Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen are able to move large panes of tempered glass from a height above the ground. They follow strict safety protocols and frequently work in extreme weather conditions.
Wearing protective clothing, take off the glazing points made of metal and all glazing putty with an utility knife. A heat gun can help to soften and take off the old putty.
Replacement
If a window pane breaks, it could be tempting to repair the glass rather than replace it. It is more cost-effective to replace a window, and it can also help avoid other issues that could affect the efficiency of your home. You should also consider the type of glass that's damaged to determine if it is an interim fix or if you'll require an option that is more permanent.
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 remove any remaining fragments. Then, use a utility knife to peel off the glazing compound and glazing points that hold the glass in the position. Be sure to keep an eye on the location of these components so that they can be replaced later.
After removing the frame and sash you can start preparing to replace the glass. Before you do so make sure that the opening in the frame is properly sized for your replacement window. Take measurements both ways across the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement in order to leave the expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Afterwards, purchase double-strength glass cut to these precise dimensions. It is a good idea to purchase enough glazier's clips or points to place them every 6 inches around the window pane.
If the manufacturer is responsible then you should call them and make an claim. After the new glass has been installed, it must be bedded in with a thin coating of the compound used by glaziers. After letting the compound dry then you can paint it to match the frame of the window.
If you have a crack that extends more than an inch, scoring a small arc with a razor blade that is just above the crack can help to stop it from spreading further. This trick is not foolproof however it can slow the growth of the cracked until you can take permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window installers have the appropriate tools and know how to handle different kinds of glass. They also understand the best methods for disposing of waste, so they're less likely to leave scraps that are left behind, which could hurt pets or family members. They are also experienced in working with different types of windows, and may be able spot problems that an inexperienced home owner might not see.
Before you begin the process of fixing cracked window glass, make 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 important to determine what caused the crack, as this can prevent future problems.
Begin by creating an epoxy mixture that has two parts. It is usually a 50/50 mix of resin and hardener, and must be mixed quickly. After the mixture is made and applied, simply apply it to the crack and allow it to dry. It should only take about a few minutes, but you must be quick as the mixture is very thick and dries quickly.
Once the epoxy is dried, you can take off any excess using a putty knife. The next step is to scrub the cracked glass. If you do not clean the area in a proper manner, the leftovers could cause further damage to your glass. Use a putty blade smooth out the compound around the window's edge and match it to the frame made of wood.
To make a more durable option you can consider using a plastic cover. 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 water, wind and bugs out.
You can create a temporary fix if you are unable to get to the window in an efficient manner. Simply run a bead of the stuff around the outside edge of the broken pane. It won't completely seal the gap between frame and glass, but it will keep the break in place while you repair it.
Repainting
Repainting old glass windows is a great idea. This is a low-cost alternative to window replacement and can give your home a new appearance. Make sure the window is clean before painting. Use soap or rubbing alcohol 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. Also you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of one thick layer. This will make the paint last longer and ensure that your windows appear smooth and even.
Make sure you have the right tools available when you are planning to repaint glass windows. You'll need brushes or sponges as well as a painter's tamper along with a ruler, toothpicks and a ruler. It is recommended to have the paints and brushes that you'll be using on hand. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions and be prepared with plenty of patience since it may take awhile for the paint to dry.
It is also important to ensure that the room you're working in is well ventilated, especially if you're using solvent-based paint. This will help to reduce the chance of inhaling toxic chemicals, and also the paint will dry faster. Use a protective mask when using spray paints.
For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior painting. Clean the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water. You can then use rubbing alcohol to scrub away any grease or oil that could hinder paint's adhesion. Make sure the windows are dry before you start coating them.
If you have energy efficient double pane windows on your windows, it may be possible to submit a claim for repair or replacement with the window company or dealer that sold the windows. This is particularly true if you have experienced several issues with cracked glass or condensation while the windows are still covered under warranty.
Sealing
Whether you have old double-pane windows with damaged seal or more recent insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced defogging and fogging, there are a variety of options to address the issue. The most costly option is to replace the frame and insulated unit, but it may be necessary if condensation or fog is causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single-pane or repairing it by drilling a small hole through the bottom of the unit and filling the solution with anti-fog.
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 door sweep. Felt can be stapled, glued or put in place, but it does not offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip weather stripping is durable and simple to install however, it is costly and is typically reserved for areas that are exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are affordable and can be put to the floor however they provide virtually no barrier between the threshold or sill and dust, air, and debris.
To fix a cracked window seal first, employ a putty knife to take off the old caulk. Wearing window repairs and gloves, pry out the glazing point, which are small fasteners with sharp, pointed tips that pin the glass to the recess of the frame. After removing the glazing points, scrub the grooves and sand the wood smooth. Wipe away any sanding sludge, 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. However, using a knife will give the most precise application and a more secure seal. Make sure you choose a putty specifically designed for glass windows, as it will be more adhesive and long-lasting.
Apply a thin layer of putty on the inside of the frame where it joins the glass. Slide the window into frame so that the scribed line on glass aligns with edge of frame. Apply pressure on the glass to force the putty and glass into a tight seal. Smooth the compound using a gloved finger and then wipe off any mistakenly applied caulk or errant drips prior to drying.