Glass Window Repair
Professional window repair men are able to move large panes of tempered glass from a height higher than the ground. They work under extreme weather conditions and follow strict safety protocols.
While wearing protective clothing remove all glazing putty and glazing points with a utility knife. A heat gun may help soften the old putty and make it easier to remove.
Replacement
It's tempting to fix the glass on your windows instead of replacing it when a pane breaks. It is cheaper to replace windows and it can also help you to avoid other issues in the efficiency of your home. You should also take into consideration the type of glass that is damaged to determine if it is a temporary fix or if you will need to invest in an option that is more permanent.
The first step in fixing broken windows is to take off the frame, or sash and place it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window pane and pull out any remaining fragments. Use a utility blade to remove the glazing compound, as well as the glazing points that hold the window in place. Be sure to keep the track of these components and their locations to make sure they can be reinstalled later.
After the frame and sash are removed, you can begin preparing to install new glass. Before doing this, make sure that the opening in the frame is designed for the replacement window. To allow for frame and glass expansion and contraction to both directions, measure the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, buy double-strength glasses cut to these exact dimensions. It is recommended also to purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to be installed every 6 inches around the window pane.
If the manufacturer is accountable then you should call them and submit a claim. After the new glass has been installed it is crucial to cover it with a thin layer glaziers compound. After the compound is dry it is possible to paint the frame to match.
If your crack is longer than an inch, you can prevent it from spreading by cutting a small arc just beyond the crack. This trick won't be foolproof, but it can slow the development of the crack down to a manageable level until you can take more permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window installers have the appropriate tools and know how to handle various types of glass. They are able to dispose of waste in a safe manner and are therefore less likely than others to leave behind pieces of glass that could harm family members or pets. They are also experienced in working with various types of windows, and may be able to spot issues that a novice home owner would not notice.
Wear safety goggles and gloves before you begin the process of repairing cracked glass. A minor crack could cause shards of glass to fly away, posing a danger to anyone who lives in or around the home. It is also crucial to figure out what caused the crack in the first place, so that it could help avoid future issues.
Begin by creating a two-part epoxy mixture. They typically are a 50/50 mixture of hardener and resin. They must be mixed quickly. After the mix has been prepared, apply it directly to the crack and let it dry. It should take only about a few minutes, but you need to work quickly because the mixture is extremely thick and drys very quickly.
After the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of excess epoxy using a putty blade. After that, you'll need clean the area around the cracked glass. If you don't clean it correctly, the residue could cause further damage to the glass. Use a putty blade smooth out the compound around the window's edge and then match it to the wood frame.
For a more durable solution, consider using a plastic cover. You can cover the glass using masking tape or a sturdy trash bag. This will stop the crack from spreading and will also keep water, wind and bugs out.
If you're unable to reach the window fast enough then you can apply silicone sealant to make temporary repairs. Apply a small amount silicone sealant around the edge of the damaged glass. It won't completely fill the gap between frame and glass but it will help keep the broken piece in place while you fix it.
Repainting
Repainting your old glass windows is a great idea. This is a low-cost alternative to replace your windows and can give your home a fresh look. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Clean the window with soap and water or use ruby alcohol to eliminate oil smudges and other residues that could hinder the paint from adhering. You should also wear rubber gloves when working on glass to avoid transferring your own oils onto the glass surface. In the end, you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of one thick layer. This will allow the paint to last longer and will keep your windows looking even and smooth.
If you're planning to paint your glass windows, ensure that you have the appropriate tools in your arsenal. You'll need a brush, sponge, painter's tape toothpicks, a ruler and other tools, such as a rag or paper towel. You'll also need the brushes and paint you'll use for the project on hand. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions and have plenty of patience because it may take awhile for the paint to dry.
If you are using solvent-based paint, you should also ensure that the room in which you work is well ventilated. This will lower the risk of breathing in harmful chemicals and allow the paint to dry quicker. Also, make sure you have a mask to protect yourself for any spray paints you apply.
For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior to painting. Clean the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water. Then, use rubbing alcohol to scrub off any grease or oil that could hinder paint's adhesion. Make sure the windows are dry before you begin painting them.
If you have energy efficient double pane windows on your windows, it could be possible to submit an insurance claim for repair or replacement with the company that makes the windows or the dealer who sold the windows. This is particularly true if you have experienced multiple problems with broken glass or condensation while the windows are still covered under warranty.
Sealing
There are a variety of options to fix the problem, regardless of whether you have an old double-pane glass with cracks in the seal, or if you own an insulation unit (IGU) that has experienced defogging. It is the most expensive option to replace both the IGU that is insulated as well as the frame. However, it might be necessary in cases where fog or condensation is causing energy losses. Other options include replacing the IGU by a single pane, or fixing the IGU that is in place by drilling a hole in the bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging solution.
You can also fill in the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill by using a felt strip or vinyl V-strip. Felt is cheap and can be fixed with glue, nailed or stapled to the frame however it doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip is easy to install and durable however it can be expensive. It is typically used in areas that are subjected to high abrasion. Door sweeps are easy to nail in place and are cheap. However, they offer very little or no protection between the threshold and air.
To repair a damaged window seal, use a putty blade to take off the caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves, pry out the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp, pointed tips that pin the glass into the recess of the frame. After taking out the glazing points, clean out the grooves and sand down the wood. Wipe off any sanding traces, 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, but a knife will provide an easier application and a better seal. Choose a putty that is made specifically for glass windows as it will have higher adhesion and durability.
Apply a thin layer across the inside of the frame where it joins the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the scribed line on glass aligns with edge of frame. Apply pressure to the glass to compress the putty and create a tight seal. Smooth the compound with an ungloved finger, and wipe away any caulk that is applied incorrectly or drips that have escaped prior to drying.