Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work from high above the ground, navigating huge glass panes. They work in extreme weather conditions and adhere to strict safety protocols.

Wearing protective clothing, cut off the metal glazing points and all glazing putty using an utility knife. A heat gun may help soften the old putty and speed up removal.

Replacement

It is tempting to fix the glass of your window instead of replacing it when a pane breaks. However, replacing windows is typically more cost-effective, and can also assist in preventing other issues with your home's energy efficiency. It is also important to consider the type of glass that is damaged to determine if it is a temporary fix or if you'll need to invest in an alternative that is more durable.

The first step to repair damaged windows is to take off the sash, also known as the frame and place it flat on a work table. While wearing eye protection, gently move the frame and remove any shards remaining in the window. Utilize a utility blade to scrape off the glazing compound and the glazing points that keep the window in place. Keep an eye on the components and where they are so they can be reinstalled.

After the frame and sash have been removed, you can begin preparing to install the new glass. Make sure you check the opening of the frame is the right size for the replacement window. To allow for frame and glass expansion and contraction to both directions, measure the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Afterwards, purchase double-strength glass cut to these precise dimensions. It is also a good idea to purchase enough new glazier's clips or glazier's points to be placed every 6 inches around the window pane.

Depending on the warranty of the window it could be covered by the manufacturer, in which case you need to contact the company to file an claim. After the new glass has been installed, it needs to be sprayed with a thin layer of glazier's compound. Once the compound has dried, you can paint the frame to be a perfect match.

If you have a crack that extends more than an inch, cutting an arc of a razor blade that is just above the crack will help prevent it from spreading any further. This method isn't foolproof, but it will slow down the growth of the cracked until you are able to take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors are equipped with the appropriate tools and know how to work with various types of glass. They also understand the best practices for disposing of garbage, which means they're less likely to leave crumbs behind, which could potentially injure family members or pets. They're also accustomed to working with different kinds of windows, and may be able to spot problems that an inexperienced home owner would not notice.

Before you begin the process of repairing cracked window glass, ensure that you wear safety goggles and gloves. Even a tiny crack can cause shards of glass to fly and could pose a danger to anyone in or around the home. It is also crucial to figure out what caused the crack in the first place, as it can help prevent future issues.

Begin by creating a two-part epoxy mixture. They are typically 50/50 mixture of hardener and resin and they must be mixed quickly. When the mixture is prepared, apply it to the crack in the glass and let it dry. It should take only some minutes, but you need to be quick because the mixture is thick and will dry very quickly.

After the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of excess epoxy with a blade. After that, you'll need clean the area around the crack of glass. If you don't do this properly, the residue can cause further damage to the glass. Once the glass is cleaned using a putty knife, you can use it to smooth the compound along the edges of the window and to match it with the frame of wood.

To make a more durable option you can consider using a plastic cover. 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 spreading and will also keep wind, water and insects out.

If you're not able to reach the window repair near me quickly and you're not able to get there quickly, you can use silicone sealant to make a temporary repair. Simply place a tiny amount of the substance around the outside edge of the broken pane. It won't completely fill the gap between frame and glass however it will keep the crack in place while you repair it.

Repainting

Repainting your old glass windows is a great idea. This is a low-cost alternative to replacing your windows and will give your home a fresh appearance. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Clean the window using water and soap or rubbing alcohol to remove oil smudges and other traces which can hinder the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass to avoid the risk of transferring your own oils onto the window's surface. Apply several thin coats instead of one thick coat. 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, make sure you have the appropriate tools nearby. You'll need a brush or sponge, painter's tape a ruler, toothpicks, as well as a few other tools like paper towels or a rag. You'll also need the paint and brushes you'll use for the project on hand. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's directions and be prepared with plenty of patience as it can take a while for the paint to dry.

If you are using solvent-based paint, you should also ensure that the room where you work is adequately ventilated. This will decrease the risk of breathing into toxic chemicals and permit the paint to dry quicker. Also, make sure you have a protective mask for any spray paints that you use.

For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface before painting. Clean the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water, then use rubbing alcohol to clean off any oil or grease that could affect the adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are dry before you start coating them.

If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, you may be eligible to file a claim with the window manufacturer or dealer who sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is particularly true if the windows are still under warranty and you've experienced multiple problems with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

There are several ways to resolve the issue depending on whether you have an old double-pane glass with a cracked seal, or if you have a newer insulation unit (IGU) that has experienced defogging. It is the most expensive option to replace both the insulated unit as well as the frame. However, it might be required in situations where fog or condensation is causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with just one pane, or fixing the existing IGU by drilling a hole in its bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging solution.

You can also seal the gap between the window frame and the sill or threshold with a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or door sweep. Felt is inexpensive and can be glued, nailed or stapled to the frame however it doesn't provide a lot of protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strip is easy to install and long-lasting, but can be expensive. It is usually reserved for areas exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are easy to nail in place and are inexpensive. However, they offer little or no protection between the threshold and air.

To fix a cracked window seal, first employ a putty knife to remove the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection take care to remove the glazing points, which are tiny fasteners that pin the glass into the frame's recess using sharp and pointed edges. After taking out the glazing points, clean the grooves, then sand the wood. Wipe away any sanding sludge and then seal the unfinished wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.

Traditional glazing putty can be applied using the help of a putty blade or caulking gun, however using a knife allows for a more efficient, more precise application and creates a better seal. Make sure you choose a putty specifically designed for glass windows as it will be more adhesive and long-lasting.

Apply a thin layer of putty on the inside of the frame where it joins the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the cut line on the glass is aligned with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure on the glass to press the putty and create an elongated seal. Smooth the compound with gloves and then remove any caulk or drips that were not properly applied before it dries.