Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen are able to maneuver large glass panes from a high point above the ground. They follow strict safety protocols and frequently work in extreme weather conditions.
Wearing protective clothing, take off the metal glazing points and all glazing putty using an utility knife. A heat gun can help soften and remove the old putty.
Replacement
It is tempting to fix the glass on your windows instead of replacing it when a pane breaks. It is cheaper to replace a window and it will also help to avoid other issues in your home's efficiency. You should also consider the type of glass that is damaged to determine if it is a temporary fix or if you'll require a more permanent solution.
The first step to repair broken windows is to remove the sash, or frame, and lay it flat on a table. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window pane and then remove any remaining fragments. Then, use a utility knife to remove the glazing compound and glazing points that keep the glass in place. Be sure to keep an eye on these components and their locations to ensure that they can be put back in place later.
Once the frame and sash are removed and the frame is removed, you can begin preparation to install the new glass. Make sure you check the opening of the frame is the right size for the 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. Then, buy double-strength glasses cut to these exact dimensions. It is a good idea to purchase enough glazier's clips or points to install every 6 inches around the window pane.
Depending on the warranty of the window, this may be covered by the manufacturer in which case you should call them to make a claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it should be sprayed with a thin layer of the compound used by glaziers. After the compound has dried and dry, you can paint it to match the rest of the frame.
If you have a crack that is more than an inch, scoring a small arc with a razor blade that is just above the crack could help stop it from spreading further. This technique isn't 100% foolproof but it will slow down the development of the crack until you are able to take permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors are equipped with the right tools and know how to handle different kinds of glass. They are able to dispose of waste properly and are therefore less likely than others to leave behind scraps that could inflict harm on family pets or family members. They're also accustomed to working with different window types, and they may be able to spot problems that might not be apparent to an inexperienced homeowner.
Before beginning the process of repairing damaged window glass, ensure that you wear safety goggles and gloves. A small crack could cause shards of glass to fly and put anyone at risk within or around the home. It is important to determine the cause of the crack, since this can prevent future issues.
Start by making an epoxy mix that is two-part. They typically are made up of a 50/50 mix of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture is prepared, apply it to the crack in the glass and leave it to dry. It will take just some minutes, but you must be quick because the mixture is extremely thick and drys quickly.
Once the epoxy is dried, you can remove any excess with a knife. The next step is to clean around the cracked glass. If you do not 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 window's edge and then match it to the wood frame.
To make a more durable option think about using a plastic cover. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a heavy-duty trashbag. This will prevent the crack from expanding, and will also keep out wind, water bugs, debris, and water.
You can come up with an interim solution when you are unable access the window in time. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant on the edge of the damaged glass. It won't completely seal the gap between the frame and the glass completely, but it will hold the fracture until you can fix it.
Repainting
If your windows with glass are old, you might want to repaint 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 prior to painting. Wash the window with water and soap or rubbing alcohol to remove oil smudges and other residues that could hinder the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass to avoid the risk of transferring your own oils onto the glass surface. Apply several thin coats instead of just one large coat. This will allow the paint to last longer and make your windows appear smooth and even.
If you're planning on repainting your glass windows, ensure that you have all the right tools at hand. You will need a sponge or brush painter's tap along with a ruler, toothpicks and a ruler. You'll also need the paint and brushes you'll be using for the project in your possession. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Have patience because it could take a while for the paint to fully dry.
Also, ensure that the area you're working in is well ventilated if you're using solvent-based paint. This will reduce the risk of inhaling toxic chemicals, and the paint will dry more quickly. Use a protective mask when using spray paints.
You'll need to wash the glass window thoroughly with warm water and soap before you paint it. Clean the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water. You can then use rubbing alcohol to clean away any grease or oil that could affect the paint's adhesion. Make sure the windows are dry prior to coating them.
If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, then you might be eligible to file a claim with the dealer or window company that sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if your windows are still under warranty and you've experienced numerous issues with condensation or broken glass.
Sealing
Whether you have old double-pane windows with damaged seal or more recent insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging or fog, there are many options to address the issue. The most costly option is to replace the insulated unit and frame however it could be required if fog or condensation are causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single-pane, or repairing it by drilling a small hole through the bottom of the unit and filling the solution with anti-fog.
You can also seal the gap between the window frame and the sill or threshold with a felt strip, vinyl v-strip, or a door sweep. Felt can be stapled, glued, or placed in place, but doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip is easy to put up and is durable, but can be expensive. It is usually used in areas that are subjected to high abrasion. Door sweeps are affordable and can be put to the floor however they provide very little or no protection between the threshold or sill and dust, air, and debris.
To fix a cracked window seal, first 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 pin the glass to the frame's recess. After removing the glazing points, remove the grooves and sand down the wood. Wipe off any sanding debris 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 the traditional glazing putty. However, the use of a knife allows for the most precise application and a stronger seal. Make sure you choose a putty made specifically for glass windows, as it will be more adhesive and long-lasting.
Apply a thin layer on the inside of the frame where it joins the glass. Slide window repairs Rochester into frame so that the scribed line on glass aligns with edge of frame. Apply pressure on the glass to compress the putty into a tight seal. Smooth the compound using a gloved hand and remove any caulk or drips that were not properly applied before it has dried.