Glass Window Repair
Professional window repair men work from high off the ground, maneuvering massive glass panes. They work under extreme weather conditions and follow strict safety protocols.
While wearing protective clothing remove all glazing putty and metal glazing points using a knife. A heat gun can to soften and eliminate the old putty.
Replacement
It is tempting to repair the glass of your window instead of replacing it when the glass breaks. However, replacing windows is typically more cost-effective, and can also help prevent other problems with your home's energy efficiency. It is also important to consider the kind of glass that is broken to determine if this is an interim fix or if you will need to invest in an option that is more permanent.
The first step to repair a broken window is to remove the sash, or frame and place it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window pane and remove any remaining fragments. Use a utility blade to scrape off the glazing compound, and the glazing points that secure the window. Keep the track of the components and their locations so that they can be put back in place.
After 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. To allow for the expansion of the frame and glass and contraction to both directions, measure the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Afterwards, purchase double-strength glass cut to these exact measurements. It is recommended also to purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to place them every 6 inches around the window pane.
Based on the window's warranty the window may be covered by the manufacturer in which case you need to contact the company to file a claim. After the new glass has been installed it is essential to cover it with a thin layer glaziers 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, scoring the crack with a razor blade just beyond the crack could help prevent it from spreading any further. This method isn't infallible, but it will slow the development of the crack to a manageable level until you are able to take more permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors know how to handle a variety of glass and have the tools needed to complete the job correctly. They also understand the best ways to dispose of waste, and are less likely to leave crumbs in the trash, which could hurt pets or family members. They're also used to working with different window types, and they may be able to spot problems that aren't obvious to the uninitiated homeowner.
Before beginning the process of fixing cracked window glass, be sure that you wear safety goggles and gloves. A small crack could cause glass shards to fly and pose a risk to anyone in or around the home. It is important to determine what caused the crack, so that you could prevent future issues.
Begin by creating an epoxy mix that is two-part. These are usually 50/50 mix of resin and hardener, and must be quickly mixed. Once the mixture is prepared apply it to the crack in the glass and leave it to dry. It will take just some minutes, but it's essential to get it done quickly as the mixture is extremely thick and quick drying.
After the epoxy has dried, you can take off any excess with a putty knife. You'll then need to scrub the cracked glass. If you don't do it properly, the residue can cause further damage to the glass. Use a putty blade to smooth the compound around the edge of the window and match it with the frame of wood.
You could consider using a plastic cover to make a more durable choice. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is ideal, however you can also use masking tape to cover the glass. This will prevent the crack from spreading and will also keep wind, water and insects out.
You can create an interim solution if you are unable to get to the window in a timely manner. Apply a small amount silicone sealant around the edge of the broken glass. It won't completely seal the gap between the frame and the glass completely, but it will hold the fracture until you are able to fix it.
Repainting
Repainting your old glass windows is a good idea. This is an affordable alternative to window replacement and will give your home a new look. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Wash the window with soap and water or use rubbing alcohol to remove oil smudges and other residues that can prevent the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to avoid the transfer of oils from your hands onto the glass. Apply several thin coats instead of just one large coat. This will make the paint last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.
Make sure you have the proper tools available when you are planning to repaint glass windows. You will need a sponge or brush as well as a painter's tamper, a ruler and toothpicks. You'll also need the paint and brushes you'll need for the project in your possession. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions and have a good amount of patience since it may take some time for the paint to dry.
If you are using solvent-based paints, you must also ensure that the room where you work is well ventilated. This will lower the risk of breathing in toxic chemicals and permit the paint to dry more quickly. Also, make sure you have a mask to protect yourself for any spray paints you use.
For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior to painting. Use soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, use rubbing alcohol on any grease or oil residues that could interfere with the paint's adhesion. Make sure that the windows are dry before you begin to paint them.
If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, you may be in a position to file a claim with the window company or dealer who sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if the windows are still under warranty and you've had several issues with condensation or broken glass.
Sealing
If you have double-pane windows with cracked seal or newer insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging, there are several methods to address the issue. It is the most expensive option to replace both the insulation unit and the frame. However, it could be required in situations where fog or condensation is causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single-pane, or fixing it by drilling a small hole through the bottom of the unit and then filling the solution with anti-fog.
You can also seal up the gap between the window frame and the sill or threshold with a felt strip or vinyl v-strip. Felt can be stapled, glued or put in place, but it does not offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strips are simple to install and durable, but can be expensive. It is generally reserved for areas that are exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps can be easily nailed to the floor and are affordable. However, they offer only a small amount of protection between the threshold and air.
To repair a damaged window seal, use a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves remove the glazing point -- small fasteners with sharp pointed tips that hold the glass to the frame's recess. After you have removed the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood until it is smooth. Wipe off any sanding traces, then seal the bare wood with a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.
Traditional glazing putty can be applied using the help of a putty blade or caulking gun, however a knife provides a better application that is more precise and creates a better seal. Choose a putty specifically for glass, as it will be more durable and adhere better.
Apply a thin bead of the putty to the inside edge of the frame where it touches the glass. Slide the window into frame so that the scribed line on glass lines up with edge of frame. Apply pressure on the glass to compress the putty and create an elongated seal. Smooth the compound with gloves and then remove any drips or caulk that were not applied correctly before it dries.