Glass Window Repair: 11 Thing You're Leaving Out

Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work up above the ground, navigating huge glass panes. They adhere to strict safety standards and often work under extreme weather conditions.

Wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and glazing points using a utility knife. A heat gun can soften and remove the old putty.

Replacement

If a window pane is broken, it may be tempting to try and repair the glass rather than replace it. However, replacing a window is usually more cost-effective and may aid in preventing other issues that could affect your home's energy efficiency. Take a look at the type of glass that is broken to determine if it's a temporary fix or if a long-term solution is needed.

To fix a broken window, take off the sash or frame and place it on the floor. While wearing eye protection, gently move around and pull out any remaining shards within the window. Then, use a utility knife to remove the glazing compound and glazing points that keep the glass in place. Keep the track of the location of these components to make sure they can be reinstalled later.

Once the frame and sash have been removed, you can begin preparing to install new glass. Before doing this, make sure that the opening in the frame is designed for the replacement window. To allow for expansion and contraction of the glass and frame and contraction to both directions, measure the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Afterwards, purchase double-strength glass cut to these exact dimensions. It is also recommended to purchase enough new glazier's glazier's pointing or clips to be placed every 6 inches around the window pane.

If the manufacturer is responsible for this, you can call them and file a claim. Once the new glass is installed, it needs to be bedded in with a thin layer of the compound used by glaziers. Once the compound is dry, you can paint the frame to match.

If you have a crack that is more than an inch, scoring an arc of a razor blade just beyond the crack can help to prevent it from spreading any further. This technique isn't 100% foolproof but it will slow down the development of the crack until you can take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers know how to deal with a variety of glass, and they have the tools needed to complete an excellent job. They also understand the best ways to dispose of garbage, which means they're less likely to leave scraps in the trash, which could cause harm to pets or family members. They're also familiar with different types of windows and are capable of identifying issues that aren't apparent to a homeowner who isn't experienced.

Wear safety goggles and gloves before you begin the process of repairing damaged glass. Even a small break can cause shards to fly off, which could pose a risk to anyone living in or around the home. It's also important to determine the cause of the crack in the first place, as it could help avoid future issues.

Begin by creating an epoxy mixture that has two parts. They are typically 50/50 mix of hardener and resin and they must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture is ready apply it to the glass crack and allow it to dry. It will take just a couple of minutes, but you need to be quick as the mixture is very thick and window repair dries very quickly.

Once the epoxy is dried, you can take off any excess with a putty knife. Then, you'll have to clean the area around the cracked glass. If you do not clean the area in a proper manner, the debris 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.

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

You can make an interim fix when you are unable reach the window in an efficient manner. Apply a small amount silicone sealant around the edges of the broken glass. It won't completely seal the gap between glass and frame, but it will keep the crack in place while you fix it.

Repainting

If your windows with glass are old, you might need to paint them. This is a low-cost alternative to replacing windows and it can give your home a fresh new appearance. Make sure that the surface is clean before painting. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to wash away oil smudges and other residues that could prevent paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to avoid the transfer of oils from your fingers onto the surface. In the end you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a single thick layer. This will make the paint last longer and make your windows appear smooth and even.

If you're planning to repaint your glass windows, be sure you have the proper tools nearby. You'll require brushes or sponges, painter's tap as well as a ruler and toothpicks. You'll need the brushes and paints you will be using on hand. Make sure you adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and be prepared with plenty of patience as it can take a while for the paint to dry.

If you are using solvent-based paints, you must also ensure that the room where you work is well ventilated. This will help to reduce the chance of inhaling toxic chemicals, and also the paint will dry quicker. Also, make sure you have a protective mask for any spray paints that you use.

For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior window repair painting. Clean the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water. Then, apply rubbing alcohol to wash off any grease or oil that might hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure the windows are dry prior to coating them.

If you have energy-efficient double glazing window repairs pane windows on your windows, it may be possible to make an insurance claim for repair or replacement with the window manufacturer or the dealer who sold the windows. This is especially true if your windows are still under warranty and have experienced numerous problems with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

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

You can also seal up the gap between windows and a threshold or sill by using a felt strip, or vinyl v-strip. Felt can be stapled, glued or put in place, but it does not offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strips are easy to install and long-lasting, but can be expensive. It is usually reserved for areas subjected to high abrasion. Door sweeps are affordable and can be fixed to the floor however they provide virtually no barrier between the sill or threshold and dust, air, and debris.

To repair a broken window seal using a putty knife, you need to scrape off the caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection remove the glazing point -- small fasteners with sharp, pointed tips that pin the glass into the recess of the frame. After getting rid of the glazing points clean the grooves, then sand the wood. Wipe off any sanding debris and then seal the unfinished wooden surface with a linseed-oil-based paint or clear sealer.

A putty or caulking knife can be used to apply traditional glazing putty, however a knife will provide the most precise application and a more secure 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 inside edge of the frame, where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the scribed line on glass aligns with the frame's edge. Apply pressure on the glass to force the putty to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound using gloves and then remove any drips or caulk that were not properly applied before it has dried.