10 Myths Your Boss Is Spreading About Glass Window Repair
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Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen are able to move large glass panes from a height above the ground. They work in extreme weather conditions and follow strict safety protocols.
Wearing protective clothing, remove the glazing points made of metal and the glazing putty by using a utility knife. A heat gun may help soften the old glue and speed up removal.
Replacement
It can be tempting to fix the glass of your window instead of replacing it when a pane breaks. However, replacing a window is often more cost-effective and may aid in preventing other issues that could affect your home's energy efficiency. Examine the type of broken glass to determine whether it's a temporary fix or if a more permanent solution is required.
The first step to repair damaged windows is to remove the sash, or frame, and lay it flat on a table. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window's frame and then remove any remaining shards. Use a utility blade to remove the glazing compound and the glazing points that keep the window in place. Keep track of the components and where they are so that they can be put back in place.
After removing the frame and sash, you can begin preparing to replace the glass. Make sure that the opening of the frame is the right size for your replacement window. Measure both ways across the opening, and then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to give space for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, you can purchase double-strength glasses cut to these exact dimensions. It is a good idea to purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to install every 6 inches around each window pane.
Depending on the warranty of the window it could be covered by the manufacturer in which case you should call them to file a claim. Once the new glass is installed, it needs to be sprayed with a thin coating of the compound used by glaziers. Once the compound is dry, you can paint the frame to match.
If you have a crack that extends more than an inch, scoring the crack with the edge of a blade just over the crack can help to stop it from spreading further. This technique isn't 100% foolproof but it will slow down the growth of the cracked until you can take permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window installers are equipped with the right tools and know how to work with different kinds of glass. They also know the best ways to dispose of garbage, which means they're less likely to leave scraps behind, which could potentially cause harm to pets or family members. They are also familiar with working with various types of windows and could be able to spot issues that a novice home owner might not be able to notice.
Before beginning the process of repairing damaged window glass, ensure to wear safety goggles and gloves. A small crack can cause shards to fly, which could pose a risk to anyone in or around the home. It's important to determine what caused the crack, as this will help prevent any future problems.
Make a two-part mix of epoxy. They usually consist of composed of a 50/50 blend of hardener and resin. They must be mixed quickly. After the mixture is prepared and applied, simply apply it to the crack and allow it to dry. It should take only about a few minutes, but you need to work quickly because the mixture is very thick and drys quickly.
After the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of excess epoxy using a putty blade. You'll then need to scrub the cracked glass. If you do not clean the area correctly, the residue could cause further damage to your glass. After cleaning the glass, use a putty knife to smooth the compound along the edge of the window and match it with the frame of wood.
For a more durable solution, consider using a plastic covering. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is ideal, however you can also apply masking tape to the glass. This will keep the crack from growing and will also keep out water, wind bugs, debris, and water.
If you're unable to get to the window fast enough then you can apply silicone sealant to make an interim repair. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant around the edges of the broken glass. It won't completely fill the gap between frame and glass however it will keep the break in place while you repair it.
Repainting
If your windows with glass are old, you may need to paint them. This is a low-cost alternative to replacing your windows and can give your house a new look. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Clean the window using water and soap or rubbing alcohol to remove oil smudges and other traces which can hinder the paint from adhering. It is also recommended to wear rubber gloves while working on glass to avoid the risk of transferring your own oils onto the surface of the window. Apply multiple thin coats instead of one thick coat. This will make the paint last longer and will keep your windows looking smooth and even.
Make sure you have the appropriate tools available when you are planning to repaint glass windows. You'll require a brush or sponge, painter's tape a ruler, toothpicks, and other tools such as paper towels or a rag. You'll need the paints and brushes that you'll use on hand. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Be patient, as it may take a while for the paint to completely dry.
You should also make sure the area you're working in is well ventilated if you're using solvent-based paint. This will lower the risk of breathing into toxic chemicals and allow the paint to dry more quickly. It is also important to ensure you have a protective mask for any spray paints that you use.
For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior to painting. Clean the glass thoroughly with soap and warm water. Then, apply rubbing alcohol to wash off any grease or oil here that could hinder adhesion of the paint. Make sure the windows are dry before you begin to paint them.
If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, then you might be able to make a claim with the window manufacturer or dealer that sold them to pay any repair or replacement costs. This is especially the case if you've experienced numerous issues with condensation or broken glass even though the windows are covered under warranty.
Sealing
If you have double-pane windows with a damaged seal or more recent insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging and fogging, there are a variety of options to address the issue. The most costly option is to replace the insulated unit and frame but it may be necessary if condensation or fog is causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single-pane or repair it by drilling a small hole through the bottom of the unit, and then 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 affordable and can be fixed with glue, nailed or stapled in place but it doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strips are easy to install and long-lasting however it can be expensive. It is usually used in areas that are exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are able to be easily nailed in place and are inexpensive. However, they provide very little or no protection between the threshold and the air.
To repair a cracked window seal first, you must use a putty knife to take off the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves remove the glazing point -- small fasteners with sharp pointed tips that secure the glass in the recess of the frame. After getting rid of the glazing points clean the grooves, then sand 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 either a putty knife or a caulking gun. However, the knife is a better application that is more precise and will provide a better seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass as it will be more durable and stick better.
Apply a thin bead of the putty to the inner edge of the frame where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the scribed line on the glass lines up with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure to the glass to force the putty and glass into an elongated seal. Smooth the compound with gloves and get rid of any drips or caulk that were not properly applied before it has dried.