15 Things Your Boss Wished You Knew About Glass Window Repair

Glass Window Repair

Professional  window repair men are able to move large panes of tempered glass from a height above the ground. They adhere to strict safety guidelines and frequently work in harsh weather conditions.

Wearing protective clothing, remove the glazing points made of metal and the glazing putty by using a utility knife. A heat gun will help soften and remove the old putty.

Replacement

When a window pane breaks, it can be tempting to repair the glass instead of replace it. It is cheaper to replace a window, and it can also help you to avoid other issues in the efficiency of your home. It is also important to consider the type of glass that is broken to determine if it is temporary or if you will require an option that is more permanent.

To fix a broken window, remove the sash or frame and place it flat on your work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window pane and pull out any remaining fragments. Then, use a knife to peel off the glazing compound and points that hold the glass in place. Make sure you keep the track of these components and their locations so that they can be replaced later.

Once the frame and sash are removed, you can begin preparing to install the new glass. Before doing this make sure that the opening in the frame is size for the replacement window. Take measurements both ways across the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement in order to leave room for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, you can purchase double-strength glasses made to these exact measurements. It is a good idea to also purchase enough glazier's clips or points to be installed every 6 inches around the window pane.

Depending on the warranty of the window, this may be covered by the manufacturer in which case you need to contact them to make a claim. After the new glass has been installed, it should be sprayed with a thin layer of the compound used by glaziers. After the compound has dried, you can paint it to match the rest of the frame.

If you have a crack that is more than an inch, scoring an arc of a razor blade that is just above the crack will help prevent it from spreading any further. This technique isn't 100% completely foolproof, but it could slow the growth of the crack down to a manageable amount until you can take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors are equipped with the right tools and know how to handle different kinds of glass. They are able to dispose of waste in a safe manner and are therefore less likely than others to leave behind scraps which could cause harm to family pets or members of the family. They are also familiar with working with different kinds of windows and could be able spot problems that a novice home owner might not see.

Before you begin the process of repairing damaged window glass, make sure to wear safety glasses and gloves. Even a tiny crack can cause glass shards to fly away and could pose a danger to anyone inside or around the house. It is important to determine what caused the crack, since this will help prevent any future problems.

Start by making an epoxy mix that is two-part. It is usually a 50/50 mix of hardener and resin and they need to be quickly mixed. After the mixture is made then apply it directly to the crack and allow it to dry. It should take only a few minutes however it is important to do it quickly because the mixture is extremely thick and quick drying.

After the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of any excess using a putty knife. Then, you'll have to clean the area around the broken glass. If you don't clean it correctly, the resulting residue could cause further damage to the glass. Make use of a putty knife to smooth the compound around the edge of your window and then match it to the frame made of wood.

You could consider using a plastic cover to make a more durable choice. A trash bag that is heavy-duty or tarp is ideal, but you can also apply masking tape to the glass. This will stop the crack from expanding, and will also block out water, wind, bugs, and debris.

You can come up with an interim solution if you are unable to reach the window in time. Apply a small amount silicone sealant on the edges of the broken glass. It won't close the gap between the glass and the frame completely, but it will hold the break in place until you are able to fix it.

Repainting

If your glass windows are old, you may need to paint them. This is a low-cost alternative to replacing windows and give your home a fresh look. Make sure the window is clean prior to painting. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to wash away oil smudges, and other residues that could prevent paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent transferring oils from your hands onto the glass. Apply several thin coats instead of a single thick one. This will help the paint last longer and make your windows appear smooth and even.

Make sure you have the appropriate tools on hand if you plan to repaint glass windows. You'll need a brush or sponge, painter's adhesive, a ruler, toothpicks, and other tools, such as paper towels or a rag. It is recommended to have the paints and brushes that you'll use in your kit. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's directions and be prepared with plenty of patience as it can take some time for the paint to dry.

If you're using solvent-based paint, also ensure that the room where you work is well-ventilated. This will decrease the risk of breathing into toxic chemicals and permit the paint to dry quicker. You should also make sure you wear a mask that is protective for any spray paints you use.

You'll need to wash the glass window thoroughly using warm water and soap before you paint it. Make use of 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 dried before you begin to paint them.

If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, then you might be able to make a claim with the window manufacturer or dealer who sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is particularly relevant if you've had numerous issues with cracked glass or condensation while the windows are still covered under warranty.

Sealing

There are many ways to address the issue regardless of regardless of whether you have an old double-pane glass with cracks in the seal or if you own an upgraded IGU (IGU) that has experienced defogging. The most costly option is to replace the insulated unit and frame however it could be necessary if condensation or fog cause energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single-pane or repair it by drilling a small hole in the bottom of the unit and filling the solution with anti-fog.

You can also seal the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill by using a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or a door sweep. Felt is cheap and can be fixed with glue, nailed, or stapled into place however it doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl weather stripping v-strip is durable and easy to put in however it can be expensive and is usually used for areas that are subject to high abrasion. Door sweeps are cheap and can be nailed to the floor but they create very little or no protection between the threshold or sill and dust, air, and other debris.

To repair a damaged window seal first, you must use a putty blade to take off the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection take out the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp pointed tips that hold the glass into the recess of the frame. Once you have removed the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood to a smooth finish. Clean any sanding residue, then seal the bare wood with a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.

Traditional glazing putty is applied using a putty knife or caulking gun. However, a knife provides a better precision and precise application. It also creates a better seal. Select a putty specifically designed for glass windows as it will have higher adhesion and durability.

Apply a thin layer of putty across the inside of the frame where it meets with the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the cut line on the glass aligns with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure on the glass to compress 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.