The Top Companies Not To Be Monitor In The Glazing Repair Industry Glazing Repair - How to Repair a Cracked Window

Glazing can make a significant difference to the energy efficiency of your home. This is particularly true for older double-glazed Windows.

While it is possible to replace the glazing points while the window is in place, it's simpler and quicker if the glass and frame are removed. This is also a great opportunity to change the gaskets made of rubber.

Broken Glass

Windows that are cracked aren't just unsightly but can also let valuable sunlight and heat to escape your home. Fortunately, it's often possible to fix a broken window pane without having to go through a full replacement.

Wear safety goggles and gloves. You should also place a piece of tape in an "X" shape on the glass that you plan to remove (duct or painter's tap works well). This will prevent any broken pieces from falling as you work, which can protect you from serious injury.

If you have a small crack in your window glass you can cover it with tape to keep out water, wind, and insects. One strip of tape is enough to cover any cracks that are superficial, but if you're worried about the weather becoming worse before you can replace your window, you should use an extra-strong plastic cover like a tarp, or a garbage bag, to keep the glass in place until you can get a permanent fix.

For cracks that aren't quite as shallow try using a tough adhesive specifically designed for windows, like Loctite Super Glue Glass. This high-tech glue is designed to attach to glass and then dry transparent to give a perfect finish. Apply it to the crack and allow it completely dry before applying a new layer.

Glass windows can also develop stress cracks. Stress cracks are usually caused by extreme temperature fluctuations and can spread rapidly across the entire window if they are not fixed. To stop stress fractures from occurring using a glass cutter, you need to cut a small arc close to the crack. This will stop the crack from spreading and may slow it down by a day or two.

Measure the frame of the broken window to determine the size of the new pane. It should be slightly smaller than the opening to allow for expansion and contraction and to make up for any imperfections in the glass or frame. Once you've cut your glass to size apply glaziers' compound around the edges of the frame and the glass. After the compound has dried, paint over it to match the rest of the window frame.

Condensation inside of Double Glazed Windows

The appearance of condensation on the interior of double glazed windows usually indicates that a seal has broken at some point along the window unit. This is a serious issue because it indicates that the heat that is coming from your home is being lost through the window and could be costly for you and your energy bills.

New double glazing is designed to prevent heat transfer between two panes of glass by sandwiching a layer of air or a vacuum between them. This creates a secure seal that blocks warm air from escaping. But, if the glass is cold or colder than the frame then condensation will accumulate on it and damage the window. If double glazing repairs notice condensation on your double-glazed window that you are unable to eliminate it by opening the windows by using extractor fans, dehumidifiers or trickle venting, then you may require the help of an expert.

Condensation on the exterior of double-glazed windows is uncommon however it can happen if the seal has begun to weaken between the glass and the frame. This is more frequent in winter as the temperature is lower and it's more easy for condensation to form. This is due to an issue with the spacer between the frame and the window. The spacer is made up of desiccant which is extremely absorbent and will absorb any moisture that is present.

The issue is that once the desiccant becomes saturated it will start to break down and then water can begin to leak through the gap between the glass units. This could cause condensation and water to build up in the gap, which is difficult to get rid of.

The good news is that most reputable window companies will offer warranties on their products and should replace the window unit and glass in the event of damage caused by condensation. Inform any issues as quickly as possible to the window manufacturer so that the condensation is repaired as fast as possible to avoid further damage.

Shattering Window Glass

A damaged or cracked window could be more than an aesthetic issue. It could also be an injury risk, particularly if it is spreading. It is recommended to get it repaired as quickly as you can. You can use glass adhesives for windows in vehicles that can be purchased on the internet or in numerous auto maintenance shops. Alternately, you can make use of a glazing compound formulated for home use that can be found at most hardware or home improvement stores.

Before beginning any task, put on thick protective gloves and safety glasses and sweep the area to get rid of large pieces of shards. You should also vacuum up any chips. This will prevent them from causing injury to you or a glass repair person later on.

It is a good idea to work from a ladder, instead of standing on the ground. This will make it easier to reach all the areas of the frame and will keep you safe from falling glass. Before you start, it's a good idea clean the rabbet. This is the area where glass will be placed. Apply a coat linseed to the rabbet and wipe it clean. This will help the putty adhere.

Once the frame is cleaned and the rabbet in place, it's time to plan the replacement of the damaged pane. Order a piece of double strength glass that is 1/8 inch smaller in both directions. Also, you'll need to purchase glass points, which are steel triangles that hold the glass in place.

With the window sash taken off, use a flat pry-bar to gently pry the sash off of the wood moulding. It is possible to scrape old glazing off using a utility blade or chisel. Then, use the heating gun to warm any putty that isn't able to be removed. This will make it easier to remove it.

After the frame has been removed from the molding and the frame is pressed gently into the new glass in its place. Then, with a glazier's or putty knife's point, fill in the gaps around it and smooth them out. Once the putty is dry paint the frame to match. Paint the glass and the compound by overlapping it slightly.

Replacement Window Glass

If you're replacing a broken window, be sure to wear eye protection and gloves to protect yourself from glass shatters. Tape off the area around the damaged window to stop it from shattering in a different spot when you take it off.

Utilize a utility blade to scrape the old glazing compound from the frame and glazing points (small triangles of metal). Clean the entire opening of the frame and then apply a coat of linseed to make sure the new glue sticks better.

Once the frame is in place to be measured, you can measure it for the new window pane. Then purchase it from a local home improvement store or other retailer. Be sure to purchase the pane one-sixth inch shorter in each direction than your measurement to allow for an ideal fit.

Installing the new window is simpler than you think, however be sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure the proper fit and a long life for your replacement pane. Use a wire brush to clean the frame of old paint or wood gunk. then sand it down to bare wood, which will enhance the seal between the frame and the sash.


When putting the new pane in place, use the tip of your putty knife to gently bed the new window against the frame made of wood. Then, press glazier's points into the frame every six inches to secure the new window firmly in place.

After the frame has dried and the joint is painted, you can paint it multiple times to match the frame. Let the paint completely dry before moving on to cleaning and maintaining your window. Maintaining your windows in good condition and operating well will prolong their lives and improve your home's energy efficiency. You might want to replace your windows if they're older or in poor condition. If you opt for this option, we suggest choosing a high-quality, insulated window to lower your energy costs. The type of window that you choose will also affect the total cost of your project.