15 Facts Your Boss Wished You d Known About Glass Window Repair

Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work up above the ground, navigating massive glass panes. They work under extreme conditions and follow strict safety guidelines.

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

Replacement

When a window's pane is broken, it may be tempting to repair the glass instead of replace it. However, replacing a window repairs is often more cost-effective, and can also help prevent other problems with your home's energy efficiency. You should also consider the type of glass that's broken to determine if it is a temporary fix or if you'll need to invest in an option that is more permanent.

The first step in repairing a broken window is to take off the frame, or sash and place it flat on a table. Wearing eye protection, gently move the upvc window repairs's pane and pull out any remaining fragments. Then, use a utility knife to remove the glazing compound as well as the glazing points that keep the glass in the position. Keep track of these components and their locations to make sure they can be put back in place later.

Once the frame and sash have been removed and the frame is removed, you can begin preparation to install the new glass. Before you begin, make sure that the opening in the frame is size for the replacement window. To allow for the expansion of the frame and glass and contraction to both directions, measure the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, you can purchase double-strength glasses that are cut to these exact dimensions. It is recommended to also purchase enough glazier's clips or points to place them every 6 inches around each window pane.

If the manufacturer is responsible you should contact them and make an claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it should be bedded in with a thin layer 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 is more than an inch, scoring a small arc with a razor blade just beyond the crack can help to prevent it from spreading any further. This method isn't foolproof, however it can slow the development of the crack until you are able to take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers are equipped with the right tools and know how to work with different kinds of glass. They are able to dispose of waste properly and are therefore less likely than others to leave behind a mess that could inflict harm on family pets or family members. They are also familiar with working with different kinds of windows, and may be able to spot problems that an inexperienced home owner might not be able to notice.

Before beginning the process of repairing cracked window glass, be sure to wear safety goggles and gloves. A minor crack could cause shards of glass to fly away, creating a risk for anyone who lives in or around the home. It's important to determine what caused the crack, since this will help prevent any future problems.

Begin by creating an epoxy mixture that has two parts. They usually consist of composed of a 50/50 blend of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. When the mixture is prepared, apply it to the glass crack and allow it to dry. It will take just a few minutes but it's important to do it quickly because the mixture is very dense and fast-drying.

After the epoxy has dried, you can remove excess epoxy with a putty blade. After that, you'll need clean the area around the broken glass. If you do not 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.

You could consider using a plastic cover for a more robust option. 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.

If you're unable to reach the window quickly then you can apply silicone sealant to make an interim repair. Simply run a bead of the substance around the outside edge of the broken pane. It won't completely seal the gap between the frame and glass completely, but it will hold the broken piece in place until you can repair it.

Repainting

If your windows with glass are old, you may consider repainting them. This is a low-cost alternative to window replacement and will give your home a fresh new look. Make sure the window is clean prior to painting. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to wash away oil smudges, as well as other traces of dirt that can hinder paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass to avoid transferring your own oils onto the surface of the window. Apply several thin coats rather than a single thick one. This will allow the paint to last longer and will keep your windows looking smooth and even.

Make sure you have the proper tools available when you are planning to repaint glass windows. You'll need a brush or sponge, painter's tape, toothpicks, a ruler as well as a few other tools like paper towels or a rag. You'll need the paints and brushes that you'll use in your kit. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and have plenty of patience as it can take some time for the paint to dry.

If you are using solvent-based paint, make sure that the area where you work is well ventilated. This will help to reduce the chance of inhaling harmful chemicals, and the paint will dry quicker. You should also make sure you have a protective mask for any spray paints you apply.

For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface before painting. Clean the glass thoroughly with soap and warm water. Then, apply rubbing alcohol to wash off any grease or oil that could hinder paint's adhesion. Make sure that the windows are completely dry before you begin coating them.

If you have energy-efficient double pane windows on your windows, it might be possible to submit an insurance claim for repair or replacement with the window manufacturer or dealer that sold them. This is particularly true if the windows are still under warranty and have experienced numerous issues with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

If you have double glazed window repairs-pane windows with broken seal or a newer version of insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced defogging or fog, there are many options to address the issue. The most expensive option is to replace the insulated unit and frame, 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 the IGU that is in place by drilling a hole in the bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging solution.

You can also fill in the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill by using a felt strip vinyl v-strip, or a door sweep. Felt is cheap and can be fixed with glue, nailed or stapled to the frame however it doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strips are simple to install and long-lasting however, it can be costly. It is usually used in areas that are exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are easy to nail to the floor and are affordable. However, they offer little or no protection between the threshold and air.

To repair a broken window seal using a putty knife, you need to take off the caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves take out the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp, pointed tips that pin the glass in the frame's recess. After getting rid of the glazing points remove the grooves and sand down 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 an easier application and a better seal. Make sure you choose a putty made specifically for glass windows as it will be more adhesive and long-lasting.

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 the glass is aligned with edge of frame. Apply pressure to the glass to compress the putty and glass to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound with gloves and then remove any caulk or drips that were not properly applied before it has dried.