Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work high above the ground, navigating huge panes of glass. They work in extreme conditions and follow strict safety protocols.

Wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and metal glazing points using a knife. A heat gun can soften the old glue and speed up removal.

Replacement

It's tempting to fix the glass on your windows instead of replacing it if a pane breaks. However, replacing a window is usually more cost-effective and can aid in preventing other issues with your home's energy efficiency. Take a look at the type of glass that is broken to determine if it's a temporary fix, or if a permanent solution is required.

To fix a damaged window, you must remove the frame or sash, and place it on the floor. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle and pull out any shards that remain in the window pane. Then, use a utility knife to remove the glazing compound and door repair glazing points that help to hold the glass in place. Keep the track of the location of these components to ensure that they can be put back in place later.

After removing the frame and sash you can begin to prepare to replace the glass. Be sure to check that the opening of the frame is the proper size for your replacement window repairs. To allow for expansion and contraction of the glass and frame and door repair contraction, measure both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Afterwards, purchase double-strength glass cut to these precise dimensions. It is a good idea to purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to be installed every 6 inches around each window pane.

If the manufacturer is accountable, you can call them and submit a claim. Once the new glass is installed, it must be sprayed with a thin layer of the compound used by glaziers. After the compound is dry, you can paint the frame to be a perfect match.

If you have a crack that is more than an inch, cutting an arc of a razor blade just beyond the crack can help to stop it from spreading further. This method isn't foolproof, but it will slow down the progression of the cracked until you are able to take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers have the appropriate tools and know how to handle different types of glass. They know how to dispose of waste safely which means they are less likely than others to leave behind scraps that could inflict harm on family pets or members of the family. They're also used to working with different types of windows and are capable of identifying issues that aren't apparent to an inexperienced homeowner.

Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to beginning the process of repairing damaged glass. Even a tiny crack can cause glass shards to fly away and pose a risk to anyone in or around the home. It's also important to figure out what caused the crack in the first place, so that it could help avoid future problems.

Start by making a two-part epoxy mixture. They usually consist of a 50/50 mixture of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. After the mix has been made, apply it directly to the crack and let it dry. It should take only a couple of minutes, but you must be quick because the mixture is thick and dries very quickly.

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

If you want a more durable solution, consider using a plastic covering. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is the best option, but you can also apply masking tape to the glass. This will prevent the crack from spreading and will also keep water, wind and bugs out.

If you're not able to reach the window fast enough then you can apply silicone sealant to create an interim repair. Simply apply a small amount of the stuff around the outside edge of the broken pane. It won't fully seal the gap between frame and glass however it will keep the crack in place while you repair it.

Repainting

If your windows with glass are old, you may consider repainting them. This is a cost-effective alternative to replacing windows and can give your home a new look. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to get rid of oil smudges, as well as other residues which can prevent paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to avoid the transfer of oils from your fingers onto the glass. Finally you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of one thick layer. This will allow the paint to last longer, and ensure that your windows appear smooth and even.

Make sure you have the proper tools available when you are planning to repaint glass windows. You'll require brushes or sponges as well as a painter's tamper, a ruler and toothpicks. It is recommended to have the paints and brushes that you'll use on hand. Follow the manufacturer's directions. Be patient because it could take some time for the paint to fully dry.

It is also important to ensure that the space you're working is well ventilated if you're using solvent-based paint. This will reduce the chance of breathing in toxic chemicals and allow the paint to dry quicker. Also, make sure you have a mask to protect yourself for any spray paints that you use.

For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior to painting. Clean the glass thoroughly with 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 the windows are completely dry before you start coating them.

If you have energy-efficient double-pane windows on your windows, it could be possible to make claims for repair or replacement with the window manufacturer or dealer that sold the windows. This is especially true if your windows are still under warranty and you've experienced numerous problems with condensation or damaged glass.

Sealing

If you have double-pane windows with damaged seal or more recent insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced defogging, there are several methods to fix the issue. It is the most expensive option to replace both the insulation unit and the frame. However, it might be necessary if fog or condensation is causing energy losses. Other alternatives include replacing the current IGU with a single-pane, or fixing it by drilling a small hole into the bottom of the unit, and then filling the solution with anti-fog.

You can also seal up the gap between windows and a threshold or sill using a felt strip, or vinyl v-strip. Felt is inexpensive and can be fixed with glue, nailed or stapled to the frame but it doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip is easy to put up and is durable, but can be expensive. It is generally reserved for areas exposed to abrasions that are high. door repair (internet) sweeps are able to be easily nailed to the floor and are affordable. However, they offer little or no protection between the threshold and the air.

To fix a cracked window seal first, employ a putty knife to remove the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection take out the glazing point, which are small fasteners with sharp pointed tips that hold the glass in the recess of the frame. After removing the glazing points, remove the grooves and sand the wood. Clean any sanding dust and then seal the unfinished wooden surface with a linseed-oil-based paint or clear sealer.

Traditional glazing putty is applied using the help of a putty blade or caulking gun, but a knife provides a better precision and precise application. It also provides a stronger seal. Make sure you choose a putty made specifically for glass windows, since it has better adhesion and a longer life.

Apply a thin layer of glue on the inside of the frame where it meets with the glass. Slide the window into frame in a way that the scribed line on the glass is aligned with edge of frame. Apply pressure to the glass to compress the putty into a tight seal. Smooth the compound using a gloved hand and remove any caulk or drips that were not applied correctly before it has dried.