Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen work up above the ground, moving huge panes of glass. They work under extreme weather conditions and follow strict safety protocols.
Wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and glazing points using a utility knife. A heat gun can soften and remove the old putty.
Replacement
If a window doctor near me 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 prevent other problems in the efficiency of your home. Consider the kind of glass damaged to determine whether it’s a temporary fix or if a permanent solution is needed.
To fix a damaged window, remove the sash or frame and place it flat on the floor. Wearing eye protection, carefully move the frame and remove any shards remaining in the window pane. Then, use a knife to cut off the glazing compound as well as the glazing points that keep the glass in place. Keep the track of the components and their locations so that they can be reinstalled later.
After removing the frame and sash, you can start preparing to replace the glass. Be sure to check that the opening of the frame is the proper size for the replacement window. Take measurements both ways across the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to give room for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, you can purchase double-strength glasses cut to these exact dimensions. It is also an excellent idea to buy enough new glazier’s clips or glazier’s points to be placed every 6 inches around the window pane.
Based on the window’s warranty, this may be covered by the manufacturer, in which case you need to contact them to make an claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it should be covered with a thin coating of the compound used by glaziers. After letting the compound dry and dry, you can paint it to match the rest of the frame.
If you have a crack that extends more than an inch, scoring an arc of the edge of a blade just over the crack will help stop it from spreading further. This trick is not foolproof but it will slow down the progression of the cracked until you are able to take permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors are trained to handle a variety of glass types, and they have the tools to do the job correctly. They know how to dispose of waste properly and are therefore less likely than others to leave behind a mess which could cause harm to family pets or family members. They’re also used to working with different window types and may be aware of issues that aren’t apparent to a homeowner who isn’t experienced.
Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to starting the process of repairing damaged glass. Even a small crack can cause shards of glass to fly and pose a risk to anyone inside or around the house. It is important to determine the cause of the crack, as this will help prevent any future problems.
Make a two-part mixture of epoxy. These are usually a 50/50 mix of hardener and resin, and they need to be mixed quickly. When the mixture is ready, apply it to the glass crack and allow it to dry. It should take only a few minutes, but it’s essential to do it quickly because the mixture is very thick and fast-drying.
Once the epoxy is dried, you can get rid of any excess using a putty knife. After that, you’ll need clean the area around the broken 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 think about using a plastic cover. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is ideal, but you can also apply masking tape to the glass. This will stop the crack from spreading, and will also keep water, wind and insects out.
You can create an interim solution if you are unable to get to the window in an efficient manner. Simply run a bead of the substance around the outside edge of the broken pane. It won’t close the gap between the frame and the glass completely, but it will hold the broken piece in place until you can fix it.
Repainting
If your glass windows are old, you might want to repaint them. This is an affordable alternative to replace windows and provide your home with a new look. Make sure that the surface is clean before painting. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to wash away oil smudges, and other traces of dirt that can hinder 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 window. Apply several thin coats rather than just one large coat. This will allow the paint to last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.
Make sure you have the proper tools in your arsenal when you are planning to repaint glass windows. You’ll need a brush, sponge, painter’s adhesive, a ruler, toothpicks, and a few other tools like paper towels or a rag. You should also have the paint and brushes you’ll use to complete the project. Be sure to adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines and have a good amount of patience as it can take a while for the paint to dry.
You should also make sure the room you’re working in is well ventilated if you’re using solvent-based paint. This will reduce the chance of breathing in toxic chemicals and permit the paint to dry more quickly. It is also important to ensure you wear a mask that is protective for any spray paints you use.
For older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface prior painting. Clean the glass thoroughly with soap and warm water, then use rubbing alcohol to scrub away any grease or double oil that might hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are dry before you begin coating them.
If you have energy efficient double pane windows on your windows, it could be possible to file claims for repair or replacement with the window manufacturer or dealer who sold them. This is particularly the case if you’ve experienced numerous issues with broken glass or condensation and the windows are covered under warranty.
Sealing
Whether you have old double-pane windows that have a cracked seal or newer 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 frame and insulated unit however it could be necessary if condensation or fog cause energy loss. 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 seal the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill with a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or door sweep. Felt can be stapled, glued or double placed in place, but doesn’t offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip is easy to install and durable, but can be expensive. It is usually reserved for areas that are subjected to high abrasion. Door sweeps are cheap and can be put into place, but they create very little or no protection between the threshold or sill and dust, air, and other debris.
To repair a damaged window seal first, you must employ a putty knife to remove the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection remove the glazing point — tiny fasteners with sharp pointed tips that secure the glass into the recess of the frame. After getting rid of the glazing points remove the grooves and sand the wood. Wipe away any sanding residue and then seal the unfinished wood with a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.
A putty or caulking knife can be used to apply the traditional glazing putty, but the use of a knife allows for an easier application and a stronger seal. Choose a putty that is made specifically for glass windows as it will be more adhesive and a longer life.
Apply a thin bead of the putty to the inner edge of the frame where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the cut line on the glass lines up with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure to the glass in order to press the putty to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound with a gloved hand and remove any drips or caulk that were not properly applied before it dries.