Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work high above the ground, moving massive glass panes. They work under extreme conditions and follow strict safety protocols.

Wearing protective clothing, take off the metal glazing points and all glazing putty using an utility knife. A heat gun can to soften and take off the old putty.

Replacement

When a window pane breaks, installers it can be tempting to try and repair the glass instead of replace it. 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 kind of glass that is broken to determine if it is temporary or if you will need to invest in an alternative that is more durable.

To fix a broken window repairs, take off the frame or sash and place it on the work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window's frame and pull out any remaining fragments. Use a utility blade to remove the glazing compound and the glazing points that hold the window in place. Make sure you keep track of these components and their locations so that they can be put back in place later.

After you have removed the frame and sash, you can start preparing to replace the glass. Make sure that the opening of the frame is the proper size for your replacement window. Measure both sides of the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to allow space for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, installers purchase double-strength glass that are cut to these exact dimensions. It is also an excellent idea to buy enough new glazier's clips or glazier's points to be installed every 6 inches around the window pane.

If the manufacturer is responsible for this, you can call them and make an claim. After the new glass has been installed, it is important to cover it with a thin layer of glaziers compound. After the compound has dried, you can paint it to match the rest of the frame.

If the crack is greater than an inch in length you can stop it from spreading by slicing a small arc just beyond the crack. This method isn't foolproof, but it can slow the development of the crack down to a manageable size until you can take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers have the right tools and know how to handle various types of glass. They also know the best methods for disposing of waste, so they're less likely to leave waste in the trash, which could cause harm to pets or family members. They're also accustomed to working with different kinds of windows, and may be able to spot issues that an inexperienced home owner would not notice.

Before beginning the process of fixing cracked window glass, ensure that you wear safety goggles and gloves. Even a small crack can cause shards of glass to fly away and could pose a danger to anyone within or around the home. It is important to determine the cause of the crack, as this can prevent future issues.

Make a two-part mixture of epoxy. It is usually a 50/50 mix of hardener and resin, and must be quickly mixed. When the mixture is done, apply it to the glass crack and allow it to dry. It will take just about a minute however it is important to do it quickly because the mixture is very thick and quick drying.

Once the epoxy is dried, you can take off any excess with a putty knife. You'll need to clean the cracks in the glass. If you don't do this correctly, the resulting residue could cause further damage to the glass. Make use of a putty knife to smooth the compound around the edge of the window and match it to the wood frame.

Think about using a plastic lid for a more robust option. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is the best option, but you can also use masking tape to cover the glass. This will prevent the crack from expanding and will also block out water, wind bugs, debris, and water.

You can come up with an interim fix when you are unable access the window in a timely manner. Simply apply a small amount of the substance around the outside of the damaged pane. It won't close the gap between the glass and the frame completely, but it will hold the break in place until you can fix it.

Repainting

If your windows with glass are old, you may want to repaint them. This is a low-cost alternative to replace windows and give your home a fresh look. Make sure that the surface is clean prior to painting. Clean the window with water and soap or ruby alcohol to eliminate oil smudges as well as other residues that could hinder the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves while working on glass to avoid the risk of transferring your own oils onto the glass surface. Apply multiple thin coats instead of just one large coat. This will make the paint last longer, and ensure that your windows appear even and smooth.

Make sure you have the right tools available if you plan to repaint glass windows. You'll need either a brush or sponge painter's tap as well as a ruler and toothpicks. You'll also need the paint and brushes you'll be using for the project in your possession. Make sure you adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and be prepared with plenty of patience as it can take some time for the paint to dry.

If you are using solvent-based paints, you must make sure that the area where you work is adequately ventilated. This will reduce the chance of breathing into toxic chemicals and allow the paint to dry faster. It is also important to ensure you wear a mask that is protective for any spray paints that you use.

For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior to painting. Make use of soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, use rubbing alcohol on any grease or oil residues that might hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure the windows are completely dry prior to coating them.

If you have energy-efficient double-pane windows on your windows, it may be possible to submit an insurance claim for repair or replacement with the window manufacturer or the dealer who sold them. This is particularly the case if you've experienced several issues with broken glass or condensation while the windows are still covered under warranty.

Sealing

Whether you have old double-pane windows with a damaged seal or more recent insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced defogging and fogging, there are a variety of options for fixing the problem. The most expensive option is to replace the insulated unit and frame however it could be required if fog or condensation are causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single pane or repairing it by drilling a small hole through the bottom of the unit, and then filling the solution with anti-fog.

You can also fill in the gap between a window frame and a threshold or sill with a felt strip or vinyl v-strip. Felt can be stapled, glued, or nailed into place but doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl weather stripping that is v-strip is strong and simple to install however, it can be costly and is generally used for areas that are subject to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps can be easily nailed in place and are inexpensive. However, they offer little or no protection between the threshold and air.

To repair a cracked window seal, first use a putty knife to scrape off the caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection take out the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp pointed tips that hold the glass to the recess of the frame. Once you have removed the glazing points, scrub the grooves and sand the wood to a smooth finish. Wipe off any sanding traces 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 traditional glazing putty, however a knife will provide the most precise application and a stronger seal. Make sure you choose a putty specifically designed for glass windows, as it will have higher adhesion and durability.

Apply a thin layer of glue on the inside of the frame where it meets with the glass. Slide the window into the frame, so that the drawn line on the glass aligns with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure to the glass to press the putty into a tight seal. Smooth the compound using a gloved hand and remove any caulk or drips that were not properly applied before it dries.