The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Glass Window Repair

Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen can maneuver large glass panes from a high point above the ground. They adhere to strict safety guidelines and often work under harsh weather conditions.
Wearing protective clothing, remove all glaze putty and glazing points with a utility knife. A heat gun may help soften the old putty and accelerate the removal process.
Replacement
If a window pane breaks, it could be tempting to repair the glass rather than replace it. However, replacing windows is typically more cost-effective and may aid in preventing other issues with your home's energy efficiency. Take a look at the type of broken glass to determine if it's a temporary fix, or if a long-term solution is required.
The first step in fixing a broken window is to remove the sash, also known as the frame and lay it flat on a table. While wearing eye protection, carefully move around and pull out any shards that remain within the window. Then, use a utility knife to peel off the glazing compound and points that keep the glass in the position. Be sure to keep track of the location of these components to ensure 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. Make sure you check the opening of the frame is of the correct size for the replacement window. To allow for the expansion of the frame and glass and contraction to both directions, measure the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. After that, you can purchase double-strength glasses cut to these exact dimensions. It is also an excellent idea to buy enough new glazier's points or clips to be placed every 6 inches around the window pane.
Depending on the warranty of the window it could be covered by the manufacturer and in this case, you should call the company to file an claim. Once the new glass is installed, it should be sprayed with a thin coating of the compound used by glaziers. After letting the compound dry then you can paint it to match the rest of the window frame.
If the crack is greater than an inch You can stop it from expanding by cutting a small arc just beyond the crack. This method isn't foolproof, but it will slow down the progression of the cracked until you can take more permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors are trained to handle a variety of glass types, and they have the tools needed to complete an excellent job. They are able to dispose of waste safely which means they are less likely than other contractors to leave behind scraps that could inflict harm on family pets or members of the family. They are also familiar with working with various types of windows and could be able spot problems that an inexperienced home owner might not be able to notice.
Before you begin the process of fixing cracked window glass, make sure to wear safety goggles and gloves. A minor crack could cause shards to fly, which could pose a risk to anyone who lives in or around the home. It is also crucial to determine the cause of the crack in the first place, since it could help avoid future problems.
Begin by creating a two-part epoxy mixture. They are typically 50/50 mixture of hardener and resin and they must be quickly mixed. Once the mixture is ready put it in the glass crack and let it dry. It should only take some minutes, but you must be quick because the mixture is extremely thick and will dry very quickly.
Once the epoxy is dried, you can get rid of any excess with a putty knife. You'll then need to scrub the cracked glass. If you don't do this correctly, the residue could cause further damage to the glass. Once the glass is cleaned, use a putty knife to smooth the compound along the edge of the window and match it with the frame 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, but you can also use masking tape to cover the glass. This will keep the crack from growing and will also block out water, wind insects, water, and other debris.
You can come up with an interim fix when you are unable access the window in a timely manner. Simply run a bead of the substance around the outside edge of the broken window. It won't completely seal the gap between the frame and glass completely, but it will hold the break in place until you can repair it.
Repainting
Repainting your old glass windows is a good idea. This is an affordable alternative to replace your windows and can give your home a fresh appearance. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to get rid of oil smudges and other residues which can prevent paint from adhering. It is also recommended to wear rubber gloves while working on glass to avoid transferring your own oils onto the window's surface. Apply multiple thin coats instead of a single thick one. This will allow the paint to last longer, and ensure that 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'll need a brush, sponge, painter's tape, toothpicks, a ruler and other tools like a rag or paper towel. You should also have the brushes and paint you'll use for the project on hand. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions and have a good amount of patience as it can take some time for the paint to dry.
If you are using solvent-based paint, you should make sure that the area in which you work is well ventilated. This will decrease the risk 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, you'll need to prepare the surface before painting. Make use of 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 the windows are completely dried before you begin to paint them.
If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, then you might be in a position to submit a claim to the window manufacturer or dealer who sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if the windows are still under warranty and you've experienced numerous issues with condensation or broken glass.
Sealing
There are several ways to fix the problem regardless of regardless of whether you have an older double-pane glass with a cracked seal, or if you own a newer insulated unit (IGU) that has experienced fogging. It is the most expensive option to replace both the insulated unit as well as the frame. However, it may be required in situations where condensation or fog is causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single-pane, or repairing it by drilling a small hole through the bottom of the unit and filling the solution with anti-fog.
You can also fill in the gap between the window frame and the sill or threshold by using a felt strip, vinyl v-strip, or a door sweep. Felt is affordable and can be glued, nailed or stapled in place however it doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip is easy to install and long-lasting however it can be expensive. Source is usually used in areas that are subjected to high abrasion. Door sweeps are inexpensive and can be nailed to the floor however they provide very little or no protection between the sill or threshold and dust, air and other debris.
To repair a cracked window seal, first employ a putty knife to scrape off the caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection, pry out the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp pointed tips that hold the glass to the frame's recess. After getting rid of the glazing points clean out the grooves and sand down the wood. Wipe off any sanding debris, then seal the bare wooden surface with a linseed-oil-based paint or clear sealer.
Traditional glazing putty is applied using a putty knife or caulking gun. However, a knife provides a better precision and precise application. It also provides a stronger seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass, since it is more durable and stick better.
Apply a thin bead of the putty on the inside edge of the frame where it meets the glass. Slide the window into frame so that scribed line on the glass is aligned with edge of frame. Apply pressure to the glass to compress the putty into a tight seal. Smooth the compound using gloves and get rid of any caulk or drips that were not applied correctly before it dries.