Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen are able to maneuver large glass panes from a height above the ground. They adhere to strict safety standards and often work under extreme weather conditions.

Wearing protective clothing, remove the metal glazing points and all glazing putty using an utility knife. A heat gun will help to soften and eliminate the old putty.

Replacement

It's tempting to fix the glass on your windows instead of replacing it if the glass breaks. It is more cost-effective to replace windows and it can also help you avoid other issues that could affect the efficiency of your home. Take a look at the type of broken glass to determine whether it's a temporary fix, or if a long-term solution is required.

To fix a damaged window, take off the frame or sash, and lay it flat on the work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window's pane and window doctor then remove any remaining shards. Then, use a utility knife to peel off the glazing compound and points that help to hold the glass in place. Keep the track of the components and their locations to ensure that they can be replaced later.

After the frame and sash have been removed, you can begin preparing to install the new glass. Before you do so make sure that the opening in the frame is properly sized for your replacement window. To allow for expansion and contraction of the glass and frame and contraction, measure both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, buy double-strength glass cut to these exact dimensions. It is a good idea to also purchase enough glazier's clips or points to install every 6 inches around each window pane.

If the manufacturer is responsible for this then you should call them and submit a claim. After the new glass has been put in place it is crucial to cover it with a thin layer of glaziers compound. After letting the compound dry and dry, you can paint it to match the frame of the window.

If the crack is greater than an inch You can stop it from expanding by slicing the crack with a small arc, just above the crack. This method isn't foolproof, but it can slow the growth of the cracked until you can take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional Window Doctor installers know how to deal with a variety of glass and have the tools to do an excellent job. They are able to dispose of waste in a safe manner which means they are less likely than other people to leave behind a mess which could cause harm to family pets or members of the family. They are also familiar with working with various types of windows and could be able to spot issues that a home owner with no experience would not notice.

Before beginning the process of repairing damaged window glass, make sure that you wear safety goggles and gloves. A minor crack could cause shards to fly, creating a risk for anyone who lives in or around the home. It's also crucial to figure out what caused the crack in the first place, so that it can help prevent future issues.

Make a two-part mixture of epoxy. It is usually a 50/50 mix of resin and hardener, and must be mixed quickly. When the mixture is done put it in the glass crack and let it dry. It should only take about a few minutes, but it is important to work quickly because the mixture is very thick and dries very quickly.

Once the epoxy is dried, you can remove any excess with a putty knife. You'll then need to scrub the cracked glass. If you don't clean the area properly the debris could cause further damage to the glass. Make use of a putty knife to smooth out the compound around the edge of the window and match it to the frame of wood.

Consider using a plastic cover for a more durable option. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is the best option, but you can also apply masking tape to the glass. This will prevent the crack from growing and will also keep out wind, water, bugs, and debris.

If you're not able to get to the window in a timely manner, you can use silicone sealant to make temporary repairs. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant around the edge of the damaged glass. It won't fully seal the gap between glass and frame but it will help keep the broken piece in place while you repair it.

Repainting

If your glass windows are old, you may need to paint them. This is an affordable alternative to replace your windows and can give your house a new appearance. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to remove oil smudges, as well as other residues which can prevent paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to avoid the transfer of oils from your hands onto the surface. Apply several thin coats rather than just one large coat. This will help the paint last longer and keep your windows looking even and smooth.

Make sure you have the appropriate tools on hand if you plan to repaint glass windows. You'll require a brush or sponge, painter's adhesive, a ruler, toothpicks, and a few other tools, such as paper towels or a rag. You should have the paints and brushes that you'll use on hand. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Be patient because it could take a while for the paint to fully dry.

If you're using solvent-based paint, also ensure that the space where you work is adequately ventilated. This will reduce the risk of breathing harmful chemicals, and the paint will dry more quickly. Use a mask that is protective when using spray paints.

You'll need to wash the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water prior to you paint it. Make use of soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, rub alcohol on any grease or oil residues that could interfere with the paint's adhesion. Make sure that the windows are completely dry prior to coating them.

If you have energy-efficient double-pane windows on your windows, it may be possible to make claims for repair or replacement with the window manufacturer or the dealer who sold the windows. This is especially relevant if you've had multiple problems with condensation or broken glass while the windows are still covered by warranty.

Sealing

Whether you have old double-pane windows with broken seal or a newer version of insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging, there are several methods to fix the issue. It is the most expensive option to replace both the insulated unit as well as the frame. However, it may be necessary in cases where condensation or fog is causing energy losses. Other options include replacing the IGU by a single pane, or fixing the IGU that is in place by drilling a hole through the bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging solution.

You can also close the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill by 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 easy to install, but it can be expensive and is typically reserved for areas that are exposed to high abrasion. Door sweeps are affordable and can be nailed into place but they create very little or no protection between the sill or threshold and dust, air and debris.

To fix a damaged window replacement seal, use a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection, carefully pry out the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that pin the glass to the frame's recess, with sharp and pointed ends. After taking out the glazing points, clean out the grooves, then sand the wood. Wipe off any sanding traces and then seal the unfinished wood with a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.

A caulking knife or putty can be used to apply traditional glazing putty, however the use of a knife allows for a more precise application, and a better seal. Select a putty specifically designed for glass windows, as it has better adhesion and a longer life.

Apply a small amount the putty to the inner edge of the frame, where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the scribed line on glass lines up with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to press the putty and glass into an elongated seal. Smooth the compound with gloves and then remove any drips or caulk that were not applied correctly before it has dried.