The 10 Scariest Things About Glass Window Repair

Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work up off the ground, maneuvering huge panes of glass. They work under extreme conditions and follow strict safety protocols.

Wearing protective clothing, remove the metal glazing points and all glazing putty with an utility knife. A heat gun can soften the old putty and make it easier to remove.

Replacement

It can be tempting to fix the glass of your window instead of replacing it when the glass breaks. However, replacing windows is usually more cost-effective and may aid in preventing other issues that could affect your home's energy efficiency. It is also important to consider the type of glass that's broken to determine if this is temporary or if you'll need to invest in an alternative that is more durable.

The first step to repair damaged windows is to remove the sash, or frame and place it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window's frame and then remove any remaining shards. Then, use a utility knife to peel off the glazing compound as well as the glazing points that hold the glass in place. Keep the track of the components and where they are so they can be reinstalled.

After removing the frame and sash, you can begin preparing to replace the glass. Make sure that the opening of the frame is the proper size for your replacement window. To allow for expansion and contraction of the glass and frame and contraction to both directions, measure the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, buy double-strength glasses made to these exact measurements. It is also an excellent idea to buy enough new glazier's points or clips to be positioned every 6 inches around the pvc window repairs pane.

Depending on the warranty of the window, this may be covered by the manufacturer, in which case you should call them to file a claim. After the new glass has been installed, it needs to be sprayed with a thin coating of the compound used by glaziers. Once the compound has dried it is possible to paint the frame to be a perfect match.

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 stop it from spreading further. This method isn't foolproof, however it can slow the development of the crack until you can take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional emergency window repair contractors are trained to handle various kinds of glass and have the tools to do the job correctly. They know how to dispose of waste properly, so they are less likely than other contractors to leave behind pieces of glass that could harm family members or pets. They're also accustomed to working with different kinds of windows and could be able to spot problems that a home owner with no experience might not be able to notice.

Wear safety goggles and gloves before you begin the process of repairing damaged glass. Even a small crack can cause shards of glass to fly away and put anyone at risk within or around the home. It is also crucial to determine the cause of the crack in the first place, as it can help prevent future problems.

Start by making an epoxy mix that is two-part. They typically are made up of a 50/50 mix of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture is ready, apply it to the crack in the glass and leave it to dry. It will take just some minutes, but it is important to be quick as the mixture is extremely thick and dries quickly.

Once the epoxy is dried, you can remove any excess with a putty knife. You'll need to clean around the cracked glass. If you don't do this correctly, the residue could cause further damage to the glass. Use a putty blade to smooth out the compound around the edge of the window and then match it to the frame made of wood.

Consider using a plastic cover for a more durable option. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a strong-duty trashbag. This will stop the crack from spreading and will also keep water, wind and insects out.

If you're not able to reach the window quickly then you can apply silicone sealant to create temporary repairs to double glazed windows. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant on the edge of the broken glass. It won't fully seal the gap between the frame and glass, but it will keep the break in place while you fix it.

Repainting

Repainting your old glass windows is a great idea. This is a cost-effective alternative to replacing your windows and can provide your home with a new appearance. Make sure the window is clean prior to painting. Wash the window with soap and water or use ruby alcohol to get rid of oil smudges and other traces that can prevent the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent the transfer of oils from your hands onto the glass. Apply multiple thin coats instead of just one large coat. This will allow the paint to last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.

If you're planning to repaint your glass windows, make sure you have the proper tools in your arsenal. You'll need either a brush or sponge, painter's tap, a ruler and toothpicks. It is also recommended to have the brushes and paint you'll be using to complete the project. Make sure you adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and be prepared with plenty of patience since it may take awhile for the paint to dry.

It is also important to ensure that the room you're working in is ventilated when you're using solvent-based paint. This will decrease the risk of breathing toxic chemicals, and also the paint will dry faster. Use a protective mask when using spray paints.

You'll need to clean the glass window thoroughly with warm water and soap before you paint it. Use soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, use rubbing alcohol on any grease or oil remnants that may hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are dry before you start coating them.

If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, then you might be in a position to file a claim with the dealer or window company that sold them to pay any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if the windows are still under warranty and you've experienced several issues with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

There are several ways to address the issue regardless of regardless of whether you have an old double-pane window with cracks in the seal or if you have an upgraded IGU (IGU) that has experienced fogging. It is the most expensive option to replace both the insulated unit as well as the frame. However, it might be necessary if condensation or fog is causing energy loss. 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 agent.

You can also fill in the gap between a window frame and a threshold or sill by with 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 weather stripping v-strip is durable and simple to install however, it can be expensive and is typically reserved for areas that are exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are easy to nail in place and are cheap. However, they provide only a small amount of protection between the threshold and the air.

To repair a damaged window seal, use a putty blade to take off the caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves carefully remove the glazing points -- small fasteners that pin the glass in the frame's recess, with sharp edges and pointed ends. After removing the glazing points, scrub the grooves and sand the wood smooth. Wipe off any sanding traces, then seal the bare wood using a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.

A putty or caulking knife can be used to apply traditional glazing putty, but the use of a knife allows for an easier application and a more secure seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass windows as it will be more adhesive and long-lasting.

Apply a small amount the putty on the inside edge of the frame, where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that scribed line on glass aligns with edge of frame. Apply pressure on the glass to press the putty to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound using gloves and then remove any caulk or drips that were not applied correctly before it dries.