Glass Window Repair: What s No One Is Talking About
Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen can maneuver large panes of tempered glass from a high point above the ground. They adhere to strict safety guidelines and are often working in harsh weather conditions.
Wearing protective clothing, remove all glaze putty and glazing points using a utility knife. A heat gun may help soften the old glue and accelerate the removal process.
Replacement
It can be tempting to fix the window glass instead of replacing it if panes break. However, replacing a window is usually more cost-effective and may help prevent other problems with your home's energy efficiency. Consider the kind of glass damaged to determine whether it's a temporary fix or if a permanent solution is required.
To repair a broken window, take off the sash or frame and place it flat on your work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window pane and remove any remaining shards. Use a utility blade to scrape off the glazing compound, and the glazing points that keep the window in place. Be sure to 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 to prepare to replace the glass. Make sure that the opening of the frame is the proper size for the replacement upvc window repair. Measure both ways across the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement in order to leave space for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, you can purchase double-strength glasses that are cut to these exact dimensions. 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 upvc window repairs's warranty it could be covered by the manufacturer in which case you should call the company to file an claim. After the new glass has been installed, it is important to cover it with a thin layer glaziers compound. After letting the compound dry, you can paint it to match the frame of the window.
If you have a crack that is more than an inch, scoring the crack with a razor blade that is just above the crack could help stop it from spreading further. This method isn't infallible, but it will slow the growth of the crack down to a manageable amount until you can take more permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors know how to handle various kinds of glass and have the tools needed to complete a proper job. They know how to dispose of waste properly which means they are less likely than other contractors to leave behind scraps that could inflict harm on family members or pets. They're also accustomed to working with different types of windows and could be able to spot problems that a home owner with no experience would not notice.
Before beginning the process of repairing cracked window glass, ensure to wear safety goggles and gloves. A small crack could cause shards of glass to fly around and put anyone at risk in or around the home. It's important to determine the cause of the crack, as this could prevent future issues.
Create a two-part mixture of epoxy. It is usually 50/50 mixture of resin and hardener, and must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture is prepared, apply it to the glass crack and let it dry. It should take only about a few minutes, but you must be quick because the mixture is extremely thick and drys very quickly.
Once the epoxy is dried, you can remove any excess using a putty knife. Then, you'll have to clean the area around the broken glass. If you do not clean the area correctly, the leftovers could cause further damage to your glass. Make use of a putty knife to smooth the compound around the upvc window repair's edge and match it with the wood frame.
For a more durable solution you can consider using a plastic covering. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is ideal, but you can also apply masking tape to the glass. This will keep the crack from expanding, and will also keep out wind, water, bugs, and debris.
You can come up with a temporary fix if you are unable to reach the window in time. Simply place a tiny amount of the material around the outside edge of the broken window. It won't completely fill the gap between glass and frame, but it will keep the break in place while you fix it.
Repainting
If your glass windows are old, you might want to repaint them. This is a cost-effective alternative to window replacement and will give your home a fresh new look. Make sure that the surface is clean before painting. Clean the window with water and soap or ruby alcohol to get rid of oil smudges and other traces 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 a single thick one. This will allow the paint to last longer and make your windows appear smooth and even.
Make sure you have the proper tools in your arsenal if you plan to repaint glass windows. You'll need 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. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions and be prepared with plenty of patience as it can take awhile for the paint to dry.
If you're using solvent-based paints, you must make sure that the area where you work is well-ventilated. This will reduce the chance of breathing in toxic chemicals and allow the paint to dry more quickly. Use a mask that is protective when using spray paints.
For older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface before painting. Clean the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water. Then, use rubbing alcohol to scrub away any grease or oil that might hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure the windows are completely dry before you begin coating them.
If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, you may be eligible to make a claim with the window manufacturer or dealer who sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if your windows are still under warranty and have experienced numerous issues with condensation or broken glass.
Sealing
There are a variety of options to address the issue depending on regardless of whether you have an old double-pane glass with a cracked seal, or if you have a newer insulation unit (IGU) that has experienced defogging. The most costly option is to replace the insulated unit and frame but it may be necessary if condensation or fog cause energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single-pane, or fixing it by drilling a small hole into the bottom of the unit and filling the solution with anti-fog.
You can also seal the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill by using a felt strip vinyl v-strips, or door sweep. Felt is affordable and can be fixed by gluing, nailing or stapled to the frame however it doesn't provide a lot of protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strip weather stripping is durable and easy to put in however, it can be expensive and is usually reserved for areas exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are affordable and can be nailed into place, but they create virtually no barrier between the threshold or sill and air, dust, and other debris.
To repair a cracked window seal first, you must use a putty knife to take off the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and Contractor gloves take care to remove the glazing points -- small fasteners that pin the glass in the frame's recess with sharp, pointed ends. After removing the glazing points, remove the grooves and sand the wood. Wipe off any sanding debris then seal the 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 the use of a knife allows for the most precise application and a stronger seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass as it will last longer and will adhere better.
Apply a thin layer of glue across the inside of the frame, where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the drawn line on the glass lines up with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure to the glass to force the putty and glass into an elongated seal. Smooth the compound using fingers that are gloved and then wipe off any caulk that was applied incorrectly or drips that have escaped before it is dry.