is just a little beyond the crack. This technique isn't 100% foolproof, but it can slow the growth of the crack down to a manageable size until you can take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors know how to deal with a variety of glass types, and they have the tools to do the job correctly. They know how to dispose of waste safely and are therefore less likely than other people to leave behind a mess that could harm family members or pets. They're also used to working with different window types and are capable of identifying issues that aren't apparent to an inexperienced homeowner.

Before you begin the process of repairing cracked window glass, make sure to wear safety goggles and gloves. Even a tiny crack can cause glass shards to fly around and put anyone at risk in or around the home. It is important to determine what caused the crack, since this will help prevent any future issues.

Begin by creating an epoxy mixture that has two parts. It is usually 50/50 mixture of hardener and resin and they need to be quickly mixed. After the mix has been made and applied, simply apply it to the crack and let it dry. It should take only a couple of minutes, but it is important to be quick because the mixture is very thick and drys very quickly.

Once the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of excess epoxy using a putty blade. You'll need to clean around the cracked glass. If you do not clean the area in a proper manner the residue could cause further damage to the glass. Use a putty blade smooth the compound around the edge of the window and match it to the frame made of wood.

Consider using a plastic cover to make a more durable choice. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is ideal, but you can also use masking tape to cover the glass. This will stop the crack from growing and will also block out water, wind insects, water, and other debris.

You can create an interim 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 broken glass. It won't seal the gap between the frame and glass completely but it will hold the broken piece in place until you can fix it.

Repainting

Repainting your old glass windows is a good idea. This is an affordable alternative to replacing windows and it can give your home a new appearance. Make sure that the surface is clean before painting. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to wash away oil smudges and other residues which can prevent paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to avoid the transfer of oils from your fingers onto the surface. Apply multiple thin coats instead of one thick coat. This will make the paint last longer, and keep your windows looking even and smooth.

If you're planning on repainting your glass windows, make sure you have all the right tools in your arsenal. You'll require either a brush or sponge as well as a painter's tamper as well as a ruler and toothpicks. You should have the paints and brushes that you'll use on hand. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Have patience because it could take a while for the paint to completely dry.


You should also make sure the room you're working in is ventilated when you're using solvent-based paint. This will lower the risk of breathing into toxic chemicals and allow the paint to dry faster. Wear a mask to protect yourself when using spray paints.

You'll need to clean the glass window thoroughly using warm water and soap before you paint it. Make use of soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, use rubbing alcohol on any grease or oil residues that might hinder the adhesion of the paint. 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 eligible to file a claim with the window manufacturer or dealer who sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if your windows are still under warranty and you've experienced several problems with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

Whether you have old double-pane windows with damaged seal or more recent insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced defogging and fogging, there are a variety of options to fix the issue. It is the most expensive option to replace both the insulation unit and the frame. However, it may be necessary if fog or condensation is causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU by a single pane, or fixing the IGU that is in place by drilling a hole in its bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging product.

You can also seal the gap between the window frame and the sill or threshold by using a felt strip vinyl v-strip, or a door sweep. Felt can be stapled, glued, or placed in place, but does not offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl weather stripping that is v-strip is strong and easy to put in, but it can be expensive and is usually used for areas that are subject to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps can be easily nailed to the floor and are affordable. However, they offer very little or no protection between the threshold and air.

To fix a damaged window seal make use of a putty blade to take off the caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection, pry out the glazing point -- small fasteners with sharp pointed tips that secure the glass in the frame's recess. Once you have removed the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood to a smooth finish. Wipe off Chingford double glazing sanding debris and then seal the unfinished wooden surface with a linseed-oil-based paint or clear sealer.

A putty or caulking knife can be used to apply the traditional glazing putty. However, using a knife will give an easier application and a more secure seal. Choose a putty specifically for glass as it will last longer and stick better.

Apply a thin layer of glue across the inside of the frame where it joins the glass. Slide the window into the frame, so that the cut line on the glass lines up with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure on the glass to press the putty and glass to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound using fingers that are gloved and then wipe off any caulk that was applied incorrectly or drips that have escaped before it dries.