Glass Window Repair: 11 Things You're Leaving Out

Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen are able to move large glass panes from a height above the ground. They adhere to strict safety standards and often work under harsh weather conditions.

Wearing protective clothing, remove the metal glazing points as well as all glazing putty using an utility knife. A heat gun may help soften the old glue and speed up removal.

Replacement

When a window pane breaks, it could be tempting to try and repair the glass rather than replace it. However, replacing a window is typically more cost-effective and can help prevent other problems that could affect your home's energy efficiency. You should also take into consideration the type of glass that's broken to determine if this is temporary or if you will require an option that is more permanent.

To fix a damaged window, take off the frame or sash and place it flat on the floor. Wearing eye protection, gently move around and pull out any remaining shards in the window. Then, use a utility knife to cut off the glazing compound as well as the glazing points that hold the glass in place. Keep an eye on the components and their locations to make sure they can be put back in place later.

After you've removed the frame and sash, you can begin preparing to replace the glass. Make sure you check the opening of the frame is of the correct size for the replacement window. Measure both ways across the opening, and then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to give room for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, purchase double-strength glass made to these exact measurements. It is also an excellent idea to buy enough new glazier's glazier's pointing or clips to be positioned every 6 inches around the window pane.

Depending on the warranty of the window, this may be covered by the manufacturer in which case you need to contact the company to file a claim. After the new glass has been erected it is crucial to cover it with a thin layer of glaziers compound. After the compound has dried and dry, you can paint it to match the frame of the window.

If you have a crack that is more than an inch, cutting the crack with the edge of a blade just over the crack will help prevent it from spreading any further. This method isn't infallible, but it will slow the development of the crack to a manageable amount until you are able to take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers know how to handle a variety of glass and have the tools necessary to do a proper job. They are able to dispose of waste safely, so they are less likely than others to leave behind a mess which could cause harm to family pets or members of the family. They're also accustomed to working with different types of windows and could be able to spot issues that a novice home owner might not see.

Before beginning the process of repairing damaged window glass, be sure that you wear safety goggles and gloves. Even a small break can cause shards of glass to fly away, which could pose a risk to anyone who lives in or around the home. It is also crucial to determine the cause of the crack in the first place, since it could help avoid future issues.

Make a two-part mix of epoxy. They are usually a 50/50 mixture of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. After the mix has been made then apply it directly to the crack and let it dry. It should only take about a few minutes, but you must be quick as the mixture is thick and will dry very quickly.

After the epoxy has dried, you can remove any excess using a putty knife. The next step is to scrub the cracked glass. If you don't do it correctly, the residue could cause further damage to the glass. After the glass has been cleaned with a putty blade, use it to smooth the compound along the edge of the window, and then match it with the wood frame.

You could consider using a plastic cover for a more durable option. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is ideal, however you can also apply masking tape to the glass. This will prevent the crack from expanding, and will also block out wind, water insects, water, and other debris.

If you're not able to get to the window quickly then you can apply silicone sealant to create a temporary repair. Apply a small amount silicone sealant to the edge of the broken glass. It won't completely seal the gap between glass and frame, but it will keep the broken piece in place while you fix it.

Repainting

Repainting old glass windows is a great idea. This is a low-cost alternative to replace your windows and can give your home a fresh look. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to wash away oil smudges, as well as other residues that could prevent paint from adhering. You should also wear rubber gloves while working on glass to avoid transferring your own oils onto the window's 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.

Make sure you have the appropriate tools available when you are planning to repaint glass windows. You'll need a brush, sponge, painter's adhesive, toothpicks, a ruler and other tools, such as paper towels or a rag. You'll need the brushes and paints you'll be using on hand. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and be prepared with plenty of patience because it may take a while for the paint to dry.

If you're using solvent-based paints, you must make sure that the area in which you work is well-ventilated. This will decrease the risk of breathing in toxic chemicals and allow the paint to dry more quickly. Wear a mask to protect yourself when using spray paints.

You'll need to wash the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water prior to you paint it. Clean the glass thoroughly with soap and warm water, then use rubbing alcohol to scrub off any oil or grease that might hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are completely dried before you begin painting them.

If you have energy-efficient double-pane windows on your windows, it might be possible to file an insurance claim for repair or replacement with the company that makes the windows or the dealer who sold the windows. This is particularly true if the windows are still under warranty and you've had several issues with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

If you have double glazing repairs-pane windows that have a damaged seal or more recent insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging or fog, there are many options to address the issue. The most costly option is to replace the insulated unit and frame but it may be necessary if condensation or fog is causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single pane, or fixing the existing IGU by drilling a hole through the bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging product.

You can also fill in the gap between windows and a threshold or sill by with a felt strip or vinyl V-strip. Felt is affordable and can be glued, nailed or stapled to the frame, but it does not offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip weather stripping is durable and simple to install however it can be costly and is typically reserved for areas that are exposed to high abrasion. door repair sweeps are cheap and can be put into place however they provide very little or no protection between the threshold or sill and dust, air and debris.

To fix a damaged window seal using a putty knife, you need to take off the caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves, pry out the glazing point, which are small fasteners with sharp pointed tips that secure the glass in the frame's recess. After removing the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood. Wipe off any sanding debris then seal the wooden surface with a linseed-oil-based paint or clear sealer.

Traditional glazing putty can be applied with the help of a putty blade or caulking gun. However, a knife provides a better, more precise application and creates a better seal. Choose a putty specifically for glass, as it is more durable and adhere better.

Apply a small amount of the putty on the inside edge of the frame where it touches the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the scribed line on the glass aligns with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure on the glass to compress the putty to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound using an ungloved finger, and wipe away any caulk that was applied incorrectly or spills that are not properly wiped away before it dries.