Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairs near me repairmen work high above the ground, navigating massive glass panes. They work under extreme weather conditions and follow strict safety protocols.

Wearing protective clothing, cut off 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

It is tempting to fix the glass of your window instead of replacing it when the glass breaks. It is cheaper to replace a window, and it can also help you avoid other issues that could affect the efficiency of your home. You should also consider the type of glass that's broken to determine if this is an interim fix or if you'll need to invest in an option that is more permanent.

The first step in fixing a broken window is to remove the frame, or sash, and lay it flat on a work table. While wearing eye protection, carefully move the frame and remove any remaining shards in the window pane. Utilize a utility knife to remove the glazing compound, and the glazing points that secure the window. Keep an eye on the components and their locations so that they can be put back in place.

After the frame and sash are removed then you can begin the process of preparing to install new glass. Before you do so make sure that the opening in the frame is properly size for the replacement window. Measure both ways across the opening, and then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to allow the expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. After that, you can purchase double-strength glasses cut to these precise dimensions. It is also a good idea to purchase enough new glazier's points or clips to be positioned every 6 inches around the window pane.

Based on the window's warranty, this may be covered by the manufacturer, in which case you must contact them to make a claim. After the new glass has been put in place, it is important to cover it with a thin layer glaziers compound. After the compound has dried, you can paint it to match the rest of the window frame.

If the crack is greater than an inch, you can prevent it from expanding by slicing an arc that is just a little beyond the crack. This trick won't be foolproof, but it can slow the development of the crack down to a manageable level until you are able to take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors know how to handle a variety of glass and have the tools needed to complete an excellent job. They also know the best ways to dispose of waste, and are less likely to leave waste in the trash, which could cause harm to pets or family members. They are also experienced in working with different kinds of windows, and may be able to spot problems that a home owner with no experience might not see.

Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to starting the process of repairing damaged glass. Even a small crack can cause shards of glass to fly around and pose a risk to anyone within or around the home. It's important to determine the cause of the crack, so that you could prevent future problems.

Create a two-part mixture of epoxy. They are usually a 50/50 mixture of hardener and resin. They must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture has been prepared and applied, simply apply it to the crack and allow it to dry. This should only take about a minute however it is important to get it done quickly as the mixture is very thick and fast-drying.

Once the epoxy has dried, you can take off excess epoxy using a putty blade. Then, you'll need to clean the area around the crack of glass. If you don't do it correctly, the resulting residue could cause further damage to the glass. Use a putty blade smooth the compound around the window's edge and match it with the wood frame.

Consider using a plastic cover to make a more durable choice. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is ideal, however you can also use masking tape to cover the glass. This will prevent the crack from spreading, and will also keep wind, water and misted bugs out.

You can create a temporary fix in the event that you are unable to reach the window in an efficient manner. Apply a small amount silicone sealant to the edges of the broken glass. It won't seal the gap between the frame and the glass completely however it will keep the fracture until you can repair it.

Repainting

If your glass windows are old, you may want to repaint them. This is a low-cost alternative to window replacement and it can give your home a new look. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Clean the window using soap and misted water or use rubbing alcohol to remove oil smudges as well as other residues that could hinder the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to avoid the transfer of oils from your fingers onto the glass. Also you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a thick layer. This will make the paint last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.

Make sure you have the right tools on hand if you plan to repaint glass windows. You'll need a brush or sponge, painter's tape a ruler, toothpicks, and other tools like paper towels or a rag. You'll also need the paint and brushes you'll need for the project on hand. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions and have plenty of patience because it may take a while 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 decrease the risk of breathing in toxic chemicals and permit the paint to dry quicker. Use a protective mask when using spray paints.

You'll need to wash the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water prior to you paint it. Clean the glass thoroughly with soap and warm water. Then, use rubbing alcohol to scrub away any grease or oil that might hinder the paint's adhesion. Make sure the windows are dry before you begin coating them.

If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, then you might be able to submit a claim to the window company or dealer who sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is particularly true if the windows are still under warranty and you've had multiple problems with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

If you have double-pane windows with damaged seal or more recent insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging and fogging, there are a variety of options to fix the issue. 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 repairing it by drilling a small hole into the bottom of the unit and then filling the solution with anti-fog.

You can also close the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill with a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or a door sweep. Felt is cheap and can be fixed by gluing, nailing or stapled to the frame but it doesn't provide a lot of protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strip weather stripping is durable and easy to put in, but it is costly and is typically reserved for areas that are exposed to high abrasion. Door sweeps can be easily nailed to the floor and are affordable. However, they offer very little or no protection between the threshold and air.

To repair a damaged window seal first, use a putty knife to remove the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection, pry out the glazing point, which are small fasteners with sharp pointed tips that secure the glass into the recess of the frame. After removing the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood. Clean any sanding residue 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, but the use of a knife allows for the most precise application and a stronger seal. Select a putty specifically designed for glass windows, as it will have higher adhesion and a longer life.

Apply a thin bead of the putty to the inner edge of the frame where it touches the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the cut line on the glass lines up with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure on the glass to force the putty to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound using a gloved finger and then wipe off any mistakenly applied caulk or errant drips before it is dry.