Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen are able to maneuver large panes of tempered glass from a high point above the ground. They adhere to strict safety guidelines and frequently work in extreme weather conditions.
While wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and glazing points using a knife. A heat gun will help to soften and eliminate the old putty.
Replacement
If a window pane is broken, it may be tempting to try and repair the glass rather than replace it. Herne Bay window repair is cheaper to replace windows and it can also help to avoid other issues in your home's efficiency. Examine the type of glass that is broken to determine if it's a temporary fix, or if a more permanent solution is needed.
The first step in repairing broken windows is to remove the frame, or sash and lay it flat on a work table. While wearing eye protection, carefully wiggle and pull out any shards remaining in the window pane. Then, use a knife to cut off the glazing compound and points that keep the glass in the position. Keep track of the components and their locations to ensure they are reinstalled.
Once the frame and sash have been removed, you can begin preparing to install the new glass. Before you begin ensure that the opening in the frame is properly 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. Afterwards, purchase double-strength glass cut to these exact dimensions. It is a good idea to purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to place them every 6 inches around each window pane.
If the manufacturer is responsible you should contact them and file an claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it should be covered with a thin layer of the compound used by glaziers. After letting the compound dry then you can paint it to match the rest of the frame.
If your crack is longer than an inch you can stop it from expanding by scoring a small arc just beyond the crack. This method isn't completely foolproof, but it could slow the development of the crack to a manageable size until you can take permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window installers know how to handle various kinds of glass, and they have the tools necessary to do an excellent job. They know how to dispose of waste safely which means they are less likely than other people to leave behind a mess which could cause harm to family members or pets. They're also familiar with different window types and are aware of issues that aren't obvious to the uninitiated homeowner.
Before beginning the process of fixing cracked window glass, make sure to wear safety glasses and gloves. Even a tiny crack can cause glass shards to fly away and put anyone at risk inside or around the house. It's also important to figure out what caused the crack in the first place, as it could help avoid future issues.
Start by making an epoxy mix that is two-part. It is usually a 50/50 mix of hardener and resin, and they need to be quickly mixed. When the mixture is done put it in the crack in the glass and leave it to dry. It should only take some minutes, but it is important to work quickly because the mixture is very thick and dries quickly.
Once the epoxy is dried, you can get rid of any excess with a putty knife. The next step is to clean the cracks in the glass. If you do not clean the area correctly the leftovers could cause further damage to your glass. Make use of a putty knife to smooth out the compound around the window's edge and match it to the wood frame.
You could consider using a plastic cover for a more durable 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 spreading and will also keep water, wind and insects out.
You can create an interim solution in the event that you are unable to access the window in time. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant to the edge of the damaged glass. It won't completely seal the gap between glass and frame, but it will keep the break in place while you fix it.
Repainting
If your windows with glass are old, you might want to repaint them. This is an affordable alternative to window replacement and can give your home a new appearance. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Clean the window with soap and water or use rubbing alcohol to remove oil smudges and other residues that could hinder the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent the transfer of oils from your fingers onto the surface. Apply several thin coats instead of just one large coat. This will make the paint last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.
If you're planning to paint your glass windows, ensure that you have all the right tools at hand. You'll require a brush or sponge, painter's adhesive, toothpicks, a ruler as well as a few other tools such as paper towels or a rag. It is recommended to have the brushes and paints you'll use in your kit. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and have plenty of patience as it can take awhile for the paint to dry.
If you are using solvent-based paints, you must also ensure that the space where you work is adequately ventilated. This will reduce the chance of inhaling toxic chemicals, and also the paint will dry quicker. Wear a mask to protect yourself when using spray paints.
For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface before painting. Clean the glass thoroughly with soap and warm water. You can then use rubbing alcohol to clean away any grease or oil that could hinder paint's adhesion. Make sure that the windows are completely dry before you begin coating them.
If you have energy-efficient double-pane windows on your windows, it may be possible to make claims for repair or replacement with the company that makes the windows or dealer that sold the windows. This is especially true if you have experienced several issues with broken glass or condensation even though the windows are covered under warranty.
Sealing
There are several ways to resolve the issue depending on whether you have an old double-pane glass with cracks in the seal or if you have an insulation unit (IGU) that has experienced defogging. It is the most expensive option to replace both the insulation unit and the frame. However, it could be required in situations where fog or condensation is causing energy losses. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single pane, or fixing the IGU that is in place by drilling a hole in its bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging solution.
You can also close the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill by using a felt strip vinyl v-strips, or door sweep. Felt is affordable and can be glued, nailed, or stapled into place however it doesn't provide a lot of protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strips are easy to put up and is durable however, it can be costly. It is generally reserved for areas exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are inexpensive and can be put into place but they create very little or no protection between the threshold or sill and dust, air and debris.
To repair a damaged window seal first, use a putty knife to scrape off the caulk. Wearing protective eyewear and gloves take care to remove the glazing points, which are tiny fasteners that fix the glass in the frame's recess with sharp and pointed edges. After taking out the glazing points, clean the grooves, then sand the wood. Wipe away any sanding sludge, then seal the bare wood surface using a linseed oil-based paint or clear sealer.
Traditional glazing putty can be applied using a putty knife or caulking gun. However, a knife provides a better application that is more precise and provides a stronger seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass, since it will be more durable and stick better.
Apply a thin layer along the inside edge of frame where it meets with the glass. Slide the window into the frame, so that the cut line on the glass lines up with the edge of the frame. Apply pressure on the glass to compress the putty and glass to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound using a gloved finger and clean up any mistakenly applied caulk or spills that are not properly wiped away before it is dry.