Glass Window Repair
Professional window repair men can maneuver large panes of tempered glass from a height above the ground. They adhere to strict safety guidelines and frequently work in extreme weather conditions.
Wearing protective clothing, remove the metal glazing points as well as the glazing putty by using a utility knife. A heat gun can soften and remove the old putty.
Replacement
It's tempting to repair the glass on your windows instead of replacing it if a pane breaks. It is cheaper to replace windows and it will also help prevent other problems in the efficiency of your home. It is also important to consider the type of glass that is damaged to determine if it is a temporary fix or if you will need to invest in an alternative that is more durable.
To repair a broken window, remove the frame or sash and place it flat on your work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window's frame and then remove any remaining shards. Use a utility blade to cut off the glazing compound, as well as the glazing points that keep the window in place. Keep track of the components and their location to ensure they are reinstalled.
After you've removed the frame and sash, you can begin to prepare to replace the glass. Before you do so ensure that the opening in the frame is size for the replacement window. To allow for the expansion of the frame and glass and contraction take measurements in both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, buy double-strength glass cut to these exact dimensions. It is also a good idea to purchase enough new glazier's points or clips to be placed every 6 inches around the window pane.
If the manufacturer is responsible then you should call them and make an claim. After the new glass has been installed it is essential to cover it with a thin layer glaziers compound. After drying the compound then you can paint it to match the rest of the window frame.
If your crack is more than an inch, you can prevent it from spreading by cutting the crack with a small arc, just above the crack. This method isn't completely foolproof, but it could slow the growth of the crack down to a manageable size until you can take permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window installers have the proper tools and know how to work with various types of glass. They also understand the best practices for disposing of waste, so they're less likely to leave waste in the trash, which could hurt pets or family members. They're also accustomed to working with different types of windows, and may be able spot problems that a home owner with no experience might not see.
Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to starting repair work on cracked glass. Even a small crack can cause glass shards to fly around and put anyone at risk in or around the home. It is important to determine the cause of the crack, as this will help prevent any future issues.
Begin by creating an epoxy mixture that has two parts. They are typically a 50/50 mix of resin and hardener, and must be quickly mixed. Once the mixture is done apply it to the glass crack and leave it to dry. It will take just about a few minutes, but you need to be quick as the mixture is extremely thick and drys quickly.
Once the epoxy is dried, you can remove any excess with a knife. After that, you'll need clean the area around the broken glass. If you don't clean the area correctly the leftovers could cause further damage to the glass. After cleaning the glass with a putty blade, use it to smooth the compound along the edge of the window and to match it with the frame made of wood.
For a more durable solution, consider using a plastic cover. You can cover the glass using masking tape or a heavy-duty trashbag. This will prevent the crack from spreading and will also keep water, wind and bugs out.
You can make an interim solution when you are unable get to the window in time. Simply run a bead of the stuff around the outside edge of the broken window. It won't close the gap between the glass and the frame completely, but it will hold the broken piece in place until you can repair it.
Repainting
If your glass windows are old, you might need to paint them. This is an affordable alternative to window replacement and will give your home a new look. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Clean the window with soap and water or use ruby alcohol to eliminate oil smudges and other residues that could hinder the paint from adhering. It is also recommended to wear rubber gloves when working on glass to avoid the risk of transferring your own oils onto the window's surface. In the end you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a single thick layer. 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, be sure you have the proper tools nearby. You'll need either a brush or sponge painter's tap, a ruler and toothpicks. You should have the paints and brushes that you'll use on hand. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions and have a good amount of patience because it may take some time for the paint to dry.
Also, ensure that the space you're working is ventilated when you're using solvent-based paint. This will lower the risk of breathing in harmful chemicals and allow the paint to dry more quickly. Also, make sure you have a mask to protect yourself for any spray paints you apply.
For older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface prior to painting. Make use of soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, rub alcohol on any oil or grease remnants that may hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are dry before you begin painting them.
If you have energy-efficient double-pane windows on your windows, it could be possible to file a claim for repair or replacement with the company that makes the windows or dealer who sold them. This is especially true if the windows are still under warranty and have experienced multiple problems with condensation or damaged glass.
Sealing
If you have double-pane windows with a damaged seal or more recent insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging, there are several methods to fix the issue. It is the most expensive option to replace the insulated unit as well as the frame. However, it could be necessary in cases where fog or condensation is causing energy losses. Other options include replacing the IGU with just one pane, or fixing the existing IGU by drilling a hole in the bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging solution.
You can also seal up the gap between a window frame and a threshold or sill by using a felt strip or vinyl V-strip. Felt is cheap and can be fixed with glue, nailed or stapled to the frame however it doesn't provide a lot of protection from moisture. Vinyl weather stripping v-strip is durable and simple to install however, it can be expensive and is typically reserved for areas exposed to high abrasion. Door sweeps are affordable and can be put into place, but they create very little or no protection between the sill or threshold and dust, air and debris.
To repair a broken window seal, use a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing protective eyewear and gloves take care to remove the glazing points -- small fasteners that hold the glass in the frame's recess, with sharp and pointed ends. Once you have removed the glazing points, scrub the grooves and sand the wood smooth. Clean any sanding dust then seal the wooden surface with 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 the most precise application and a better seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass as it will be more durable and stick better.
Apply a thin layer along the inside edge of frame where it meets with the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the cut line on the glass is aligned with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure to the glass to force the putty and create a tight seal. Smooth the compound with gloves and then remove any drips or caulk that were not applied correctly before it dries.