Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen work up above the ground, navigating huge glass panes. They adhere to strict safety standards and often work under extreme weather conditions.
Wearing protective clothing, remove the glazing points made of metal and the glazing putty by using a utility knife. A heat gun will help to soften and take off the old putty.
Replacement
If a window pane is broken, it may be tempting to try and repair the glass rather than replace it. However, replacing windows is often more cost-effective and may assist in preventing other issues in your home's energy efficiency. It is also important to consider the kind of glass that is damaged to determine if it is an interim fix or if you'll need to invest in a more permanent solution.
The first step to repair damaged windows is to remove the frame, or sash, and lay it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window pane and remove any remaining shards. Utilize a utility knife to remove the glazing compound, and the glazing points that hold the window in place. Keep an eye on the components and where they are so they can be reinstalled.
Once the frame and sash have been removed then you can begin the process of preparing to install new glass. Be sure to check that the opening of the frame is the right size for your replacement window. To allow for frame and glass expansion and contraction to both directions, measure the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. After that, you can purchase double-strength glasses cut to these exact dimensions. It is a good idea to also purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to be installed every 6 inches around each window pane.
Depending on the window's warranty it could be covered by the manufacturer and in this case, you must contact them to file a claim. Once the new glass is installed, it needs to be sprayed with a thin layer of glazier's compound. After letting the compound dry then you can paint it to match the frame of the window.
If you have a crack that extends more than an inch, cutting the crack with a razor blade that is just above the crack could help prevent it from spreading any further. This trick won't be infallible, but it will slow the development of the crack to a manageable size until you are able to take more permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors know how to handle various kinds of glass types, and they have the tools to do an excellent job. window repairs near me are able to dispose of waste in a safe manner which means they are less likely than others to leave behind pieces of glass which could cause harm to family pets or members of the family. They're also used to working with different window types and may be aware of issues that might not be apparent to a homeowner who isn't experienced.
Before beginning the process of repairing damaged window glass, ensure to wear safety goggles and gloves. A small crack can cause shards to fly, which could pose a risk to anyone living in or around the home. It's also important to determine what caused the crack in the first place, since it could help avoid future issues.
Create a two-part mixture of epoxy. They are typically a 50/50 mix of hardener and resin, and they must be quickly mixed. When the mixture is prepared, apply it to the glass crack and leave it to dry. It should take only a few minutes but it's important to work quickly since the mixture is very dense and fast-drying.
After the epoxy has dried, you can take off any excess with a putty knife. Then, you'll have to clean the area around the crack of glass. If you don't do it properly, the residue can cause further damage to the glass. Make use of a putty knife to smooth the compound around the window's edge and then match it to the frame made of wood.
You could consider using a plastic cover to make a more durable choice. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is ideal, but you can also apply masking tape to the glass. This will prevent the crack from spreading, and will also keep water, wind and insects out.
If you're unable to get to the window in a timely manner then you can apply silicone sealant to create temporary repairs. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant around the edges of the broken glass. It won't completely seal the gap between the frame and glass, but it will keep the broken piece in place while you repair it.
Repainting
If your windows with glass are old, you may want to repaint them. This is a cost-effective alternative to replacing windows, and can give your home a fresh new appearance. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Clean the window with water and soap or ruby alcohol to eliminate oil smudges as well as other residues that can prevent the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent the transfer of oils from your hands onto the glass. Apply multiple thin coats instead of one thick coat. This will make the paint last longer, and will keep your windows looking even and smooth.
Make sure you have the proper tools available when you are planning to repaint glass windows. You'll need a brush, sponge, painter's tape a ruler, toothpicks, and other tools such as a rag or paper towel. You'll need the paints and brushes that you will be using on hand. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and have a good amount of patience since it may take awhile for the paint to dry.
If you are using solvent-based paint, make sure that the area in which you work is adequately ventilated. This will reduce the risk of inhaling toxic chemicals, and also the paint will dry quicker. It is also important to ensure you have a mask to protect yourself for any spray paints that you use.
For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior painting. Clean the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water. Then, use rubbing alcohol to clean off any oil or grease that might hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are dry before you start coating them.
If you have energy efficient double pane windows on your windows, it could be possible to file a claim for repair or replacement with the window manufacturer or dealer that sold the windows. This is especially true if your windows are still under warranty and have experienced numerous issues with condensation or broken glass.
Sealing
There are a variety of options to resolve the issue, regardless of whether you have an older double-pane window with a cracked seal, or if you own an insulation unit (IGU) that has experienced fogging. It is the most expensive option to replace both the insulation unit and the frame. However, it may be necessary in cases where fog or condensation is creating energy losses. Other options include replacing the IGU with just one pane, or repairing the IGU that is in place by drilling a hole in the bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging solution.
You can also close the gap between a window frame and a threshold or sill using a felt strip, or vinyl v-strip. Felt is cheap and can be fixed with glue, nailed or stapled in place, but it does not provide a lot of protection from moisture. Vinyl weather stripping that is v-strip is strong and easy to install however, it can be expensive and is usually reserved for areas that are exposed to high abrasion. Door sweeps are inexpensive and can be fixed into place, but they create virtually no barrier between the sill or threshold and air, dust, and other debris.
To fix a damaged window seal, use a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves remove the glazing point, which are small fasteners with sharp pointed tips that secure the glass in the frame's recess. After taking out the glazing points, remove the grooves and sand the wood. Wipe off any sanding traces Then, seal the bare wood using 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, the knife is a better, more precise application and creates a better seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass as it is more durable and will adhere better.
Apply a thin layer along the inside edge of frame where it meets with the glass. Slide the window into frame so that scribed line on the glass is aligned with the frame's edge. Apply pressure on the glass to compress the putty and glass to form an elongated seal. Smooth the compound with a gloved finger and clean up any mistakenly applied caulk or drips that have escaped before it dries.