17 Reasons Why You Should Ignore Glass Window Repair
Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen can maneuver large panes of tempered glass from a high point above the ground. They work in extreme weather conditions and follow strict safety protocols.
Wearing protective clothing, cut off the metal glazing points as well as all glazing putty using an utility knife. A heat gun will help soften and remove the old putty.
Replacement
It can be tempting to fix the glass on your windows instead of replacing it when the glass breaks. However, replacing windows is often more cost-effective and may aid in preventing other issues with your home's energy efficiency. You should also take into consideration the type of glass that is damaged to determine if it is a temporary fix or if you will need to invest in a more permanent solution.
To fix a damaged window, remove the frame or sash and lay it flat on your work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window pane and remove any remaining shards. Utilize a utility blade to remove the glazing compound and the glazing points that hold the window in place. Keep an eye on the components and their locations so that 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 new glass. Make sure that the opening of the frame is the proper size for your 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. 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 install every 6 inches around the window pane.
If the manufacturer is accountable then you should call them and make an claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it must be sprayed with a thin layer of the compound used by glaziers. After the compound is dry it is possible to paint the frame to be a perfect match.
If you have a crack that is more than an inch, scoring a small arc with a razor blade that is just above the crack can help to prevent it from spreading any further. This method isn't foolproof, but it can slow the development of the crack until you are able to take permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors are equipped with the right tools and know how to handle different types of glass. They are able to dispose of waste in a safe manner, so they are less likely than others to leave behind pieces of glass that could harm family pets or members of the family. They're also accustomed to working with different types of windows and may be able to spot problems that aren't obvious to the uninitiated homeowner.
Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to starting repair work on cracked glass. A small crack could cause shards of glass to fly away and pose a risk to anyone inside or around the house. It's important to determine the cause of the crack, as this can prevent future problems.
Create a two-part mixture of epoxy. They typically are composed of a 50/50 blend of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. After the mixture is made, apply it directly to the crack and let it dry. It will take just some minutes, but you must be quick as the mixture is thick and drys quickly.
After the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of excess epoxy using a putty blade. The next step is to scrub the cracked glass. If you do not clean the area properly, the leftovers could cause further damage to your 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 frame of wood.
For a more durable solution, consider using a plastic covering. You can cover the glass using masking tape or a heavy-duty trash bag. This will stop the crack from spreading, and will also keep wind, water and insects out.
You can create an interim fix when you are unable access the window in a timely manner. Simply run a bead of the material around the outside of the broken pane. 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 want to repaint them. This is an affordable alternative to replacing windows and it can give your home a new appearance. Make sure the window is clean before painting. Wash the window with soap and water or use rubbing alcohol to remove oil smudges and other residues that could hinder the paint from adhering. It is also recommended to wear rubber gloves while working on glass to avoid transferring your own oils onto the glass surface. Finally it is recommended to apply several thin coats of paint instead of a thick layer. This will allow the paint to last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.
If you're planning to repaint your glass windows, ensure that you have the proper tools nearby. You'll need a brush, sponge, painter's adhesive, a ruler, toothpicks, and other tools, such as paper towels or a rag. It is also recommended to have the brushes and paint you'll need for the project in your possession. Follow the manufacturer's directions. Have patience, as it may take some time for the paint to completely dry.
If you are using solvent-based paint, you should also ensure that the space where you work is adequately ventilated. This will decrease the risk of breathing into toxic chemicals and allow the paint to dry more quickly. Wear a mask to protect yourself when using spray paints.
You'll need to clean the glass window thoroughly using warm water and soap before you paint it. Use soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, rub alcohol on any grease or oil residues that could interfere with the adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are completely dry before you begin coating them.
If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, you might be able to file a claim with the window manufacturer or dealer that sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if your windows are still under warranty and you've had numerous problems with condensation or broken glass.
Sealing
Whether you have old double-pane windows with a damaged seal or more recent insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced defogging or fog, there are many options to address the issue. It is the most expensive option to replace both the IGU that is insulated as well as the frame. However, it could be required in situations where fog or condensation is creating energy losses. Other alternatives include replacing the current IGU with a single-pane or repair it by drilling a small hole into the bottom of the unit and filling the solution with anti-fog.
You can also fill in the gap between windows and a threshold or sill using a felt strip, or vinyl v-strip. Felt can be stapled, Nearby glued or nailed into place but is not a great protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip is easy to put up and is durable, but can be expensive. It is usually reserved for areas that are subjected to high abrasion. Door sweeps are easy to nail to the floor and are affordable. However, they provide little or no protection between the threshold and air.
To fix a cracked window seal, first employ a putty knife to remove the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection take out the glazing point, which are small fasteners with sharp pointed tips that hold the glass in the recess of the frame. After removing the glazing points, scrub the grooves and sand the wood until it is smooth. Wipe off any sanding debris, then seal the bare 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, but a knife provides a better 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 to the inside edge of the frame where it touches the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the scribed line on glass aligns with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to press the putty into a solid seal. Smooth the compound with gloves and get rid of any drips or caulk that were applied incorrectly before it dries.