Glass Window Repair: 11 Things You re Forgetting To Do

Glass Window Repair

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

Wearing protective clothing, take off 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's tempting to fix the window glass instead of replacing it when the glass breaks. It is more cost-effective to replace a window and it can also help you prevent other problems in your home's efficiency. It is also important to consider the type of glass that's broken to determine if this is an interim fix or if you'll need to invest in 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, carefully move the frame and remove any remaining shards in the window pane. Use a utility blade to cut off the glazing compound, and the glazing points that keep the window in place. Keep the track of the components and their locations to ensure they are reinstalled.

After you have removed the frame and sash, you can begin preparing to replace the glass. Before doing this ensure that the opening in the frame is designed 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, purchase double glazed window repairs-strength glass that are cut to these exact dimensions. It is recommended also to purchase enough glazier's clips or points to install every 6 inches around each window pane.

If the manufacturer is responsible for this you should contact them and submit an claim. Once the new glass is installed, it should be sprayed with a thin coating 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, cutting a small arc with a razor blade just beyond the crack could help stop it from spreading further. This technique isn't 100% foolproof but it will slow down the progression of the cracked until you can take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window repair contractors are equipped with the proper tools and know how to handle different types of glass. They also understand the best practices for disposing of garbage, which means they're less likely to leave scraps that are left behind, which could cause harm to pets or family members. They're also familiar with different types of windows, and they may be aware of issues that might not be apparent to a homeowner who isn't experienced.

Wear safety glasses and gloves before you begin the process of repairing damaged glass. Even a small break can cause shards to fly off, posing a danger to anyone who lives in or around the home. It's important to determine what caused the crack, so that you will help prevent any future issues.

Make a two-part mixture of epoxy. They usually consist of a 50/50 mixture of hardener and resin. They must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture is prepared, apply it to the crack in the glass and let it dry. It should only take a couple of minutes, but you must be quick because the mixture is very thick and will dry very quickly.

Once the epoxy is dried, you can get rid of any excess with a knife. You'll need to scrub the cracked glass. If you don't clean it properly, the residue can cause further damage to the glass. Once the glass is cleaned, use a putty knife to smooth the compound along the edge of the window and to match it to the wood frame.

If you want a more durable solution, consider using a plastic cover. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a sturdy trash bag. 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 in a timely manner then you can apply silicone sealant to make temporary repairs. Simply place a tiny amount of the stuff around the outside of the damaged pane. It won't completely seal the gap between the glass and the frame completely however it will keep the break in place until you are able to repair it.

Repainting

If your windows with glass are old, you might need to paint them. This is an affordable alternative to replacing windows and can give your home a fresh new look. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to wash away oil smudges, and other residues that could prevent paint from adhering. It is also recommended to wear rubber gloves when working on glass to prevent the transfer of your own oils onto the surface of the upvc window repairs. Apply several thin coats rather than a single thick one. This will make the paint last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.

If you're planning on repainting your glass windows, make sure you have the appropriate tools nearby. You will need either a brush or sponge, painter's tap as well as a ruler and toothpicks. You should have the paints and brushes that you will be using on hand. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions and be prepared with plenty of patience as it can take awhile for the paint to dry.

If you're using solvent-based paints, you must also ensure that the room in which you work is well-ventilated. This will reduce the risk of inhaling harmful chemicals, and the paint will dry faster. Also, make sure you have a mask to protect yourself for any spray paints you use.

You'll need to wash the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water prior to you paint it. Use soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, use rubbing alcohol on any oil or grease residues that might hinder the paint's adhesion. Make sure that the windows are completely dry before you begin painting them.

If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, you might be able to submit a claim to the window manufacturer or dealer who sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if your windows are still under warranty and have experienced numerous issues with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

There are many ways to resolve the issue depending on regardless of whether you have an older double-pane window that has cracks in the seal, or if you have an upgraded IGU (IGU) that has experienced defogging. The most costly option is to replace the frame and insulated unit, but it may be necessary if condensation or fog cause energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with just one pane, or repairing the existing IGU by drilling a hole in the bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging solution.

You can also close the gap between a window frame and a threshold or sill by using a felt strip, or vinyl V-strip. Felt is affordable and can be fixed by gluing, nailing or stapled in place, but it does not provide a lot of protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strip weather stripping is durable and easy to put in however it can be expensive and is generally 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 little or no protection between the threshold and air.

To repair a damaged window seal first, you must use a putty knife to take off the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves take out the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp pointed tips that secure the glass into the frame's recess. After removing the glazing points, clean out the grooves and sand the wood. Wipe off any sanding debris, then seal the bare wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.

A putty or caulking knife can be used to apply the traditional glazing putty, however a knife will provide a more precise application, and a better seal. Choose a putty specifically for glass, since it is more durable and adhere better.

Apply a thin layer of putty along the inside edge of frame where it joins the glass. Slide the window into the frame, so that the drawn line on the glass aligns with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to press the putty and glass to form an elongated seal. Smooth the compound with a gloved finger, and wipe away any caulk that is applied incorrectly or errant drips before it is dry.