Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen can maneuver large panes of tempered glass from a height higher than the ground. They adhere to strict safety guidelines and are often working in 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 can help soften the old putty and make it easier to remove.
Replacement
It's tempting to repair the glass on your windows instead of replacing it when a pane breaks. It is more cost-effective to replace windows and it can also help avoid other issues that could affect your home's efficiency. It is also important to consider the type of glass that's broken to determine if it is an interim fix or if you will need to invest in a more permanent solution.
The first step to repair a broken window is to remove the sash, or frame and place it flat on a table. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window's pane and pull out any remaining fragments. Then, use window repairs to peel off the glazing compound and points that help to hold the glass in the position. Keep track of the location of these components to make sure they can be reinstalled later.
After removing the frame and sash, you can start preparing to replace the glass. Before you do so make sure that the opening in the frame is properly sized for your replacement window. To allow for expansion and contraction of the glass and frame and contraction, measure both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Afterwards, purchase double-strength glass cut to these exact dimensions. It is recommended to purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to be installed every 6 inches around each window pane.
Depending on the warranty of the window, this may be covered by the manufacturer and in this case, you must contact them to file a claim. After the new glass has been installed, it should be covered with a thin coating of the compound used by glaziers. After letting the compound dry and dry, you can paint it to match the rest of the frame.
If your crack is longer than an inch in length, you can prevent it from expanding by cutting the crack with a small arc, just above the crack. This technique isn't 100% infallible, but it will slow the growth of the crack to a manageable size until you can take permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors are trained to handle various kinds of glass types, and they have the tools necessary to do an excellent job. They know how to dispose of waste properly which means they are less likely than others to leave behind a mess 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 capable of identifying issues that might not be apparent to an inexperienced homeowner.
Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to starting the process of repairing cracked glass. A minor crack could cause shards to fly off, posing a danger to anyone in or around the home. It is crucial to determine the cause of the crack, since this will help prevent any future issues.
Create a two-part mixture of epoxy. It is usually 50/50 mixture of hardener and resin and must be quickly mixed. Once the mixture has been prepared then apply it directly to the crack and let it dry. It will take just about a few minutes, but it is important to work quickly because the mixture is thick and drys very quickly.
After the epoxy has dried, you can take off excess epoxy with a blade. You'll need to clean the cracks in the glass. If you don't do it correctly, the residue could cause further damage to the glass. Once the glass is cleaned, use a putty knife to smooth the compound along the edges of the window and match it to the frame made of wood.
Think about using a plastic lid for a more durable option. You can cover the glass using masking tape or a heavy-duty trashbag. This will stop the crack from spreading and will also keep wind, water and bugs out.
If you're not able to get to the window in a timely manner then you can apply silicone sealant to create temporary repairs. Apply a small amount silicone sealant around the edge of the damaged glass. It won't seal the gap between the frame and glass completely but it will hold the broken piece in place until you are able to fix it.
Repainting
If your windows with glass are old, you may consider repainting them. This is an affordable alternative to replace windows and give your house a new appearance. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to remove oil smudges, as well as other traces of dirt that can hinder paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent the transfer of oils from your fingers onto the surface. Apply several thin coats instead of a single thick one. This will help the paint last longer, and will keep your windows looking even and smooth.
Make sure you have the appropriate tools available in case you want to paint glass windows. You'll need a brush or sponge, painter's tape a ruler, toothpicks, and a few other tools, such as paper towels or a rag. You should have the brushes and paints you will be using on hand. Follow the manufacturer's directions. Have patience, as it may take a while for the paint to fully dry.
It is also important to ensure that the space you're working is well ventilated, especially if you're using solvent-based paint. This will help to reduce the risk of breathing toxic chemicals, and also the paint will dry faster. Wear a mask to protect yourself when using spray paints.
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 could hinder 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 make claims for repair or replacement with the company that makes the windows or the dealer who sold them. This is particularly true if the windows are still under warranty and have experienced multiple problems with condensation or broken glass.
Sealing
If you have double-pane windows with a cracked seal or newer insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced defogging and fogging, there are a variety of options to address the issue. The most expensive option is to replace the frame and insulated unit however it could be necessary if condensation or fog cause energy loss. Other options include replacing the existing IGU with a single-pane, or repairing it by drilling a small hole in the bottom of the unit, and then filling the solution with anti-fog.
You can also seal the gap between the window frame and the sill or threshold by using a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or a door sweep. Felt is cheap and can be glued, nailed, or stapled into place however it doesn't provide a lot of protection from moisture. Vinyl weather stripping v-strip is durable and easy to put in however, it is costly and is generally reserved for areas that are exposed to high abrasion. Door sweeps are affordable and can be nailed into place, but they create very little or no protection between the sill or threshold and dust, air and other debris.
To repair a damaged window seal, use a putty blade to scrape off the caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves remove the glazing point, which are small fasteners with sharp pointed tips that hold the glass to the recess of the frame. After you have removed the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood until it is smooth. Clean any sanding residue 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, however using a knife will give the most precise application and a stronger seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass, since it is more durable and will adhere better.
Apply a thin bead of the putty to the inner edge of the frame, where it meets the glass. Slide the window into frame so that scribed line on glass lines up with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to compress the putty to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound with gloves and then remove any drips or caulk that were not applied correctly before it has dried.