Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work up above the ground, navigating huge panes of glass. They work under extreme weather conditions and follow strict safety protocols.

While wearing protective clothing remove all glazing putty and glazing points using a utility knife. A heat gun will help soften and remove the old putty.

Replacement

It is tempting to fix the glass of your window instead of replacing it when the glass breaks. However, replacing a window is typically more cost-effective, and can also aid in preventing other issues with your home's energy efficiency. Take a look at the type of glass that is broken to determine if it's a temporary fix, or if a more permanent solution is needed.

The first step in fixing a broken window is to take off the sash, also known as the frame, 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. Use a utility blade to scrape off the glazing compound, as well as the glazing points that hold the window in place. Keep the track of the components and their locations so that they can be put back in place.

After the frame and sash are removed and the frame is removed, you can begin preparation to install new glass. Make sure you check the opening of the frame is the right 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, buy double-strength glass cut to these exact dimensions. It is recommended to also purchase enough glazier's clips or points to place them every 6 inches around each upvc window repairs pane.

Depending on the window's warranty, this may be covered by the manufacturer in which case you must contact them to file an claim. After the new glass has been installed, it should be covered with a thin coating of glazier's compound. Once the compound has dried, you can paint the frame to match.

If your crack is longer than an inch you can stop it from spreading by cutting an arc that is just a little beyond the crack. This technique isn't 100% infallible, but it will slow the development of the crack to a manageable size until you are able to take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers know how to handle various kinds of glass types, and they have the tools necessary to do a proper job. They also understand the best practices for disposing of waste, so they're less likely to leave scraps behind, which could potentially injure family members or pets. They are also experienced in working with different kinds of windows, and may be able to spot problems that an inexperienced home owner might not be able to notice.

Before beginning the process of fixing cracked window glass, make sure to wear safety goggles and gloves. A small crack could cause glass shards to fly around and pose a risk to anyone inside or around the house. It is important to determine what caused the crack, so that you could prevent future issues.

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

After the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of excess epoxy using a putty blade. You'll need to scrub the cracked glass. If you don't clean the area properly, the residue could cause further damage to the glass. Use a putty blade smooth out the compound around the edge of your window and then match it to the wood frame.

If you want a more durable solution you can consider using a plastic covering. A trash bag that is heavy-duty or tarp is ideal, but you can also use masking tape to cover the glass. This will keep the crack from expanding and will also keep out water, wind, bugs, and debris.

You can come up with an interim solution in the event that you are unable to access the window in a timely manner. Simply apply a small amount of the material around the outside of the broken window. It won't seal the gap between the glass and the frame completely but it will hold the break in place until you are able to fix it.

Repainting

If your windows with glass are old, you might consider repainting them. This is an affordable alternative to window replacement and will give your home a new look. Make sure that the surface is clean prior to painting. Clean the window using soap and water or use ruby alcohol to eliminate oil smudges as well as other residues that could hinder the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to avoid the transfer of oils from your fingers onto the glass. Also, you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a single thick layer. This will help the paint last longer, and ensure that your windows appear smooth and even.

Make sure you have the appropriate tools on hand in case you want to paint glass windows. You'll need a brush, sponge, painter's adhesive, a ruler, toothpicks, as well as a few other tools such as paper towels or a rag. It is also recommended to have the brushes and Window replacement paint you'll be using for the project on hand. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Have patience because it could take a while for the paint to completely dry.

You should also make sure the room you're working in is well ventilated, especially if you're using solvent-based paint. This will help to reduce the chance of inhaling harmful chemicals, and the paint will dry quicker. Use a mask that is protective when using spray paints.

You'll need to wash the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water prior to you paint it. Clean the glass thoroughly with soap and warm water. You can then use rubbing alcohol to scrub away any grease or oil that might hinder the paint's adhesion. Be sure that the windows are dry before you begin to paint them.

If you have energy efficient double pane windows on your windows, it could be possible to submit an insurance claim for repair or replacement with the window replacement company or dealer that sold the windows. This is especially relevant if you've had several issues with broken glass or condensation and the windows are covered under warranty.

Sealing

If you have double-pane windows with damaged seal or more recent insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced defogging or fog, there are many options to fix the issue. The most costly option is to replace the frame and insulated unit but it may be required if fog or condensation is causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with just one pane, or fixing the IGU that is in place by drilling a hole in the bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging product.

You can also close 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 placed in place, but is not a great protection against moisture. Vinyl weather stripping v-strip is durable and easy to install, but it can be costly and is usually reserved for areas that are exposed to high abrasion. Door sweeps are easy to nail in place and are cheap. However, they offer only a small amount of protection between the threshold and the air.

To fix a damaged window seal make use of a putty blade to take off the caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection carefully remove the glazing points -- small fasteners that pin the glass to the frame's recess using sharp and pointed edges. Once you have removed the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood to a smooth finish. Wipe off any sanding debris and then seal the unfinished wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.

A putty or caulking knife can be used to apply traditional glazing putty, however using a knife will give a more precise application, and a better seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for window replacement glass as it will last longer and adhere better.

Apply a thin bead of the putty to the inside edge of the frame where it touches the glass. Slide the window into the frame, so that the scribed 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 gloves and then remove any caulk or drips that were not properly applied before it dries.