Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work from high above the ground, moving huge panes of glass. They work under extreme weather conditions and adhere to strict safety guidelines.

Wearing protective clothing, take off the metal glazing points as well as all glazing putty with an utility knife. A heat gun will help to soften and eliminate the old putty.

Replacement

It can be tempting to repair the glass on your windows instead of replacing it when the glass breaks. However, replacing windows is often more cost-effective and may help prevent other problems that could affect your home's energy efficiency. You should also consider the type of glass that's damaged to determine if it is temporary or if you will need to invest in an alternative that is more durable.

The first step in repairing a broken window is to remove the sash, also known as the frame and place it flat on a table. Wearing eye protection, gently move the frame and remove any remaining shards within the window. Then, use a utility knife to peel off the glazing compound and points that keep the glass in place. Keep the track of the components and their location so that they can be put back in place.

After the frame and sash are removed, you can begin preparing to install the new glass. Make sure you check the opening of the frame is of the correct size for your replacement window. Measure both sides of the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to allow room for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Afterwards, purchase double-strength glass cut to these exact measurements. It is recommended to also purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to be installed every 6 inches around each window pane.

Depending on the window's warranty it could be covered by the manufacturer, in which case you must contact them to make a claim. Once the new glass is installed, it should be covered with a thin coating of glazier's compound. After the compound has dried you can paint the frame to match.

If your crack is longer than an inch in length, you can prevent it from spreading by scoring the crack with a small arc, just above the crack. This trick won't be completely foolproof, but it could slow the development of the crack down to a manageable level until you can take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers have the appropriate tools and know how to handle different types of glass. They know how to dispose of waste in a safe manner, so they are less likely than other people to leave behind pieces of glass which could cause harm to family pets or members of the family. They're also accustomed to working with different types of windows and are capable of identifying issues that might not be apparent to the uninitiated homeowner.

Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to starting repair work on cracked glass. A small crack could cause glass shards to fly and pose a risk to anyone inside or around the house. It is crucial to determine what caused the crack, since this could prevent future problems.

Create a two-part mixture of epoxy. It is usually a 50/50 mix of hardener and resin, and they must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture is done apply it to the glass crack and let it dry. It should take only some minutes, but it is important to work quickly because the mixture is extremely thick and dries quickly.

After the epoxy has dried, you can take off any excess with a putty knife. You'll need to clean around the cracked glass. If you don't clean it correctly, the resulting residue could cause further damage to the glass. After cleaning the glass with a putty blade, use it to smooth the compound along the edges of the window, and then match it with the frame of wood.

To make a more durable option, consider using a plastic cover. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a heavy-duty trashbag. This will stop the crack from spreading, and will also keep water, wind and bugs out.

If you're not able to reach the window fast enough and you're not able to get there quickly, you can use silicone sealant to make a temporary repair. Apply a small amount silicone sealant around the edges of the broken glass. It won't completely seal the gap between glass and frame however it will keep the crack in place while you repair it.

Repainting

Repainting your old glass windows is a great idea. This is an affordable alternative to window replacement and it can give your home a new appearance. Make sure the window is clean prior to painting. Clean the window using soap and water or use rubbing alcohol to remove oil smudges as well as other residues that can prevent the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent the transfer of oils from your hands onto the surface. In the end you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a thick layer. This will help the paint last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.

If you're planning to paint your glass windows, ensure that you have the appropriate tools nearby. You will need either a brush or sponge, painter's tap along with a ruler, toothpicks and a ruler. It is also recommended to have the brushes and paint you'll be using for the project in your possession. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Be patient because it could take some time for the paint to fully dry.

If you are using solvent-based paints, you must make sure that the area in which you work is adequately ventilated. This will decrease the risk of breathing in toxic chemicals and permit the paint to dry faster. Use a mask that is protective when using spray paints.

It is necessary to clean the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water before you paint it. Clean the glass window 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 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 them. This is especially the case if you've experienced numerous issues with broken glass or condensation even though the windows are covered by warranty.

Sealing

There are many ways to fix the problem regardless of whether you have an old double-pane window with a cracked seal, or if you own a newer insulation unit (IGU) that has experienced defogging. The most expensive option is to replace the frame and insulated unit but it may be required if fog or condensation are causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single pane or fixing it by drilling a small hole through the bottom of the unit, and then filling the solution with anti-fog.

You can also close the gap between windows and a sill or threshold using a felt strip or vinyl v-strip. Felt is affordable and can be fixed by gluing, nailing or stapled to the frame, but it does not offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip is easy to install and long-lasting however it can be expensive. It is generally reserved for areas that are exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are cheap and can be fixed into place however they provide very little or no protection between the sill or threshold and air, dust, and debris.

To repair a damaged window seal using a putty knife, you need to remove the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves carefully remove the glazing points -- small fasteners that hold the glass into the frame's recess, with sharp and pointed ends. Once you have removed the glazing points, scrub the grooves and sand the wood smooth. Wipe off any sanding debris and then seal the unfinished wooden surface with a linseed-oil-based paint or clear sealer.

Traditional glazing putty is applied using a putty knife or caulking gun, however the knife is a better, more precise application and will provide a better seal. Choose a putty that is made specifically for glass windows, as it will have higher adhesion and long-lasting.

Apply a small amount of the putty to the inner edge of the frame, where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the drawn line on the glass is aligned with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure on the glass to compress the putty and create a tight seal. Smooth the compound with a gloved finger and clean up any caulk that was applied incorrectly or drips that have escaped before it dries.