The 15 Things Your Boss Wished You'd Known About Glass Window Repair
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Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen are able to move large panes of tempered glass from a height higher than the ground. They work under extreme weather conditions and follow strict safety protocols.
Wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and glazing points with a utility knife. A heat gun may help to soften the old putty and make it easier to remove.
Replacement
If a window pane breaks, it could be tempting to repair the glass instead of replace it. It is cheaper to replace windows and it can also help to avoid other issues in your home's efficiency. You should also take into consideration the type of glass that is damaged to determine if it is a temporary fix or if you'll need to invest in a more permanent solution.
The first step in fixing damaged windows is to take off the sash, also known as the frame and place it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window's frame and then remove any remaining fragments. Then, use a utility knife to cut off the glazing compound as well as the glazing points that hold the glass in place. Keep an eye on the location of these components so that they can be put back in place later.
After you've removed the frame and sash, you can begin preparing to replace the glass. Before doing this, make sure that the opening in the frame is size for the replacement window. To allow for frame and glass expansion and contraction take measurements in both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, buy double-strength glasses cut to these exact dimensions. It is also an excellent idea to buy enough new glazier's clips or glazier's points to be installed every 6 inches around the window pane.
Depending on the window's warranty, this may be covered by the manufacturer and in this case, you need to contact the company to file an claim. After the new glass has been erected, it is important to cover it with a thin layer glaziers compound. Once the compound is dry, you can paint the frame to match.
If you have a crack that is more than an inch, cutting a small arc with a razor blade just beyond the crack could help stop it from spreading further. This method isn't foolproof, but it will slow down the progression of the cracked until you can take permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window installers are equipped with the appropriate tools and know how to work with different kinds of glass. They are able to dispose of waste safely and are therefore less likely than other people to leave behind pieces of glass that could inflict harm on family pets or members of the family. They are also familiar with working with various types of windows, and may be able to spot issues that an inexperienced home owner might not see.
Before beginning the process of fixing cracked window glass, be sure that you wear safety goggles and gloves. Even a small break can cause shards to fly, which could pose a risk to anyone who lives in or around the home. It's also crucial to determine what caused the crack in the first place, as it can help prevent future problems.
Make a two-part mixture of epoxy. They are typically a 50/50 mix of hardener and resin and must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture has been made, apply it directly to the crack and allow it to dry. It should only take some minutes, but it is important to be quick because the mixture is very thick and drys very quickly.
After the epoxy has dried, you can take off excess epoxy with a blade. Then, you'll need to clean the area around the broken glass. If you don't clean the area correctly the debris could cause further damage to your glass. Make use of a putty knife to smooth the compound around the edge of your window and match it to the frame of wood.
For a more durable solution think about using a plastic cover. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is ideal, but you can also use masking tape to cover the glass. This will prevent the crack from growing and will also block out water, wind insects, water, and other debris.
If you're unable to get to the window quickly, you can use silicone sealant to create temporary repairs. Apply a small amount silicone sealant around the edge of the damaged glass. It won't fully seal the gap between the frame and glass, but it will keep the broken piece in place while you repair it.
Repainting
If your glass windows are old, you may want to repaint them. This is a low-cost alternative to replacing your windows and will provide your home with a new appearance. Make sure the surface is clean before painting. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to get rid of oil smudges, as well as other traces of dirt that can hinder paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent the transfer of oils from your hands onto the surface. Apply several thin coats rather than a single thick one. This will allow the paint to last longer and will keep your windows looking even and smooth.
Make sure you have the right tools available if you plan to repaint glass windows. You'll require brushes or sponges as well as a painter's tamper, a ruler and toothpicks. You should have the paints and brushes that you'll use in your kit. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and have plenty of patience because it may take some time for the paint to dry.
If you are using solvent-based paints, you must also ensure that the space where you work is well ventilated. This will decrease the risk of breathing into harmful chemicals and allow the paint to dry faster. Wear a mask to protect yourself when using spray paints.
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 oil or grease residues that could interfere with the adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are dry before you begin painting them.
If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, you might be eligible to file a claim with the window company or dealer who sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially relevant if you've had multiple problems with condensation or broken glass even though the windows are covered by warranty.
Sealing
There are many ways to resolve the issue regardless glazing repairs of regardless of whether you have an older double-pane glass with cracks in the seal or if you have an insulation unit (IGU) that has experienced fogging. The most costly option is to replace the frame and insulated unit however it could be required if fog or condensation cause energy loss. Other alternatives include replacing the current IGU with a single-pane, or repairing it by drilling a small hole in the bottom of the unit and then filling the solution with anti-fog.
You can also close the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill by using a felt strip or vinyl V-strip. Felt is inexpensive and can be fixed by gluing, nailing or stapled to the frame but it doesn't provide a lot of protection from moisture. Vinyl weather stripping that is v-strip is strong and easy to put in however it is costly and is generally used for areas that are subject to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps can be easily nailed in place and are inexpensive. However, they provide little or no protection between the threshold and the air.
To fix a damaged window seal make use of a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves take out the glazing point -- small fasteners with sharp, pointed tips that pin the glass into the frame's recess. Once you have removed the glazing points, scrub the grooves and sand the wood to a smooth finish. Wipe away any sanding residue, then seal the bare wood with a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.
Traditional glazing putty can be applied using a putty knife or caulking gun, but using a knife allows for a more efficient, more precise application and provides a stronger seal. Choose a putty specifically for glass, as it is more durable and stick better.
Apply a thin layer across the inside of the frame where it meets with the glass. Slide the window into the frame, so 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 glass to form an elongated seal. Smooth the compound using an ungloved finger and then wipe off any mistakenly applied caulk or drips that have escaped before it is dry.