5 Laws Anybody Working In Glass Window Repair Should Know

Glass Window Repair
Professional window repair men are able to move large panes of tempered glass from a high point above the ground. They adhere to strict safety standards and often work under extreme weather conditions.
Wearing protective clothing, cut off the metal glazing points and all glazing putty with an utility knife. A heat gun may help to soften the old putty and make it easier to remove.
Replacement
It's tempting to fix the glass of your window instead of replacing it if a pane breaks. However, replacing a window is often more cost-effective and can aid in preventing other issues that could affect your home's energy efficiency. You should also consider the kind of glass that is broken to determine if it is temporary or if you will need to invest in an alternative that is more durable.
To repair a broken window, remove the frame or sash and place it on the floor. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window pane and then remove any remaining fragments. Utilize a utility knife to cut off the glazing compound, and the glazing points that keep the window in place. Be sure to keep track of these components and their locations to ensure that they can be put back in place later.
After you have removed the frame and sash, you can begin to prepare to replace the 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. Afterwards, purchase double-strength glass cut to these exact measurements. It is recommended to purchase enough glazier's clips or points to be installed 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 must contact the company to file an claim. After the new glass has been put in place it is essential to cover it with a thin layer 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 is more than an inch, cutting an arc of a razor blade just beyond the crack can help to stop it from spreading further. This trick won't be foolproof, but it can slow the development of the crack down to a manageable amount until you are able to take more permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors are equipped with the right tools and know how to work with different types of glass. They know how to dispose of waste safely which means they are less likely than other people to leave behind pieces of glass which could cause harm to family members or pets. They're also accustomed to working with different kinds of windows, and may be able spot problems that a home owner with no experience would not notice.
Before you begin the process of repairing cracked window glass, be sure that you wear safety goggles and gloves. Even a tiny crack can cause glass shards to fly and put anyone at risk in or around the home. It is crucial to determine the cause of the crack, as this could prevent future problems.
Start by making an epoxy mix that is two-part. They usually consist of a 50/50 mixture of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture has been made then apply it directly to the crack and let it dry. It should take only about a few minutes, but you need to be quick as the mixture is extremely thick and dries quickly.
After the epoxy has dried, you can remove any excess with a putty knife. Then, you'll need to clean the area around the cracked glass. If you don't do this correctly, the resulting residue could cause further damage to the glass. Use a putty blade smooth out the compound around the edge of your window and match it with the frame made of wood.
You could consider using a plastic cover for a more durable option. A trash bag that is heavy-duty or tarp is ideal, however you can also apply masking tape to the glass. This will prevent the crack from expanding and will also block out wind, water, bugs, and debris.
If you're not able to reach the window in a timely manner then you can apply silicone sealant to create a temporary repair. Apply a small amount silicone sealant on the edge of the broken glass. It won't fully seal the gap between frame and glass however it will keep the broken piece in place while you repair it.
Repainting
Repainting your old glass windows is a good idea. This is an affordable alternative to replacing windows and give your home a fresh appearance. Make sure that the surface is clean prior to painting. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to get rid of oil smudges, and other residues that could prevent paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves while working on glass to avoid transferring your own oils onto the surface of the window. Apply several thin coats rather than just one large coat. This will make the paint last longer and will keep your windows looking smooth and even.
Make sure you have the right tools on hand if you plan to repaint glass windows. You will need brushes or sponges, painter's tap as well as a ruler and toothpicks. It is also recommended to have the brushes and paint you'll need for the project in your possession. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Be patient as it can take some time for the paint to fully dry.
You should also make sure the space you're working is ventilated when you're using solvent-based paint. This will lower the risk of breathing into harmful chemicals and allow the paint to dry quicker. Use a protective mask when using spray paints.
For older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface before painting. Clean the glass thoroughly with soap and warm water. Then, apply rubbing alcohol to wash off any grease or oil that could affect the paint's adhesion. Be sure that the windows are dry before you begin painting them.
If you have energy efficient double pane windows on your windows, it could be possible to file a claim for repair or replacement with the window manufacturer or dealer who sold the windows. This is especially the case if you've experienced multiple problems with condensation or broken glass even though the windows are covered under warranty.
Sealing
There are a variety of options to resolve the issue, regardless of whether you have an old double-pane window that has a cracked seal, or if you own an upgraded IGU (IGU) that has experienced defogging. The most expensive option is to replace the frame and insulated unit but it may be required if fog or condensation cause energy loss. Other options include replacing the existing IGU with a single-pane, or repair it by drilling a small hole through the bottom of the unit and filling the solution with anti-fog.
You can also seal up the gap between a window frame and a sill or threshold with a felt strip or vinyl V-strip. Felt is inexpensive and can be glued, nailed or stapled in place but it doesn't provide a lot of protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strips are simple to install and long-lasting however, it can be costly. It is typically used in areas that are subject to high abrasion. Door sweeps are inexpensive and can be nailed into place however they provide virtually no barrier between the threshold or sill and dust, air and debris.
To repair a broken window seal make use of a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves carefully remove the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that hold the glass into the frame's recess with sharp and pointed ends. After removing the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood to a smooth finish. Wipe off any sanding debris, then seal the bare 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, using a knife will give a more precise application, and a better seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass windows as it will have higher adhesion and long-lasting.
Apply a thin layer of glue on the inside of the frame where it meets with the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the scribed line on the glass aligns with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure to the glass to press the putty and create a tight seal. Smooth the compound with fingers that are gloved, and wipe away any caulk that is applied incorrectly or spills that are not properly wiped away prior to drying.