15 Gifts For The Glass Window Repair Lover In Your Life

Glass Window Repair

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

While wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and glazing points using a knife. A heat gun can soften the old putty and accelerate the removal process.

Replacement

It is tempting to repair the window glass instead of replacing it when the glass breaks. 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. It is also important to consider the type of glass that is damaged 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 broken windows is to take off the frame, or sash and lay it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, carefully move around and pull out any shards that remain in the window pane. Utilize a utility knife to cut off the glazing compound, and the glazing points that hold the window in place. Keep an eye on the components and their locations so that they can be put back in place.

After the frame and sash have been removed then you can begin the process of preparing to install new glass. Make sure that the opening of the frame is the right size for your replacement window. Measure both ways across the opening, and then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to allow room for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. After that, you can purchase double-strength glasses cut to these exact measurements. 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.

Depending on the warranty of the window the window may be covered by the manufacturer and Glass Window Repair in this case, you should call them to make an claim. Once the new glass is installed, it should be bedded in with a thin coating of the compound used by glaziers. After drying the compound and dry, you can paint it to match the frame of the window.

If you have a crack that is more than an inch, cutting an arc of the edge of a blade just over the crack can help to prevent it from spreading any further. This trick won't be infallible, but it will slow the growth of the crack down to a manageable amount until you can take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window contractors are equipped with the right tools and know how to work with different kinds of glass. They also understand the best ways to dispose of garbage, which means they're less likely to leave crumbs behind, which could potentially injure family members or pets. They're also used to working with different window types and are aware of issues that aren't obvious to a homeowner who isn't experienced.

Wear safety glasses and gloves before you begin the process of repairing cracked glass. A small crack can cause shards to fly off, posing a danger to anyone living in or around the home. It is important to determine what caused the crack, so that you could prevent future issues.

Begin by creating an epoxy mix that is two-part. They are usually composed of a 50/50 blend of hardener and resin. They must be mixed quickly. After the mix has been prepared then apply it directly to the crack and let it dry. It should take only a couple of minutes, but you need to work quickly because the mixture is thick and will dry very quickly.

Once the epoxy has dried, you can remove excess epoxy using a putty blade. Then, you'll have to clean the area around the crack of glass. If you don't do it properly, the residue can cause further damage to the glass. Once the glass is cleaned, use a putty knife to smooth the compound along the edge of the window, and then align it with the wood frame.

For a more durable solution, consider using a plastic covering. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is the best option, but you can also apply masking tape to the glass. This will stop the crack from spreading and will also keep water, wind and insects out.

If you're not able to reach the window quickly, you can use silicone sealant to make a temporary repair. Simply apply a small amount of the substance around the outside edge of the broken pane. It won't completely seal the gap between glass and frame, but it will keep the crack in place while you repair it.

Repainting

Repainting old glass windows is a great idea. This is a low-cost alternative to replace your windows and can provide your home with a new appearance. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Clean the window with 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 while working on glass to avoid transferring your own oils onto the surface of the window. Apply multiple thin coats instead of a single thick one. This will help the paint last longer, and ensure that your windows appear even and smooth.

Make sure you have the right tools available if you plan to repaint glass windows. You'll need either a brush or sponge as well as a painter's tamper, a ruler and toothpicks. You should have the brushes and paints you will be using in your kit. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and be prepared with plenty of patience because it may take a while for the paint to dry.

You should also make sure the room you're working in is ventilated when you're using solvent-based paint. This will decrease the risk of breathing toxic chemicals, and the paint will dry faster. Also, make sure you have a protective mask for any spray paints that you use.

For older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface prior painting. Make use of soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, use rubbing alcohol on any grease or oil residues that could interfere with the paint's adhesion. Make sure that the windows are dry before you begin coating them.

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

Sealing

There are many ways to resolve the issue depending on regardless of whether you have an older double-pane window with cracks in the seal or if you have an upgraded insulation unit (IGU) that has experienced defogging. The most costly option is to replace the insulated unit and frame however it could be required if fog or condensation is causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU by a single pane, or repairing the IGU that is in place by drilling a hole through the bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging solution.

You can also fill in the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill with a felt strip, vinyl v-strip, or a door sweep. Felt can be stapled, glued, or nailed into place but is not a great protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip is easy to install and long-lasting, but can be expensive. It is usually reserved for areas that are exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are easy to nail to the floor and are affordable. However, they provide very little or no protection between the threshold and the air.

To repair a broken window seal, use a putty blade to scrape off the caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection, pry out the glazing point -- small fasteners with sharp pointed tips that hold the glass in the recess of the frame. Once you have removed the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood to a smooth finish. Wipe away any sanding sludge and then seal the unfinished wood surface using 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 a more precise application, and a stronger seal. Choose a putty specifically for glass, as it will last longer and will adhere better.

Apply a small amount of the putty to the inside edge of the frame where it touches the glass. Slide the window into frame in a way that the scribed line on the glass is aligned with edge of frame. Apply pressure to the glass in order to compress the putty into a tight seal. Smooth the compound with a gloved hand and remove any drips or caulk that were not applied correctly before it has dried.