Professional window repairmen work high off the ground, maneuvering huge panes of glass. They adhere to strict safety standards and frequently work in extreme weather conditions.
Wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and metal glazing points with a utility knife. A heat gun can to soften and eliminate the old putty.
Replacement
When a window pane breaks, it could be tempting to repair the glass instead of replace it. However, replacing a window is typically more cost-effective and can help prevent other problems that could affect your home's energy efficiency. Examine the type of broken glass to determine if it's a temporary fix, or if a long-term solution is required.
The first step to repair a broken window is to take off the sash, or frame and lay it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window pane and then remove any remaining shards. Then, use a utility knife to remove the glazing compound as well as the glazing points that help to hold the glass in the position. Be sure to keep an eye on these components and their locations to ensure that they can be replaced later.
After the frame and sash are 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 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 room for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, buy double-strength glasses cut to these exact dimensions. It is also recommended to purchase enough new glazier's glazier's pointing or clips to be positioned every 6 inches around the window pane.
If the manufacturer is responsible for this, you can call them and file a claim. After the new glass has been put in place it is essential to cover it with a thin layer of glaziers compound. After letting the compound dry then you can paint it to match the rest of the frame.
If the crack is greater than an inch, you can prevent it from spreading by cutting a small arc just beyond the crack. This method isn't foolproof, but it can slow the growth of the cracked until you can take more permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors are equipped with the right tools and know how to work with different types of glass. They also know the best methods for disposing of waste, so they're less likely to leave waste that are left behind, which could hurt pets or family members. They're also familiar with different types of windows and may be able to spot problems that aren't apparent to the uninitiated homeowner.
Before you begin the process of repairing cracked window glass, make sure to wear safety goggles and gloves. A small crack can cause shards to fly off, creating a risk for anyone who lives in or around the home. It's also crucial to determine the cause of the crack in the first place, so that it can help prevent future issues.
Start by making an epoxy mixture that has two parts. They usually consist of made up of a 50/50 mix of hardener and resin. They must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture is ready, apply it to the glass crack and let it dry. It should take only about a minute, 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 remove excess epoxy with a putty blade. The next step is to clean the cracks in the glass. If you don't clean the area correctly, the debris could cause further damage to your glass. Once the glass is cleaned, use a putty knife to smooth the compound along the edge of the window and to match it with the wood frame.
You could consider using a plastic cover for a more robust option. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is the best option, but you can also use masking tape to cover the glass. This will stop the crack from expanding, and will also block out water, wind bugs, debris, and water.
You can make an interim fix when you are unable reach the window in time. Simply place a tiny amount of the material around the outside of the broken pane. It won't seal the gap between the frame and glass completely however it will keep the broken piece in place until you are able to fix it.
RepaintingIf your glass windows are old, you might need to paint them. This is a low-cost alternative to replace windows and give your house a new appearance. Make sure the surface is clean before painting. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to remove 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 surface of the window. Apply several thin coats instead of a single thick one. This will allow the paint to last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.
Make sure you have the proper tools in your arsenal if you plan to repaint glass windows. You'll require brushes or sponges, painter's tap as well as a ruler and toothpicks. You should have the paints and brushes that you'll use in your kit. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's directions and have a good amount of patience since it may take some time for the paint to dry.
If you're using solvent-based paint, make sure that the area in which you work is well-ventilated. This will reduce the chance of breathing in toxic chemicals and permit the paint to dry faster. Use a protective mask when using spray paints.
It is necessary to clean the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water prior to you paint it. Use warm water and soap to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, rub alcohol on any oil or grease residues that might hinder the paint's adhesion. Make sure that the windows are completely dry before you begin painting them.
If you have energy-efficient double-pane windows on your windows, it might be possible to submit an insurance claim for repair or replacement with the company that makes the windows or dealer who sold them. This is especially true if the windows are still under warranty and you've experienced numerous problems with condensation or broken glass.
Sealing
Whether you have old double-pane windows with damaged seal or more recent insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging and fogging, there are a variety of options to fix the issue. The most expensive option is to replace the insulated unit and frame but it may be required if fog or condensation cause energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single-pane, or repair it by drilling a small hole into the bottom of the unit and filling the solution with anti-fog.
You can also seal the gap between the window frame and the sill or threshold by using a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or a door sweep. Felt can be stapled, glued or nailed into place but is not a great protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip weather stripping is durable and easy to put in, but it can be expensive and is generally reserved for areas that are exposed to high abrasion. Door sweeps are easy to nail to the floor and are affordable. However, they provide only a small amount of protection between the threshold and the air.
To fix a cracked window seal first, you must employ a putty knife to scrape off the caulk. Wearing protective eyewear and gloves carefully remove the glazing points -- tiny fasteners that pin the glass in the frame's recess with sharp, pointed edges. After you have removed the glazing points, scrub the grooves and sand the wood until it is smooth. Wipe away any sanding sludge and then seal the unfinished wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.
A caulking knife or putty can be used to apply the traditional glazing putty, but using a knife will give an easier application and a more secure seal. Select a putty made specifically for glass as it is more durable and 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 in a way that the scribed line on the glass lines up with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to compress the putty to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound using gloves and get rid of any caulk or drips that were not properly applied before it dries.
