Professional window repair men can maneuver large glass panes from a high point above the ground. They work under extreme weather conditions and follow strict safety protocols.
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 can be tempting to repair the glass on your windows instead of replacing it when panes break. It is more cost-effective to replace windows and it can also help you to avoid other issues in the efficiency of your home. You should also take into consideration the kind of glass that is broken to determine if this is a temporary fix or if you will need to invest in a more permanent solution.
The first step to repair damaged windows is to take off the frame, or sash, and lay it flat on a table. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window pane and remove any remaining fragments. Then, use a knife to cut off the glazing compound and points that help to hold the glass in place. Keep track of the components and where they are so that they can be put back in place.
After the frame and sash are removed, you can begin preparing to install the new glass. Before you begin make sure that the opening in the frame is sized for your replacement window. Measure both ways across the opening, and then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to give 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 the window pane.
If the manufacturer is responsible, you can call them and file a claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it needs to be bedded in with a thin coating of glazier's compound. After the compound is dry it is possible to paint the frame to be a perfect match.
If your crack is more than an inch You can stop it from expanding by scoring an arc that is just a little beyond the crack. This method isn't completely foolproof, but it could slow the development of the crack down to a manageable amount until you are able to take more permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors know how to handle various kinds of glass and have the tools needed to complete the job correctly. They know how to dispose of waste in a safe manner, so they are less likely than other people to leave behind pieces of glass that could harm family pets or family members. They are also experienced in working with different types of windows, and may be able spot problems that an inexperienced home owner would not notice.
Before you begin the process of repairing cracked window glass, be sure to wear safety goggles and gloves. Even a small crack can cause glass shards to fly away and could pose a danger to anyone in or around the home. It is important to determine what caused the crack, as this will help prevent any future issues.
Make a two-part mix of epoxy. These are usually 50/50 mix of resin and hardener, and they need to be quickly mixed. After the mix has been made then apply it directly to the crack and let it dry. It should take only a few minutes, but it's essential to get it done quickly as the mixture is extremely thick and quick drying.
After the epoxy has dried, you can take off any excess with a knife. You'll then need to clean the cracks in the glass. If you do not clean the area correctly the leftovers could cause further damage to the glass. After cleaning the glass using a putty knife, you can use it to smooth the compound along the edge of the window and to align it with the frame of wood.
For a more durable solution, consider using a plastic cover. You can cover the glass using masking tape or a strong-duty trash bag. This will stop the crack from spreading, and will also keep wind, water and insects out.
You can create an interim fix when you are unable reach the window in time. Simply apply a small amount of the material around the outside of the broken pane. It won't seal the gap between the glass and the frame completely however it will keep the break in place until you can fix it.
Repainting
Repainting your old glass windows is a great idea. This is a cost-effective alternative to window replacement and will give your home a new look. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to wash away oil smudges, as well as other residues that could prevent paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to avoid transferring oils from your hands onto the surface. Apply several thin coats instead of just one large coat. This will help the paint last longer and make your windows appear smooth and even.
Make sure you have the right tools in your arsenal in case you want to paint glass windows. You will need a sponge or brush painter's tap, a ruler and toothpicks. You'll also need the paint and brushes you'll be using for the project in your possession. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Be patient as it can take a while for the paint to fully dry.
You should also make sure the space you're working is well ventilated if you're using solvent-based paint. This will decrease the risk of breathing in toxic chemicals and allow the paint to dry more quickly. You should 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 before painting. Clean the glass thoroughly with soap and warm water, then use rubbing alcohol to scrub off any oil or grease that might hinder the adhesion of the paint. Make sure that the windows are dry before you start coating them.
If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, you might be in a position to make a claim with the dealer or window company that sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is particularly relevant if you've had numerous issues with broken glass or condensation and the windows are covered by warranty.
Sealing
There are many ways to resolve the issue, regardless of whether you have an old double-pane window that has a cracked 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 options include replacing the IGU with just one pane, or fixing the existing IGU by drilling a hole through the bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging product.
You can also fill in the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill with a felt strip, vinyl v-strip, or a door sweep. Felt is affordable and can be fixed with glue, nailed or stapled in place, but it does not provide much protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strip weather stripping is durable and simple to install however, it can be expensive and is usually used for areas that are subject to high abrasion. Door sweeps are inexpensive and can be fixed to the floor but they create little to no barrier between the sill or threshold and dust, air, and other debris.
To repair a damaged window seal first, you must use a putty knife to remove the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection take out the glazing point, which are small fasteners with sharp, pointed tips that pin the glass into the recess of the frame. Once you have removed the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood until it is smooth. Clean any sanding residue, then seal the bare wood using a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.
Traditional glazing putty can be applied using the help of a putty blade or caulking gun. However, a knife provides a better, more precise application and creates a better seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass windows, as it has better adhesion and durability.
Apply a small amount of the putty to the inner edge of the frame where it touches the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the scribed line on glass aligns with the frame's edge. Apply pressure on the glass to force the putty and glass into a tight seal. Smooth the compound with a gloved hand and remove any drips or caulk that were not applied correctly before it dries.
