How To Beat Your Boss On 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 standards and frequently work in 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 soften the old glue and speed up removal.
Replacement
It's tempting to repair the window glass 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 the efficiency of your home. Take a look at the kind of glass damaged to determine if it's a temporary fix or if a permanent solution is needed.
To fix a damaged window, you must remove the sash or frame and place it flat on the floor. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window's frame and pull out any remaining shards. Use a utility blade to remove the glazing compound, as well as the glazing points that keep the window in place. Keep an eye on the location of these components to ensure that they can be put back in place later.
After you have removed the frame and sash, you can start preparing to replace the glass. Make sure that the opening of the frame is the right size for the replacement window. Take measurements both ways across the opening, and then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement in order to leave the expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, purchase double-strength glass that are 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 window pane.
If the manufacturer is responsible for this then you should call them and submit a claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it needs to be sprayed with a thin layer of the compound used by glaziers. After the compound has dried it is possible to paint the frame to match.
If you have a crack that extends more than an inch, scoring a small arc with a razor blade just beyond the crack will help prevent it from spreading any further. This method isn't infallible, but it will slow the growth of the crack down to a manageable level until you can take more permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors are equipped with the right tools and know how to work with various types of glass. They know how to dispose of waste in a safe manner, so they are less likely than others to leave behind pieces of glass which could cause harm to family members or pets. They are also familiar with working with different kinds of windows, and may be able to spot problems that an inexperienced home owner might not see.
Before you begin the process of repairing cracked window glass, be sure that you wear safety goggles and gloves. A small crack could cause shards of glass to fly around and put anyone at risk within or around the home. It's important to determine what caused the crack, so that you will help prevent any future issues.
Begin by creating an epoxy mixture that has two parts. They typically are composed of a 50/50 blend of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. When the mixture is ready, apply it to the crack in the glass and leave it to dry. It should take only a few minutes, but it's essential to get it done quickly as the mixture is very thick and quick drying.
After the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of any excess with a knife. Then, you'll need to clean the area around the cracked glass. If you don't clean it correctly, the residue could cause further damage to the glass. After the glass has been cleaned using a putty knife, you can use it to smooth the compound along the edges of the window and to align it with the frame of wood.
You could consider using a plastic cover for a more robust option. You can cover the glass using masking tape or a heavy-duty trashbag. This will prevent the crack from spreading and will also keep wind, water and bugs out.
If you're unable to get to the window in a timely manner then you can apply silicone sealant to make a temporary repair. Simply apply a small amount of the stuff around the outside edge of the damaged pane. It won't seal the gap between the frame and glass completely, but it will hold the break in place until you are able to fix it.
Repainting
Repainting old glass windows is a great idea. This is a cost-effective alternative to replace your windows and can give your home a fresh appearance. Make sure the window is clean before painting. Clean the window with water and soap or ruby alcohol to eliminate oil smudges and other traces that could hinder the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent transferring oils from your hands onto the glass. Apply several thin coats instead of a single thick one. This will help the paint last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.
If you're planning on repainting your glass windows, be sure you have the appropriate tools nearby. You'll require a brush or sponge, painter's adhesive, toothpicks, a ruler and other tools, such as a rag or paper towel. You should also have the brushes and paint you'll be using to complete the project. Be sure to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and have a good amount of patience because it may take a while for the paint to dry.
Also, ensure that the area you're working in is well ventilated if you're using solvent-based paint. This will help to reduce the risk of breathing harmful chemicals, and the paint will dry faster. You should also make sure you have a protective mask for any spray paints you use.
For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior to painting. Clean the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water, then use rubbing alcohol to clean off any grease or oil that could affect the adhesion of the paint. Make sure the windows are completely dry before you begin to paint them.
If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, 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 your windows are still under warranty and you've had multiple problems with condensation or broken glass.
Sealing
If you have double-pane windows that have a broken seal or a newer version of insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced defogging, there are several methods to fix the issue. It is the most expensive option to replace the insulated unit as well as the frame. However, it may be necessary if fog or condensation is causing energy losses. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single pane, or fixing the existing IGU by drilling a hole in its bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging agent.
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 can be stapled, glued, or put in place, but it is not a great protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strips are easy to install and long-lasting however it can be expensive. It is typically used in areas that are subject to high abrasion. Door sweeps can be easily nailed in place and are inexpensive. However, they provide little or no protection between the threshold and the air.
To fix a damaged window seal using a putty knife, you need to take off the caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves, pry out the glazing point -- small fasteners with sharp pointed tips that secure the glass into the frame's recess. After taking out the glazing points, clean out the grooves and sand down the wood. Wipe off any sanding debris then seal the wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.
Traditional glazing putty can be applied with a putty knife or caulking gun, but using a knife allows for a more efficient, more precise application and will provide a better seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass, as it is more durable and stick better.
Apply a thin bead of the putty to the inside edge of the frame, where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the scribed line on glass lines up with the frame's edge. read this article to the glass to compress the putty to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound with an ungloved finger and then wipe off any caulk that was applied incorrectly or errant drips before it dries.