How To Outsmart Your Boss On Glass Window Repair

Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen are able to maneuver large glass panes from a high point above the ground. They work under extreme conditions and follow strict safety protocols.
While wearing protective clothing remove all glazing putty and glazing points using a knife. A heat gun can help soften the old glue and make it easier to remove.
Replacement
If a window pane is broken, it may be tempting to repair the glass rather than replace it. It is more cost-effective to replace windows and it can also help prevent other problems in the efficiency of your home. Take a look at the kind of glass damaged to determine whether it's a temporary fix or if a more permanent solution is required.
The first step in fixing broken windows is to take off 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 fragments. Then, use a utility knife to remove the glazing compound as well as the glazing points that help to hold the glass in place. Be sure to keep the track of the components and their locations so that they can be reinstalled later.
After you have removed the frame and sash, you can begin preparing to replace the glass. Make sure that the opening of the frame is of the correct size for the replacement window. Take measurements both ways across the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to allow the expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, you can purchase double-strength glasses that are cut to these exact dimensions. It is also a good idea to purchase enough new glazier's points or clips to be placed every 6 inches around the window pane.
Based on the window's warranty it could be covered by the manufacturer in which case you need to contact them to make an claim. After the new glass has been erected, it is important to cover it with a thin layer glaziers compound. After letting the compound dry, you can paint it to match the rest of the frame.
If you have a crack that extends more than an inch, scoring the crack with the edge of a blade just over the crack will help prevent it from spreading any further. window repairs isn't 100% completely foolproof, but it could slow the growth of the crack down to a manageable size until you can take more permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors know how to handle a variety of glass types, and they have the tools to do an excellent job. They also understand the best practices for disposing of garbage, which means they're less likely to leave waste 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 an inexperienced homeowner.
Before beginning the process of repairing cracked window glass, make sure to wear safety glasses and gloves. A small crack could cause shards of glass to fly around and could pose a danger to anyone within or around the home. It is also crucial to figure out what caused the crack in the first place, as it could help avoid future problems.
Make a two-part mixture of epoxy. They are typically 50/50 mix of resin and hardener, and must be mixed quickly. After the mix has been made, apply it directly to the crack and allow it to dry. It should take only a few minutes but it's important to do it quickly because the mixture is very dense and quick drying.
After the epoxy has dried, you can take off excess epoxy with a putty blade. After that, you'll need clean the area around the crack of glass. If you don't do this 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 to align it with the frame made of wood.
For a more durable solution, consider using a plastic covering. You can cover the glass using masking tape or a sturdy trash bag. This will stop the crack from spreading, and will also keep water, wind and insects out.
If you're unable to reach the window quickly then you can apply silicone sealant to make temporary repairs. Apply a small amount silicone sealant around the edge of the damaged glass. It won't completely fill the gap between glass and frame but it will help keep the crack in place while you fix it.
Repainting
If your glass windows are old, you might consider repainting them. This is a low-cost alternative to replacing windows and give your house a new look. Before painting, make sure Full Survey is clean. Clean the window with soap and water or use ruby alcohol to eliminate oil smudges as well as other residues that could hinder the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to prevent transferring oils from your hands onto the surface. In the end it is recommended to apply several thin coats of paint instead of a thick layer. This will make the paint last longer and will keep your windows looking smooth and even.
If you're planning to repaint your glass windows, ensure that you have the proper tools nearby. You'll require either a brush or sponge painter's tap, a ruler and toothpicks. It is recommended to have the paints and brushes that you'll be using on hand. Be sure to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines and have a good amount of patience because it may take awhile for the paint to dry.
If you're using solvent-based paint, you should also ensure that the room in which you work is well-ventilated. This will decrease the risk of breathing into harmful chemicals and allow the paint to dry faster. Use a mask that is protective when using spray paints.
For older glass windows, you'll need to prepare the surface prior to painting. 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 prior to coating them.
If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, you may be able to make a claim with the dealer or window company that sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially the case if you've experienced numerous issues with condensation or broken glass and the windows are covered under warranty.
Sealing
Whether you have old double-pane windows with cracked seal or newer insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced defogging, there are several methods to address the issue. It is the most expensive option to replace the insulated unit as well as the frame. However, 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 into the bottom of the unit and then filling the solution with anti-fog.
You can also close the gap between a window frame and a threshold or sill by with a felt strip or vinyl v-strip. Felt is affordable and can be fixed by gluing, nailing or stapled in place, but it does not offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip weather stripping is durable and simple to install however, it is costly and is generally reserved for areas exposed to high abrasion. Door sweeps are affordable and can be put to the floor but they create very little or no protection between the threshold or sill and dust, air, and debris.
To fix a damaged window seal, use a putty blade to scrape off the caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves carefully remove the glazing points -- small fasteners that hold the glass in the frame's recess with sharp and pointed edges. After taking out the glazing points, clean out the grooves and sand the wood. Clean any sanding residue, then seal the bare wood using a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.
A putty or caulking knife can be used to apply the traditional glazing putty, but a knife will provide an easier application and a better seal. Choose a putty that is made specifically for glass windows, since it will be more adhesive and a longer life.
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 drawn line on the glass aligns with the frame's edge. Apply pressure on the glass to compress the putty into a solid seal. Smooth the compound using an ungloved finger, and wipe away any mistakenly applied caulk or spills that are not properly wiped away before it dries.