Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work from high off the ground, maneuvering huge glass panes. They work under extreme weather conditions and adhere to strict safety protocols.

Wearing protective clothing, remove the metal glazing points as well as all glazing putty with an utility knife. A heat gun can soften and remove the old putty.

Replacement

When a window pane breaks, it can be tempting to repair the glass instead of replace it. It is cheaper to replace a window and it can also help you to avoid other issues in your home's efficiency. Consider the type of broken glass to determine whether it's a temporary fix, or if a permanent solution is needed.

To repair a broken window, take off the frame or sash, and place it on your work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently move around and pull out any remaining shards in the window. Utilize a utility blade to remove the glazing compound, as well as the glazing points that secure the window. Be sure to keep track of the components and their locations to make sure they can be reinstalled later.

Once the frame and sash are removed then you can begin the process of preparing to install the new glass. Be sure to check that the opening of the frame is the proper size for your replacement window. Take measurements both ways across the opening, 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 made to these exact measurements. It is a good idea also to purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to be installed every 6 inches around the window pane.

If the manufacturer is responsible, you can call them and make a claim. After the new glass has been installed it is crucial to cover it with a thin layer of glaziers compound. After letting the compound dry then you can paint it to match the rest of the window frame.

If your crack is longer than an inch you can stop it from expanding by scoring a small arc just beyond the crack. This technique isn't 100% completely foolproof, but it could slow the development of the crack to a manageable amount until you can take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors know how to handle a variety of glass types, and they have the tools needed to complete the job correctly. They know how to dispose of waste properly, so they are less likely than other people to leave behind scraps that could inflict harm on family pets or members of the family. They are also familiar with working with different kinds of windows, and may be able to spot problems that a novice home owner would not notice.

Wear safety glasses and gloves before you begin repair work on cracked glass. A minor crack could cause shards of glass to fly away, posing a danger to anyone living in or around the home. It is important to determine what caused the crack, since this will help prevent any future issues.

Start by making a two-part epoxy mixture. 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 glass crack and let it dry. It will take just about a minute however it is important to work quickly since the mixture is extremely thick and fast-drying.

Once the epoxy is dried, you can remove any excess using a putty knife. You'll then need to clean around the cracked glass. If you do not clean the area correctly, the residue could cause further damage to your glass. After cleaning the glass, use a putty knife to smooth the compound along the edge of the window, and then align it with the frame made of wood.

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

You can come up with an interim solution if you are unable to reach the window in time. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant on the edge of the broken glass. It won't seal the gap between the frame and glass completely however it will keep the fracture until you can repair it.

Repainting

If your glass windows are old, you might need to paint them. This is a low-cost alternative to replacing windows and it can give your home a new appearance. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Wash the window with water and soap or ruby alcohol to eliminate oil smudges and other traces which can hinder the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to avoid transferring oils from your hands onto the glass. In the end it is recommended to apply several thin coats of paint instead of one thick layer. This will help the paint last longer and will keep your windows looking even and smooth.

Make sure you have the right tools available when you are planning to repaint glass windows. You'll require a brush or sponge, painter's tape a ruler, toothpicks, and other tools such as a rag or paper towel. You should also have the brushes and paint you'll use for the project in your possession. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions and have a good amount of patience as it can take some time for the paint to dry.

Also, ensure that the area you're working in is ventilated when you're using solvent-based paint. This will decrease the risk of inhaling harmful chemicals, and the paint will dry quicker. Use a protective mask when using spray paints.

You'll need to wash the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water before you paint it. Use soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass upvc window repair. Then, rub alcohol on any grease or oil residues that might hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure the windows are dry before you begin coating them.

If you have energy efficient double pane windows on your windows, it may be possible to make an insurance claim for repair or replacement with the upvc window repair company or dealer who sold them. This is particularly true if the windows are still under warranty and you've had several problems with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

There are a variety of options to resolve the issue regardless of whether you have an old double-pane glass with a cracked seal, or if you have a newer insulated unit (IGU) that has experienced fogging. It is the most expensive option to replace both the IGU that is insulated as well as the frame. However, it might be required in situations where condensation or fog is causing energy losses. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single-pane, or repair it by drilling a small hole in the bottom of the unit, and then filling the solution with anti-fog.

You can also close the gap between windows and a threshold or sill using a felt strip or vinyl V-strip. Felt is affordable and can be fixed with glue, nailed or stapled in place but it doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strips are simple to install and durable however it can be expensive. It is typically reserved for areas that are subjected to high abrasion. Door sweeps are cheap and can be fixed to the floor however they provide very little or no protection between the threshold or sill and dust, air, and other debris.

To fix a cracked window seal first, use a putty knife to take off the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves, carefully pry out the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that pin the glass into the frame's recess with sharp edges and pointed ends. After removing the glazing points, scrub the grooves and sand the wood smooth. 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, a knife will provide a more precise application, and a stronger seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass as it will last longer and adhere better.

Apply a thin layer of glue across the inside of the frame, where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the scribed line on the glass is aligned with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to press the putty and glass into an elongated seal. Smooth the compound using a gloved hand and remove any drips or caulk that were not properly applied before it has dried.