Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen are able to move large panes of tempered glass from a height higher than the ground. They work in extreme conditions and follow strict safety guidelines.
Wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and metal glazing points using a utility knife. A heat gun can to soften and eliminate the old putty.
Replacement
If a window pane is broken, it may be tempting to repair the glass instead of replace it. It is more cost-effective to replace a window, and it can also help you to avoid other issues in the efficiency of your home. You should also consider the kind of glass that is broken to determine if this is temporary or if you will need to invest in an alternative that is more durable.
The first step to repair a broken window is to remove the sash, or frame and lay it flat on a work table. While wearing eye protection, gently move the frame and remove any shards remaining in the window pane. Then, use a knife to peel off the glazing compound and points that hold the glass in place. Be sure to keep the track of the location of these components to make sure they can be put back in place later.
Once the frame and sash are removed then you can begin the process of preparing to install the new glass. Make sure that the opening of the frame is of the correct size for the replacement window. To allow for expansion and contraction of the glass and frame and contraction to both directions, measure the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, buy double-strength glass cut to these precise dimensions. It is also recommended to purchase enough new glazier's points or clips to be positioned every 6 inches around the window pane.
Depending on the window's warranty the window may be covered by the manufacturer in which case you should call the company to file an claim. After the new glass has been put in place it is crucial to cover it with a thin layer of glaziers compound. After letting the compound dry and dry, you can paint it to match the frame of the window.
If you have a crack that extends more than an inch, scoring an arc of a razor blade that is just above the crack can help to prevent it from spreading any further. This trick won't be foolproof, but it can slow the growth of the crack to a manageable amount until you can take more permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window installers know how to handle various kinds of glass and have the tools to do a proper job. They also know the best practices for disposing of waste, so they're less likely to leave crumbs behind, which could potentially cause harm to pets or family members. They're also used to working with different types of windows, and they may be aware of issues that aren't obvious to a homeowner who isn't experienced.
Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to beginning the process of repairing damaged glass. A minor crack could cause shards to fly off, posing a danger to anyone in or around the home. It's important to determine the cause of the crack, since this will help prevent any future issues.
Create a two-part mixture of epoxy. They usually consist of a 50/50 mixture of hardener and resin. They must be mixed quickly. After the mixture is prepared and applied, simply apply it to the crack and let it dry. This should only take some minutes but it's important to get it done quickly as the mixture is extremely thick and fast-drying.
Once the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of excess epoxy with a putty blade. You'll then need to scrub the cracked glass. If you don't clean it correctly, the resulting residue could cause further damage to the glass. After cleaning the glass with a putty blade, use it to smooth the compound along the edges of the window and to match it with the wood frame.
If you want a more durable solution you can consider using a plastic cover. A trash bag that is heavy-duty or tarp is ideal, but you can also use masking tape to cover the glass. This will prevent the crack from spreading, and will also keep wind, water and bugs out.
If window repairs near me to reach the window in a timely manner then you can apply silicone sealant to make an interim repair. Simply apply a small amount of the material around the outside of the damaged pane. It won't completely seal the gap between the frame and glass completely, but it will hold the fracture until you can fix it.
Repainting
If your windows with glass are old, you may need to paint them. This is a low-cost alternative to replacing windows and give your home a fresh appearance. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to remove oil smudges and other traces of dirt that can hinder paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves while working on glass to avoid transferring your own oils onto the surface of the window. Finally you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a thick layer. This will help the paint last longer, and ensure that your windows appear smooth and even.
Make sure you have the proper tools available when you are planning to repaint glass windows. You'll need a brush or sponge, painter's tape toothpicks, a ruler and a few other tools, such as a rag or paper towel. You'll need the paints and brushes that you'll be using in your kit. Make sure you adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and have a good amount of patience as it can take some time for the paint to dry.
You should also make sure the area you're working in is well ventilated, especially if you're using solvent-based paint. This will decrease the risk of breathing in toxic chemicals and permit the paint to dry quicker. Wear a mask to protect yourself when using spray paints.
For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior to painting. Clean the glass thoroughly with soap and warm water. You can then use rubbing alcohol to clean away any grease or oil that could hinder paint's adhesion. Make sure the windows are dry before you begin coating them.
If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, then you might be in a position to submit a claim to the window manufacturer or dealer who sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if your windows are still under warranty and you've had several problems with condensation or broken glass.
Sealing
Whether you have old double-pane windows with broken seal or a newer version of insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced defogging or fog, there are many options to address the issue. The most expensive option is to replace the insulated unit and frame however it could be required if fog or condensation are causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single pane, or fixing the IGU that is in place by drilling a hole in its bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging solution.
You can also close the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill by using a felt strip vinyl v-strip, or a door sweep. Felt can be stapled, glued, or nailed into place but doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strips are simple to install and durable, but can be expensive. It is typically used in areas that are exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps can be easily nailed in place and are inexpensive. However, they provide only a small amount of protection between the threshold and air.
To repair a damaged window seal first, you must use a putty knife to remove the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves take out the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp, pointed tips that pin the glass in the frame's recess. After taking out the glazing points, clean out the grooves and sand down the wood. Clean any sanding dust and then seal the unfinished wooden surface with a linseed-oil-based paint or clear sealer.
Traditional glazing putty can be applied with a putty knife or caulking gun, but using a knife allows for a more efficient application that is more precise and creates a better seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass, as it will last longer and adhere better.
Apply a thin bead of the putty on the inside edge of the frame where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the scribed line on the glass is aligned with the frame's edge. Apply pressure on the glass to compress the putty to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound using gloves and then remove any drips or caulk that were applied incorrectly before it dries.