Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen can maneuver large glass panes from a height higher than the ground. They work in extreme weather conditions and adhere to strict safety guidelines.

Wearing protective clothing, cut off the glazing points made of metal and all glazing putty using an utility knife. A heat gun may help soften the old glue and speed up removal.

Replacement

It is tempting to repair the glass on your windows instead of replacing it if panes break. However, replacing a window is often more cost-effective and can aid in preventing other issues in your home's energy efficiency. Consider the type of broken glass to determine whether it's a temporary fix, or if a more permanent solution is needed.

The first step in repairing broken windows is to take off the sash, or frame and lay it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window pane and pull out any remaining fragments. Then, use a utility knife to peel off the glazing compound and glazing points that help to hold the glass in the position. Be sure to keep the track of the components and their locations to make sure they can be reinstalled later.

After the frame and sash have been removed then you can begin the process of preparing to install the new glass. Make sure that the opening of the frame is the proper size for your replacement window. Measure both ways across the opening, and then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to allow space for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, buy double-strength glasses that are cut to these exact dimensions. It is recommended to purchase enough glazier's clips or points to place them every 6 inches around each window pane.

If the manufacturer is responsible then you should call them and make an claim. Once the new glass is installed, it must be bedded in with a thin layer of glazier's compound. Once the compound is dry you can paint the frame to be a perfect match.

If you have a crack that extends more than an inch, scoring an arc of a razor blade just beyond the crack could 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 can take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers are equipped with the proper tools and know how to handle different kinds of glass. They know how to dispose of waste properly which means they are 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 they may be capable of identifying issues that aren't apparent to a homeowner who isn't experienced.

Wear safety glasses and gloves before you begin the process of repairing cracked glass. A small crack could cause glass shards to fly away and pose a risk to anyone inside or around the house. It's important to determine the cause of the crack, so that you can prevent future issues.

Begin by creating an epoxy mixture that has two parts. These are usually 50/50 mix of resin and hardener, and they need to be quickly mixed. When the mixture is done apply it to the crack in the glass and let it dry. This should only take a few minutes, but it's essential to work quickly since the mixture is extremely thick and fast-drying.

Once the epoxy has dried, you can remove excess epoxy with a blade. After that, you'll need clean the area around the broken glass. If you do not clean the area in a proper manner the debris could cause further damage to your glass. After cleaning the glass using a putty knife, you can use it to smooth the compound along the edge of the window, and then match it to the frame of wood.

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

You can make an interim fix in the event that you are unable to get to the window in an efficient manner. Simply run a bead of the stuff around the outside edge of the broken pane. It won't seal the gap between the frame and glass completely but it will hold the fracture until you are able to repair it.

Repainting

If your windows with glass are old, you might consider repainting them. This is a cost-effective alternative to replacing windows and will give your home a new appearance. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to remove oil smudges, and other residues which can prevent paint from adhering. It is also recommended to wear rubber gloves while working on glass to avoid the risk of transferring your own oils onto the window's surface. Apply several thin coats rather than a single thick one. This will help the paint last longer, and keep your windows looking even and smooth.

Make sure you have the appropriate tools on hand in case you want to paint glass windows. You'll require a brush or sponge, painter's tape toothpicks, a ruler as well as a few other tools such as a rag or paper towel. It is recommended to have the brushes and paints you'll use in your kit. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions and have a good amount of patience since it may take a while for the paint to dry.

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

You'll need to wash the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water before you paint it. Clean the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water. You can then use rubbing alcohol to clean away any grease or oil that might hinder the paint's adhesion. Make sure that the windows are completely dry before you begin coating 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 window manufacturer or the dealer who sold them. This is particularly relevant if you've had multiple problems with cracked glass or condensation even though the windows are covered under warranty.

Sealing

Whether you have old double-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 fix 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 by a single pane, or repairing the existing IGU by drilling a hole in its bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging product.

You can also fill in the gap between the window frame and the sill or threshold with a felt strip or vinyl v-strip. Felt can be stapled, glued or put in place, but it doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl weather stripping that is v-strip is strong and easy to put in however it is costly and is generally used for areas that are subject to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are able to be easily nailed in place and are inexpensive. However, they provide very little or no protection between the threshold and the air.

To repair a damaged window seal first, you must use a putty knife to take off the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection, pry out the glazing point -- small fasteners with sharp pointed tips that hold the glass in the frame's recess. After removing the glazing points, remove the grooves, then sand the wood. Clean any sanding residue, then seal the bare wood with a linseed oil based paint or clear wood sealer.

A caulking knife or putty can be used to apply the traditional glazing putty, however using a knife will give the most precise application and a better seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass windows, as it has better adhesion and a longer life.

Apply a small amount the putty to the inner 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 is aligned with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to force the putty and glass to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound with gloves and get rid of any caulk or drips that were not applied correctly before it has dried.