Professional window repair men are able to move large glass panes from a height higher than the ground. They adhere to strict safety guidelines and are often working in harsh weather conditions.
While wearing protective clothing remove all glazing putty and glazing points with a utility knife. A heat gun can to soften and take off the old putty.
Replacement
It can be tempting to repair the glass on your windows instead of replacing it if a pane breaks. It is cheaper to replace a window, and it can also help avoid other issues that could affect your home's efficiency. Consider the type of glass that is broken to determine whether it's a temporary fix, or if a permanent solution is required.
To fix a damaged window, remove the frame or sash and place it flat on your work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently move the frame and remove any shards that remain in the window. Then, use a utility knife to remove the glazing compound and points that help to hold the glass in the position. Make sure you keep the track of the location of these components so that they can be replaced later.
After the frame and sash have been removed then you can begin the process of preparing to install the new glass. Before you begin, make sure that the opening in the frame is properly 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 that are cut to these exact dimensions. It is a good idea also to purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to be installed every 6 inches around each window pane.
Depending on the window's warranty, this may be covered by the manufacturer, in which case you must contact them to file a claim. After the new glass has been installed it is crucial to cover it with a thin layer glaziers compound. After drying the compound, you can paint it to match the rest of the window frame.
If your crack is longer than an inch you can stop it from expanding by slicing a small arc just beyond the crack. This trick is not foolproof but it will slow down the progression of the cracked until you are able to take permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window installers have the proper tools and know how to work with various types of glass. They also know the best practices for disposing of garbage, which means they're less likely to leave scraps that are left behind, which could cause harm to pets or family members. They're also familiar with various types of windows, and they may be able to spot problems that aren't apparent to an inexperienced homeowner.
Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to starting repair work on cracked glass. A small crack could cause shards of glass to fly away and could pose a danger to anyone in or around the home. It is important to determine the cause of the crack, as this could prevent future issues.
Make a two-part mix of epoxy. They are typically 50/50 mixture of resin and hardener, and they must be quickly mixed. After the mix has been made and applied, simply apply it to the crack and let it dry. This should only take some minutes, but it's essential to work quickly since the mixture is very dense and quick drying.
Once the epoxy is dried, you can take off any excess using a putty knife. You'll then need to clean the cracks in the glass. If you do not clean the area properly the leftovers could cause further damage to the glass. After cleaning the glass with a putty blade, use it to smooth the compound along the edge of the window, and then align it with the wood frame.
Think about using a plastic lid for a more robust option. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a sturdy trash bag. This will stop the crack from spreading, and will also keep wind, water and insects out.
You can create an interim solution when you are unable get to the window in a timely manner. Simply run a bead of the stuff around the outside edge of the broken pane. It won't completely seal the gap between the frame and the glass completely, but it will hold the fracture until you can repair it.
Repainting
If your windows with glass are old, you might consider repainting them. This is a cost-effective alternative to replacing windows and can give your home a fresh new look. Make sure the surface is clean prior to painting. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to wash away oil smudges, as well as other traces of dirt that can hinder paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent the transfer of oils from your hands onto the surface. Apply several thin coats rather than a single thick one. This will help the paint last longer and will keep your windows looking smooth and even.
Make sure you have the right tools in your arsenal when you are planning to repaint glass windows. You will need a sponge or brush, painter's tap, a ruler and toothpicks. You should also have the brushes and paint you'll use to complete the project. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Be patient, as it may take some time for the paint to completely dry.
You should also make sure the room you're working in is ventilated when you're using solvent-based paint. This will reduce the chance of breathing into harmful chemicals and allow the paint to dry faster. Also, make sure you have a mask to protect yourself for any spray paints you use.
For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface before painting. Use soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, rub alcohol on any grease or oil residues that might hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are completely dry before you begin coating them.
If you have energy efficient double pane windows on your windows, it might be possible to file claims for repair or replacement with the company that makes the windows or the dealer who sold the windows. This is particularly true if the windows are still under warranty and you've had multiple problems with condensation or broken glass.
Sealing
There are many ways to resolve the issue, regardless of whether you have an older double-pane window with cracks in the seal, or if you own an insulated unit (IGU) that has experienced fogging. The most expensive option is to replace the insulated unit and frame, but it may be required if fog or condensation is causing energy loss. Other alternatives include replacing the current IGU with a single-pane, or repair it by drilling a small hole in 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 with a felt strip, vinyl v-strip, or a door sweep. Felt is cheap and can be glued, nailed, or stapled into place but it doesn't provide much protection from moisture. Vinyl weather stripping v-strip is durable and easy to put in however it can be expensive and is usually reserved for areas that are exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps can be easily nailed in place and are cheap. However, they offer very little or no protection between the threshold and the air.
To fix a damaged window seal make use of a putty blade to scrape off the caulk. Wearing protective eyewear and gloves carefully remove the glazing points -- small fasteners that fix the glass to the frame's recess, with sharp, pointed edges. After removing the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood to a smooth finish. Clean any sanding dust and then seal the unfinished wooden surface with a linseed-oil-based paint or clear sealer.
Traditional glazing putty is applied using the help of a putty blade or caulking gun, however the knife is a better precision and precise application. It also creates a better seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass, since it will be more durable and will 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 glass aligns with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to force the putty and create a tight seal. Smooth the compound with an ungloved finger and clean up any caulk that is applied incorrectly or spills that are not properly wiped away before it is dry.
