10 Misconceptions Your Boss Holds About Glass Window Repair Glass Window Repair
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Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen are able to move large panes of tempered glass from a height higher than the ground. They adhere to strict safety guidelines and often work under harsh weather conditions.
Wearing protective clothing, cut off the metal glazing points as well as all glazing putty using an utility knife. A heat gun may help soften the old putty and speed up removal.
Replacement
When a window's pane breaks, it can be tempting to repair the glass instead of replace it. However, replacing windows is often more cost-effective, and can also aid in preventing other issues in your home's energy efficiency. Take a look at the kind of glass damaged to determine if it's a temporary fix or if a long-term solution is needed.
To fix a damaged window, remove the frame or sash and place it on your work surface. Wearing eye protection, carefully move the frame and remove any remaining shards in the window. Then, use a knife to remove the glazing compound as well as the glazing points that help to hold the glass in place. Keep the track of the components and their location to ensure they are reinstalled.
After the frame and sash are removed then you can begin the process of preparing to install new glass. Before you begin, make sure that the opening in the frame is designed for the replacement window. To allow for expansion and contraction of the glass and frame and contraction to both directions, measure the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, you can purchase double-strength glasses cut to these exact dimensions. It is recommended to purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to place them every 6 inches around each window pane.
Depending on the warranty of the window the window may be covered by the manufacturer, in which case you need to contact them to make a claim. Once the new glass is installed, it should be covered with a thin coating of the compound used by glaziers. After the compound is dry, you can paint the frame to be a perfect match.
If you have a crack that is more than an inch, scoring an arc of the edge of a blade just over the crack will help stop it from spreading further. This technique isn't 100% infallible, but it will slow the development of the crack to a manageable size until you are able to take more permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window installers know how to deal with a variety of glass types, and they have the tools to do an excellent job. They also understand the best practices for disposing of waste, so they're less likely to leave crumbs in the trash, which could hurt pets or family members. They're also used to working with different window types, and they may be capable of identifying issues that aren't obvious to a homeowner who isn't experienced.
Before you begin the process of repairing damaged window glass, ensure to wear safety glasses and gloves. Even a small crack can cause shards of glass to fly away and pose a risk to anyone within or around the home. It is important to determine what caused the crack, so that you could prevent future issues.
Begin by creating 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 allow it to dry. It will take just about a few minutes, but you need to be quick because the mixture is very thick and will dry quickly.
After the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of excess epoxy with a putty blade. The next step is to scrub the cracked glass. If you don't do 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 edge of the window and match it to the frame of wood.
Think about using a plastic lid for a more robust 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 expanding and will also block out water, wind insects, water, and other debris.
You can create an interim fix if you are unable to get to the window in a timely manner. Apply a small amount silicone sealant to the edge of the damaged glass. It won't close the gap between the glass and the frame completely, but it will hold the fracture until you are able to fix it.
Repainting
Repainting old glass windows is a great idea. This is a cost-effective alternative to replacing windows, and will give your home a new appearance. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to remove oil smudges and other traces of dirt that can hinder paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to avoid the transfer of oils from your fingers onto the surface. Apply several thin coats rather than just one large coat. This will allow the paint to last longer, and will keep your windows looking even and smooth.
Make sure you have the appropriate tools available when you are planning to repaint glass windows. You'll need either a brush or sponge painter's tap along with a ruler, toothpicks and a ruler. You should also have the paint and brushes you'll use for the project on hand. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions and be prepared with plenty of patience as it can take awhile for the paint to dry.
It is also important to ensure that the area you're working in is well ventilated, especially if you're using solvent-based paint. This will help to reduce the chance of inhaling toxic chemicals, and also the paint will dry faster. It is also important to ensure you have a protective mask for any spray paints that you use.
For older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface prior painting. Make use of soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, use rubbing alcohol on any oil or grease residues that could interfere with the paint's adhesion. Make sure the windows are completely dry before you begin to paint them.
If you have energy-efficient double-pane windows on your windows, it might be possible to file an insurance claim for repair or replacement with the window manufacturer or the dealer who sold them. This is especially relevant if you've had numerous issues with cracked glass or condensation even though the windows are covered by warranty.
Sealing
If you have double-pane windows with a damaged seal or more recent insulated glass units here (IGUs) that have experienced fogging or fog, there are many options to fix the issue. It is the most expensive option to replace both the IGU that is insulated as well as the frame. However, it may be necessary in cases where fog or condensation is causing energy losses. Other options include replacing the IGU by a single pane, or repairing the IGU that is in place by drilling a hole in its bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging solution.
You can also close the gap between windows and a threshold or sill using a felt strip, or vinyl v-strip. Felt can be stapled, glued or placed in place, but is not a great protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strips are easy to install and long-lasting however, it can be costly. It is typically reserved for areas subject to high abrasion. Door sweeps can be easily nailed in place and are cheap. However, they provide little or no protection between the threshold and air.
To fix a damaged window seal make use of a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection, pry out the glazing point, which are small fasteners with sharp pointed tips that secure the glass in the recess of the frame. After you have removed the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood smooth. Wipe off any sanding traces, then seal the bare wood with a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.
A putty or caulking knife can be used to apply the traditional glazing putty, but the use of a knife allows for a more precise application, and a stronger seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass windows, as it will have higher adhesion and long-lasting.
Apply a small amount 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. Apply pressure to the glass in order to press the putty into a tight seal. Smooth the compound using fingers that are gloved and then wipe off any caulk that is applied incorrectly or errant drips before it dries.