Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen work high above the ground, moving huge panes of glass. They work in extreme weather conditions and adhere to strict safety protocols.
While wearing protective clothing remove all glazing putty and metal glazing points using a utility knife. A heat gun can help to soften and take off the old putty.
Replacement
It is tempting to fix the glass of your window instead of replacing it when a pane breaks. It is cheaper to replace windows and it will also help to avoid other issues in your home's efficiency. You should also take into consideration the type of glass that is broken to determine if it is a temporary fix or if you will require an alternative that is more durable.
The first step to repair broken windows is to remove the frame, or sash and place it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window's frame and pull out any remaining fragments. Then, use a knife to cut off the glazing compound and glazing points that help to hold the glass in place. Keep track of the components and their locations so that they can be put back in place later.
Once the frame and sash are removed and the frame is removed, you can begin preparation to install the new glass. Before you do so ensure that the opening in the frame is size for the replacement window. To allow for frame and glass expansion and contraction take measurements in both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. After that, you can purchase double-strength glasses cut to these exact measurements. It is a good idea to also purchase enough glazier's clips or points to install every 6 inches around the window pane.
If the manufacturer is responsible you should contact them and submit an claim. Once the new glass is installed, it should be bedded in with a thin coating of the compound used by glaziers. After the compound has dried, you can paint the frame to match.
If you have a crack that is more than an inch, cutting an arc of a razor blade just beyond the crack will help prevent it from spreading any further. This method isn't foolproof, but it can slow the growth of the crack down to a manageable size until you are able to take more permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window installers know how to handle a variety of glass types, and they have the tools necessary to do an excellent job. They also know the best ways to dispose of waste, and are less likely to leave waste that are left behind, which could cause harm to pets or family members. They're also accustomed to working with different window types and are capable of identifying issues that aren't apparent to a homeowner who isn't experienced.
Before beginning the process of fixing cracked window glass, make sure that you wear safety goggles and gloves. Even a small break can cause shards to fly, creating a risk for anyone who lives in or around the home. It is important to determine the cause of the crack, so that you could prevent future issues.
Begin by creating an epoxy mixture that has two parts. They are usually composed of a 50/50 blend of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture has been prepared and applied, simply apply it to the crack and let it dry. It will take just some minutes but it's important to do it quickly because the mixture is very thick and fast drying.
After the epoxy has dried, you can take off any excess using a putty knife. You'll need to scrub the cracked glass. If you don't clean the area correctly, the residue could cause further damage to the glass. Make use of a putty knife to smooth out the compound around the edge of your window and then match it to the frame made of wood.
For a more durable solution, consider using a plastic cover. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a heavy-duty trashbag. This will keep the crack from growing and will also keep out water, wind bugs, debris, and water.
If you're not able to reach the window fast enough then you can apply silicone sealant to create temporary repairs. Simply run a bead of the substance around the outside of the broken pane. It won't close the gap between the frame and the glass completely but it will hold the break in place until you can fix it.
Repainting
If your windows with glass are old, you might consider repainting them. This is a low-cost alternative to replacing windows and give your house a new appearance. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to wash away oil smudges and other residues which can prevent paint from adhering. You should also wear rubber gloves when working on glass to avoid the risk of transferring your own oils onto the surface of the window. Apply several thin coats instead of one thick coat. This will help the paint last longer and make your windows appear smooth and even.
If you're planning on repainting your glass windows, make sure you have the proper tools nearby. You'll need either a brush or sponge as well as a painter's tamper, a ruler and toothpicks. It is also recommended to have the paint and brushes you'll be using for the project in your possession. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's directions and have plenty of patience as it can take some time for the paint to dry.
Also, ensure that the room you're working in is well ventilated, especially if you're using solvent-based paint. This will reduce the risk of inhaling toxic chemicals, and also the paint will dry quicker. Also, make sure you have a protective mask for any spray paints you apply.
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 away any grease or oil that might hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are completely dry before you begin to paint them.
If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, you may be in a position to make a claim with the window company or dealer that sold them to pay any repair or replacement costs. This is particularly relevant if you've had several issues with condensation or broken glass even though the windows are covered under warranty.
Sealing
There are several ways to resolve the issue depending on whether you have an old double-pane window that has a cracked seal, or if you own a newer insulated unit (IGU) that has experienced fogging. The most costly option is to replace the frame and insulated unit however it could be necessary if condensation or fog are causing energy loss. 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 with an anti-fogging product.
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 to the frame but it doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strips are easy to install and long-lasting however, it can be costly. It is typically used in areas that are subjected to high abrasion. Door sweeps are easy to nail to the floor and are affordable. However, they offer very little or no protection between the threshold and the air.
To repair double glazing repair Kettering broken window seal, use a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection remove the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp pointed tips that hold the glass to the frame's recess. After you have removed the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood smooth. Wipe away any sanding sludge, then seal the bare wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.
Traditional glazing putty can be applied using either a putty knife or a caulking gun, but the knife is a better, more precise application and creates a better seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass, since it will be more durable and stick better.
Apply a thin layer across the inside of the frame where it joins the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the scribed line on the glass is aligned with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure to the glass to compress the putty and create an elongated seal. Smooth the compound with a gloved finger and then wipe off any caulk that is applied incorrectly or errant drips before it is dry.