Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen are able to maneuver large panes of tempered glass from a height above the ground. They adhere to strict safety guidelines and often work under harsh weather conditions.
While wearing protective clothing remove all glaze putty and glazing points using a knife. A heat gun can help soften and remove the old putty.
Replacement
It is tempting to fix the window glass instead of replacing it if a pane breaks. However, replacing windows is usually more cost-effective and can help prevent other problems in your home's energy efficiency. You should also take into consideration the kind of glass that is broken to determine if it is a temporary fix or if you'll require an option that is more permanent.
To repair a broken window, you must remove the frame or sash and place it on the floor. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window pane and remove any remaining shards. Use a utility blade to scrape off the glazing compound, as well as the glazing points that keep the window in place. Keep track of the components and their locations to ensure that they can be replaced later.
After you've removed the frame and sash you can begin preparing to replace the glass. Be sure to check that the opening of the frame is the right size for your replacement window. Take measurements both ways across the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement in order to leave space for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. After that, you can purchase double-strength glasses cut to these exact measurements. It is a good idea also to purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to be installed every 6 inches around each window pane.
Depending on the warranty of the window, this may be covered by the manufacturer, in which case you must contact the company to file a claim. After the new glass has been installed, it must be bedded in with a thin layer of the compound used by glaziers. Once the compound has dried you can paint the frame to be a perfect match.
If your crack is more than an inch, you can prevent it from expanding by slicing an arc that is just a little beyond the crack. This trick is not foolproof but it can slow the progression of the cracked until you can take permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors are equipped with the proper tools and know how to handle different kinds of glass. They also know the best practices for disposing of waste, and are less likely to leave crumbs behind, which could potentially cause harm to pets or family members. They're also accustomed to working with various types of windows and are aware of issues that might not be apparent to an inexperienced homeowner.
Before you begin the process of repairing damaged window glass, ensure that you wear safety goggles and gloves. A minor crack could cause shards of glass to fly away, posing a danger to anyone who lives in or around the home. It's important to determine what caused the crack, as this can prevent future problems.
Make a two-part mix of epoxy. They are typically 50/50 mixture of hardener and resin and they must be quickly mixed. After the mixture is prepared then apply it directly to the crack and allow it to dry. It will take just a few minutes but it's important to do it quickly because the mixture is extremely thick and quick drying.
Once the epoxy has dried, you can take off excess epoxy using a putty blade. You'll then need to clean around the cracked glass. If you don't do this properly, the residue can cause further damage to the glass. Make use of a putty knife to smooth out the compound around the edge of your window and match it to the wood frame.
Consider using a plastic cover for a more robust option. 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 bugs out.
If you're not able to reach the window quickly, you can use silicone sealant to create a temporary repair. Simply place a tiny amount of the stuff around the outside edge of the broken window. It won't completely seal the gap between the glass and the frame completely however it will keep the fracture until you can fix it.
Repainting
If your glass windows are old, you might want to repaint them. This is a cost-effective alternative to window replacement and can give your home a new look. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. 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. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass to avoid transferring your own oils onto the surface of the window. Apply several thin coats instead of just one large coat. This will make the paint last longer and will keep your windows looking even and smooth.
If you're planning on repainting your glass windows, be sure you have the proper tools nearby. You'll require either a brush or sponge painter's tap along with a ruler, toothpicks and a ruler. It is also recommended to have the paint and brushes you'll be using for the project on hand. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions and have plenty of patience because it may take awhile for the paint to dry.
If you are using solvent-based paint, you should also ensure that the space where you work is well-ventilated. This will reduce the risk of breathing harmful chemicals, and the paint will dry quicker. Also, make sure you wear a mask that is protective for any spray paints you apply.
You'll need to clean the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water before you paint it. Use warm water and soap to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, rub alcohol on any grease or oil remnants that may hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are dry prior to coating them.
If you have energy efficient double pane windows on your windows, it could be possible to submit an insurance claim for repair or replacement with the window manufacturer or dealer that sold the windows. This is particularly the case if you've experienced numerous issues with cracked glass or condensation while the windows are still covered under warranty.
Sealing
There are a variety of options to fix the problem regardless of whether you have an old double-pane window that has cracks in the seal, or if you own an IGU (IGU) that has experienced defogging. The most expensive option is to replace the insulated unit and frame however it could be necessary if condensation or fog are causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single pane, or fixing the existing IGU by drilling a hole in the bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging product.
You can also fill in the gap between the window frame and the sill or threshold by using a felt strip vinyl v-strips, or a door sweep. Felt is cheap and can be glued, nailed or stapled in place but it doesn't provide much protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strip is easy to install and durable, but can be expensive. It is generally reserved for areas that are subject to high abrasion. Door sweeps are cheap and can be nailed into place but they create little to no barrier between the threshold or sill and dust, air and debris.
To fix a damaged window seal make use of a putty blade to scrape off the caulk. Wearing window repairs and gloves, carefully pry out the glazing points -- small fasteners that hold the glass to the frame's recess, with sharp, pointed edges. Once you have removed the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood smooth. Clean any sanding dust, then seal the bare wooden surface with a linseed-oil-based paint or clear sealer.
A caulking knife or putty can be used to apply traditional glazing putty, but a knife will provide an easier application and a better seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass, since it will last longer and stick 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 so that the scribed line on the glass is aligned with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure to the glass to press the putty and glass to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound with gloves and then remove any caulk or drips that were not properly applied before it has dried.