Glass Window Repair

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

Wearing protective clothing, take off the metal glazing points as well as all glazing putty with an utility knife. A heat gun can soften the old glue and accelerate the removal process.

Replacement

It's 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 assist in preventing other issues with your home's energy efficiency. It is also important to consider the type of glass that is broken to determine if it is a temporary fix or if you'll require an option that is more permanent.

The first step to repair broken windows is to remove the sash, or frame, and lay it flat on a table. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window's frame and pull out any remaining fragments. Then, use a utility knife to peel off the glazing compound and points that hold the glass in the position. Keep an eye on the components and their location so they can be reinstalled.

Once the frame and sash are removed and the frame is removed, you can begin preparation to install the new glass. Make sure you check the opening of the frame is the proper size for the replacement window. Measure both ways across the opening, and then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement in order to leave space for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. After that, you can purchase double-strength glasses cut to these exact dimensions. It is recommended to also 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, in which case you must contact them to file a claim. After the new glass has been erected, it is important to cover it with a thin layer of glaziers compound. After letting the compound dry then you can paint it to match the frame of the window.

If you have a crack that is more than an inch, scoring a small arc with the edge of a blade just over the crack could help stop it from spreading further. This technique isn't 100% foolproof but it can slow the development of the crack until you can take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors are equipped with the right tools and know how to handle different types of glass. They also understand the best practices for disposing of garbage, which means they're less likely to leave crumbs in the trash, which could cause harm to pets or family members. They're also accustomed to working with different kinds of windows, and may be able spot problems that a novice home owner might not be able to notice.

Before you begin the process of fixing cracked window glass, ensure to wear safety goggles and gloves. Even a tiny crack can cause shards of glass to fly and pose a risk to anyone inside or around the house. It's also important to figure out what caused the crack in the first place, so that it could help avoid future problems.

Start by making an epoxy mixture that has two parts. These are usually 50/50 mixture of hardener and resin, and they need to be quickly mixed. Once the mixture has been prepared and applied, simply apply it to the crack and allow it to dry. It should only take some minutes, but you need to be quick as the mixture is thick and drys quickly.

Once the epoxy has dried, you can take off excess epoxy using a putty blade. After that, you'll need clean the area around the cracked glass. If you don't clean the area in a proper manner, the debris could cause further damage to your glass. Use a putty blade smooth out the compound around the edge of your window and then match it to the frame made of wood.

Think about using a plastic lid to make a more durable choice. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a sturdy trashbag. This will prevent the crack from spreading and will also keep wind, water and bugs out.

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

Repainting

If your windows with glass are old, you might consider repainting them. This is an affordable alternative to window replacement and can give your home a fresh new appearance. Make sure the window is clean prior to painting. Clean the window with water and soap or rubbing alcohol to remove oil smudges as well as other residues which can hinder the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves while working on glass to prevent the transfer of your own oils onto the surface of the window. In the end, you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a thick layer. This will make the paint last longer and make your windows appear smooth and even.

If you're planning to repaint your glass windows, make sure you have the proper tools nearby. You'll require a brush or sponge, painter's tape, a ruler, toothpicks, and a few other tools like a rag or paper towel. You'll also need the brushes and paint you'll be using for the project in your possession. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's directions and have plenty of patience since it may take some time for the paint to 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 reduce the chance of inhaling toxic chemicals, and the paint will dry faster. Use a protective mask when using spray paints.

For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface before painting. Use soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, rub alcohol on any grease or oil residues that might hinder 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, then you might be able to file a claim with the upvc window repairs company or dealer who sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is particularly true if the windows are still under warranty and have experienced multiple problems with condensation or damaged glass.

Sealing

If you have double-pane windows that have a damaged seal or more recent insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging and fogging, there are a variety of options for fixing the problem. The most costly option is to replace the frame and insulated unit however it could be required if fog or condensation cause energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with just one pane, or fixing the IGU that is in place by drilling a hole in the bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging product.

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 is inexpensive and can be fixed by gluing, nailing or stapled to the frame, but it does not offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip is easy to install and long-lasting, but can be expensive. It is typically reserved for areas subjected to high abrasion. Door sweeps are affordable and can be fixed into place however they provide little to no barrier between the threshold or sill and dust, air and debris.

To repair a damaged window seal using a putty knife, you need to remove the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection carefully remove the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that pin the glass in the frame's recess using sharp, pointed ends. After getting rid of the glazing points clean out the grooves and sand down the wood. Wipe off any sanding debris then seal the wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.

Traditional glazing putty is applied using either a putty knife or a caulking gun, however using a knife allows for a more efficient application that is more precise and will provide a better seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass as it is more durable and will adhere better.

Apply a thin layer of putty along the inside edge of frame where it meets with the glass. Slide the window into the frame, so that the scribed line on the glass aligns with the frame's edge. Apply pressure on the glass to force the putty and glass into a tight seal. Smooth the compound using a gloved hand and remove any caulk or drips that were not applied correctly before it dries.