Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work high off the ground, maneuvering massive glass panes. They work in extreme conditions and follow strict safety protocols.

While wearing protective clothing remove all glaze putty and glazing points with a utility knife. A heat gun can soften the old glue and accelerate the removal process.

Replacement

When a window's pane breaks, it can be tempting to repair the glass rather than replace it. It is cheaper to replace a window and it can also help avoid other issues that could affect your home's efficiency. Take a look at the type of glass that is broken to determine if it's a temporary fix, or if a more permanent solution is needed.

The first step to repair broken windows is to remove the sash, or frame and place it flat on a table. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle and pull out any shards remaining in the window pane. Utilize a utility blade to scrape off the glazing compound and the glazing points that hold the window repair near in place. Make sure you keep an eye on the components and their locations to ensure that they can be reinstalled later.

After 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. Measure both ways across the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to give the expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, buy double-strength glass cut to these precise dimensions. It is recommended to purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to install every 6 inches around each window pane.

Depending on the warranty of the window the window may be covered by the manufacturer, in which case you should call them to make a claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it must be covered with a thin coating of glazier's compound. After the compound is dry it is possible to paint the frame to match.

If you have a crack that extends more than an inch, scoring the crack with a razor blade that is just above the crack could help stop it from spreading further. This trick is not foolproof but it will slow down the growth of the cracked until you can take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers have the right tools and know how to handle different kinds of glass. They also know the best ways repairs to upvc windows dispose of waste, so they're less likely to leave waste behind, which could potentially injure family members or pets. They're also used to working with various types of windows and may be aware of issues that aren't apparent to an inexperienced homeowner.

Before beginning the process of repairing cracked window glass, be sure to wear safety goggles and gloves. A small crack could cause glass shards to fly away and pose a risk to anyone within or around the home. It's also important to figure out what caused the crack in the first place, so that it could help avoid future issues.

Start by making an epoxy mixture that has two parts. They are usually a 50/50 mixture of hardener and resin. They must be mixed quickly. After the mixture is made, apply it directly to the crack and let it dry. It will take just about a minute, but it's essential to work quickly since the mixture is very thick and fast drying.

Once the epoxy has dried, you can remove excess epoxy with a putty blade. After that, you'll need clean the area around the broken glass. If you don't do it properly, the residue can cause further damage to the glass. Once the glass is cleaned with a putty blade, use it to smooth the compound along the edges of the window and match it with the frame made of wood.

For a more durable solution, consider using a plastic covering. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a heavy-duty trashbag. This will stop the crack from expanding and will also block out wind, water bugs, debris, and water.

You can come up with a temporary fix when you are unable get to the window in time. Simply place a tiny amount of the substance around the outside of the broken window. It won't completely seal the gap between the frame and the glass completely, but it will hold the fracture until you can repair it.

Repainting

Repainting old glass windows is a good idea. This is an affordable alternative to replace your windows and will provide your home with a new look. Make sure the surface is clean prior to painting. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to remove oil smudges and other residues which can prevent paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent transferring oils from your hands onto the surface. Apply several thin coats rather than a single thick one. This will help the paint last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.

If you're planning to repaint your glass windows, be sure you have the proper tools nearby. You'll need a brush or sponge, painter's adhesive, toothpicks, a ruler and other tools such as paper towels or a rag. You'll also need the paint and brushes you'll need for the project in your possession. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and be prepared with plenty of patience as it can take awhile for the paint to dry.

If you are using solvent-based paint, make sure that the area where you work is well ventilated. This will reduce the chance of breathing into toxic chemicals and permit the paint to dry faster. Use a protective mask when using spray paints.

For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior painting. Make use of soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, rub alcohol on any oil or grease residues that could interfere with the paint's adhesion. Make sure the windows are completely dry before you begin to paint them.

If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, you might be eligible to submit a claim to the dealer or window company who sold them to cover any repair upvc window or replacement costs. This is particularly true if the windows are still under warranty and have experienced several issues with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

If you have double-pane windows that have a broken seal or a newer version of insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging or fog, there are many options to fix the issue. The most expensive option is to replace the insulated unit and frame but it may be required if fog or condensation are causing energy loss. 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 close the gap between a window frame and a threshold or sill with 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, but it can be expensive and is typically used for areas that are subject to high abrasion. Door sweeps can be easily nailed to the floor and are affordable. However, they offer little or no protection between the threshold and the air.

To repair a damaged window seal first, you must employ a putty knife to take off the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection, pry out the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp pointed tips that hold the glass to the recess of the frame. After removing the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood smooth. Wipe away any sanding residue, then seal the bare wood with a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.

A putty or caulking knife can be used to apply the traditional glazing putty, however a knife will provide a more precise application, and a stronger seal. Make sure you choose a putty made specifically for glass windows, as it will be more adhesive and a longer life.

Apply a thin layer on the inside of the frame where it joins the glass. Slide the window into frame in a way that the scribed line on glass lines up with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to force the putty into a solid seal. Smooth the compound using fingers that are gloved and then wipe off any caulk that is applied incorrectly or errant drips before it is dry.