Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen work up off the ground, maneuvering huge glass panes. They follow strict safety protocols and are often working in harsh weather conditions.
Wearing protective clothing, remove the metal glazing points as well as all glazing putty using an utility knife. A heat gun can to soften the old putty and speed up removal.
Replacement
It's tempting to repair the glass of your window instead of replacing it when a pane breaks. However, replacing a window is often more cost-effective and may help prevent other problems in your home's energy efficiency. Examine the type of glass that is broken to determine if it's a temporary fix or if a long-term solution is required.
The first step to repair a broken window is to take off the sash, also known as the frame and lay it flat on a table. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window's frame and then remove any remaining fragments. Utilize a utility blade to scrape off the glazing compound, and the glazing points that keep the window in place. Keep track of the components and their locations to ensure they are reinstalled.
Once the frame and sash have been removed and the frame is removed, you can begin preparation to install new glass. Make sure you check the opening of the frame is the proper size for the replacement window. To allow for the expansion of the frame and glass and contraction to both directions, measure the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Afterwards, purchase double-strength glass cut to these exact measurements. It is a good idea to also purchase enough glazier's clips or points to place them every 6 inches around the window pane.
Depending on the window's warranty, this may be covered by the manufacturer in which case you must contact them to make an claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it should be bedded in with a thin layer of the compound used by glaziers. After letting the compound dry 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 the edge of a blade just over the crack could help stop it from spreading further. This trick is not foolproof however it can slow the growth of the cracked until you can take permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window installers have the right tools and know how to handle various types of glass. They know how to dispose of waste in a safe manner, so they are less likely than other contractors to leave behind a mess that could harm family pets or members of the family. They're also used to working with various types of windows, and they may be able to spot problems that aren't obvious to an inexperienced homeowner.
Before you begin the process of repairing damaged window glass, be sure to wear safety goggles and gloves. Even a small break can cause shards to fly off, which could pose a risk to anyone in or around the home. It's important to determine what caused the crack, so that you will help prevent any future issues.
Begin by creating an epoxy mix that is two-part. These are usually a 50/50 mix of resin and hardener, and they need to be mixed quickly. Once the mixture is prepared, apply it to the crack in the glass and allow it to dry. This should only take a few minutes however it is important to get it done quickly as the mixture is very dense and fast-drying.
After the epoxy has dried, you can remove any excess using a putty knife. You'll need to clean the cracks in the glass. If you don't clean the area in a proper manner, the residue could cause further damage to your glass. Once the glass is cleaned with a putty blade, use it to smooth the compound along the edge of the window and match it with the wood frame.
Think about using a plastic lid for a more robust option. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a heavy-duty trashbag. This will prevent the crack from spreading and will also keep wind, water and insects out.
You can create a temporary fix in the event that you are unable to reach the window in a timely manner. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant to 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 can fix it.
Repainting
If your windows with glass are old, you may consider repainting them. This is an affordable alternative to replacing windows and can give your home a fresh new look. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Wash the window with water and soap or rubbing alcohol to remove oil smudges as well as other residues that could hinder the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent the transfer of oils from your hands onto the surface. Apply several thin coats rather than a single thick one. This will make the paint last longer and will keep your windows looking smooth and even.
If you're planning on repainting your glass windows, be sure you have the proper tools in your arsenal. You'll need brushes or sponges, painter's tap, a ruler and toothpicks. It is also recommended to have the brushes and paint you'll be using for the project in your possession. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and have a good amount of patience because it may take a while for the paint to dry.
If you're using solvent-based paint, you should make sure that the area in which you work is well ventilated. This will reduce the chance of breathing in harmful chemicals and allow the paint to dry more quickly. It is also important to ensure you have a mask to protect yourself for any spray paints you use.
For older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface prior painting. Use soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, rub alcohol on any oil or grease remnants that may hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are completely dry prior to coating them.
If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, you might be in a position to file a claim with the window manufacturer or dealer that sold them to pay any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if the windows are still under warranty and have experienced several problems with condensation or damaged glass.
Sealing
There are a variety of options to address the issue regardless of regardless of whether you have an older double-pane window that has cracks in the seal, or if you have 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 required if fog or condensation is causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single pane, or fixing the existing IGU by drilling a hole in its bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging solution.
You can also seal up the gap between windows and a sill or threshold using a felt strip or vinyl v-strip. Felt can be stapled, glued or nailed into place but does not offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl weather stripping that is v-strip is strong and simple to install however, it can be expensive and is typically reserved for areas exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps can be easily nailed in place and are cheap. However, they provide little or no protection between the threshold and the air.
To repair a damaged window seal first, you must employ a putty knife to remove the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection, pry out the glazing point, which are small fasteners with sharp pointed tips that secure the glass into the recess of the frame. After you have removed the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood until it is smooth. Wipe off any sanding debris then seal the wood surface using 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, more precise application and creates a better seal. Choose a putty that is made specifically for glass windows as it has better adhesion and a longer life.
Apply a thin layer of glue across the inside of the frame where it meets with the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the drawn line on the glass aligns with the frame's edge. double glazing Herne Bay to the glass in order to compress the putty to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound using gloves and get rid of any drips or caulk that were not applied correctly before it dries.