Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work high above the ground, navigating massive glass panes. They work under extreme weather conditions and adhere to strict safety guidelines.

While wearing protective clothing remove all glaze putty and glazing points with a utility knife. A heat gun may help soften the old glue and speed up removal.

Replacement

It can be tempting to fix the window glass instead of replacing it if panes break. It is more cost-effective to replace a window, and it can also help you avoid other issues that could affect the efficiency of your home. You should also consider the type of glass that's damaged to determine if it is a temporary fix or if you will require a more permanent solution.

The first step in repairing a broken window is to take off the sash, or frame and place it flat on a table. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window pane and then remove any remaining shards. Then, use a knife to peel off the glazing compound and points that keep the glass in the position. Keep the track of these components and their locations so that they can be reinstalled later.

After the frame and sash are removed, you can begin preparing to install new glass. Be sure to check that the opening of the frame is of the correct size for your replacement window. Take measurements both ways across the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to give the expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, buy double-strength glass cut to these exact measurements. It is recommended to purchase enough glazier's clips or points to install every 6 inches around the window pane.

Depending on the warranty of the window, this may be covered by the manufacturer in which case you must contact the company to file a claim. Once the new glass is installed, it needs to be covered with a thin coating of the compound used by glaziers. After drying the compound 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 just beyond the crack can help to prevent it from spreading any further. This trick is not 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 handle different types of glass. They also know the best ways to dispose of garbage, which means they're less likely to leave crumbs in the trash, which could hurt pets or family members. They are also experienced in working with different types of windows and could be able to spot problems that a novice home owner might not be able to notice.

Before you begin the process of repairing damaged window glass, be sure that you wear safety goggles and gloves. A small crack can cause shards to fly, which could pose a risk to anyone who lives in or around the home. It's also important to determine what caused the crack in the first place, as it can help prevent future issues.

Start by making an epoxy mixture that has two parts. It is usually 50/50 mix of hardener and resin and they must be quickly mixed. After the mixture is made, apply it directly to the crack and allow it to dry. It should take only some minutes, but it's essential to get it done quickly as the mixture is very dense and fast drying.

Once the epoxy is dried, you can take off any excess with a putty knife. The next step is to clean around the cracked glass. If you don't do this properly, the residue can cause further damage to the glass. Use a putty blade smooth out the compound around the edge of your window and match it to the frame made of wood.

To make a more durable option, consider using a plastic covering. You can cover the glass using masking tape or a sturdy trash bag. This will stop the crack from spreading and will also keep water, wind and bugs out.

You can come up with an interim solution in the event that you are unable to access the window in time. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant around the edge of the broken glass. It won't fully seal the gap between the frame and glass but it will help keep the crack in place while you fix it.

Repainting

Repainting your old glass windows is a good idea. This is an affordable alternative to replacing windows, and will give your home a fresh new look. Make sure that the surface is clean before painting. Clean the window with water and soap or ruby alcohol to eliminate oil smudges and other residues that can prevent the paint from adhering. You should also wear rubber gloves when working on glass to avoid the risk of transferring your own oils onto the glass surface. In the end, you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a thick layer. This will help the paint last longer, and keep your windows looking even and smooth.

If you're planning to repaint your glass windows, be sure you have the appropriate tools nearby. You'll need a brush or sponge, painter's adhesive, a ruler, toothpicks, as well as a few other tools like paper towels or a rag. It is also recommended to have the brushes and paint you'll use for the project in your possession. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Have patience, as it may take some time for the paint to completely dry.

It is also important to ensure that the room you're working in is ventilated when you're using solvent-based paint. This will lower the risk of breathing into harmful chemicals and allow the paint to dry more quickly. You should also make sure you wear a mask that is protective for any spray paints you use.

You'll need to wash the glass window thoroughly with warm water and soap before you paint it. Clean the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water, then use rubbing alcohol to scrub off any grease or oil that could affect the paint's adhesion. Make sure the windows are completely dry before you begin to paint them.

If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, then you might 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 the case if you've experienced several issues with condensation or broken glass even though the windows are covered under warranty.

Sealing

There are a variety of options to fix the problem regardless of regardless of whether you have an older double-pane window with cracks in the seal or if you own an upgraded insulation unit (IGU) that has experienced fogging. The most expensive option is to replace the frame and insulated unit, but it may be necessary if condensation or fog is causing energy loss. Other alternatives include replacing the current 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 the gap between the window frame and the sill or threshold by using a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or door sweep. Felt can be stapled, glued, or placed in place, but is not a great protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strips are simple to install and long-lasting however it can be expensive. It is generally used in areas that are subject to high abrasion. Door sweeps are affordable and can be nailed into place however they provide very little or no protection between the threshold or sill and air, dust, and debris.

To repair a damaged window seal, use a putty blade to scrape off the caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection take care to remove the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that hold the glass into the frame's recess, with sharp edges and pointed edges. After taking out the glazing points, clean the grooves, then sand the wood. Clean any sanding residue, then seal the bare wood with a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.

A putty or caulking knife can be used to apply the traditional glazing putty. However, the use of a knife allows for a more precise application, and 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 small amount the putty on the inside edge of the frame where it meets the glass. Slide the window into frame so that scribed line on the glass is aligned with edge of frame. Apply pressure on the glass to press the putty and create a tight seal. Smooth the compound with fingers that are gloved, and wipe away any caulk that is applied incorrectly or errant drips before it is dry.