A List Of Common Errors That People Make With Glass Window Repair
Glass Window Repair
Professional window repair men work high above the ground, moving huge glass panes. They work under extreme conditions and follow strict safety guidelines.
Wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and glazing points using a utility knife. A heat gun can to soften the old putty and speed up removal.
Replacement
It can be tempting to fix the window glass instead of replacing it if a pane breaks. It is cheaper to replace a window and it can also help prevent other problems in your home's efficiency. You should also consider the type of glass that's damaged to determine if it is an interim fix or if you will need to invest in an alternative that is more durable.
To fix a broken window, you must remove the sash or frame and lay it flat on the work surface. While wearing eye protection, carefully move around and pull out any remaining shards in the window pane. Then, use a knife to cut off the glazing compound and points that hold the glass in place. Keep track of the components and their location so that they can be put back in place.
After the frame and sash are removed then you can begin the process of preparing to install new glass. Make sure you check the opening of the frame is the proper size for your replacement window. To allow for expansion and contraction of the glass and frame and contraction, measure both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, you can purchase double-strength glasses that are cut to these exact dimensions. It is a good idea also to purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to install every 6 inches around each window pane.
If the manufacturer is accountable then you should call them and file an claim. After the new glass has been put in place it is essential to cover it with a thin layer of glaziers compound. After the compound has dried then you can paint it to match the rest of the frame.
If you have a crack that extends more than an inch, scoring an arc of the edge of a blade just over 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 more permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window installers are equipped with the appropriate tools and know how to handle different kinds of glass. They are able to dispose of waste safely, so they are less likely than other contractors to leave behind pieces of glass that could inflict harm on family members or pets. They're also accustomed to working with different kinds of windows, and may be able to spot issues that a home owner with no experience would not notice.
Wear safety glasses and gloves before you begin the process of repairing cracked glass. A small crack could cause shards of glass to fly around and put anyone at risk within or around the home. It's also important to determine the cause of the crack in the first place, since it could help avoid future problems.
Make a two-part mix of epoxy. They usually consist of a 50/50 mixture of hardener and resin. They must be mixed quickly. When the mixture is ready apply it to the crack in the glass and leave it to dry. It should only take about a few minutes, but you need to be quick because the mixture is thick and drys very quickly.
After the epoxy has dried, you can take off excess epoxy using a putty blade. Then, you'll have to clean the area around the broken glass. If you don't clean the area properly, the residue could cause further damage to your glass. Once the glass is cleaned with a putty blade, use it to smooth the compound along the edge of the window and match it to the frame of wood.
Think about using a plastic lid for a more robust option. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a strong-duty trash bag. This will prevent the crack from spreading and will also keep water, wind and bugs out.
You can come up with an interim solution if you are unable to get to the window in a timely manner. Simply run a bead of the substance around the outside of the broken window. It won't completely seal the gap between the frame and the glass completely however it will keep the break in place until you can repair it.
Repainting
Repainting old glass windows is a great idea. This is a cost-effective alternative to replacing windows, and can give your home a fresh new appearance. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to get rid of oil smudges, as well as other residues that could prevent paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to avoid the transfer of oils from your hands onto the surface. Also, you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a single thick layer. This will make the paint last longer and will keep your windows looking smooth and even.
If you're planning to repaint your glass windows, ensure that you have the appropriate tools nearby. You will need a sponge or brush painter's tap, a ruler and toothpicks. You should also have the brushes and paint you'll need to complete the project. Follow the manufacturer's directions. Have patience because it could take some time for the paint to fully dry.
It is also important to ensure that the room you're working in is ventilated when you're using solvent-based paint. This will 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 you apply.
For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior painting. Clean the glass thoroughly with soap and warm water. You can then use rubbing alcohol to clean off any oil or grease that could hinder adhesion of the paint. Make sure the windows are completely dry before you begin to paint them.
If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, then you might be able to submit a claim to the window manufacturer or dealer that sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if the windows are still under warranty and you've experienced several issues with condensation or broken glass.
Sealing
If you have double-pane windows that have a broken seal or a newer version of insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging or fog, there are many options to fix the issue. It is the most expensive option to replace both the IGU that is insulated as well as the frame. However, it could be necessary if condensation or fog is causing energy losses. Other options include replacing the existing IGU with a single pane or fixing it by drilling a small hole into the bottom of the unit, and then filling the solution with anti-fog.
You can also fill in the gap between the window frame and the sill or threshold by using a felt strip, vinyl v-strip, or a door sweep. Felt is inexpensive and can be fixed with glue, nailed, or stapled into place but it doesn't provide a lot of protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strip is easy to put up and is durable however it can be expensive. It is typically reserved for areas subjected to high abrasion. Door sweeps are easy to nail in place and are inexpensive. However, they provide very little or no protection between the threshold and air.
To fix a cracked window seal first, use a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves, carefully pry out the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that pin the glass into the frame's recess, with sharp, pointed edges. After removing the glazing points, clean out the grooves and sand the wood. Clean 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 either a putty knife or a caulking gun. However, the knife is a better precision and precise application. It also provides a stronger seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass, as it will last longer and will adhere better.
Apply a thin bead of the putty to the inner edge of the frame where it touches the glass. Slide the window into the frame, so that the cut line on the glass aligns with the frame's edge. Apply pressure on the glass to press the putty and create a tight seal. Smooth the compound using an ungloved finger, and wipe away any caulk that was applied incorrectly or spills that are not properly wiped away prior to drying.