15 Gifts For The Glass Window Repair Lover In Your Life
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Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen work up above the ground, moving massive glass panes. They work in extreme conditions and follow strict safety guidelines.
Wearing protective clothing, remove the metal glazing points as well as the glazing putty by using a utility knife. A heat gun may help to soften the old putty and accelerate the removal process.
Replacement
It is tempting to repair the glass on your windows instead of replacing it when the glass breaks. However, replacing windows is often more cost-effective and may aid in preventing other issues in your home's energy efficiency. Take a look at the type of glass that is broken to determine whether it's a temporary fix, or if a permanent solution is required.
The first step in repairing a broken window is to take off the sash, or frame and lay it flat on a table. While wearing eye protection, carefully wiggle and pull out any shards that remain in the window pane. Then, use a knife to peel off the glazing compound and points that help to hold the glass in the position. Be sure to keep an eye on the components and their locations to ensure that they can be replaced later.
After the frame and sash have been removed then you can begin the process of preparing to install the new glass. Before doing this ensure that the opening in the frame is properly sized for your replacement window. Take measurements 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. Afterwards, purchase double-strength glass cut to these exact dimensions. It is also recommended to purchase enough new glazier's points or clips to be placed every 6 inches around the window pane.
If the manufacturer is accountable you should contact them and file an claim. Once the new glass is installed, it must be bedded in with a thin layer of glazier's compound. After drying the compound, you can paint it to match the rest of the window frame.
If you have a crack that extends more than an inch, scoring a small arc with a razor blade that is just above the crack could help stop it from spreading further. This method isn't foolproof, but it will slow down the progression of the cracked until you can take permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors are equipped with the right tools and know how to work with different types of glass. They are able to dispose of waste safely, so they are less likely than others to leave behind scraps which could cause harm to family members or pets. They're also familiar with different types of windows, and they may be aware of issues that aren't obvious to the uninitiated homeowner.
Wear safety goggles and gloves before you begin the process of repairing damaged glass. Even a small break can cause shards to fly, posing a danger to anyone in or around the home. It's also crucial to figure out what caused the crack in the first place, since it can help prevent future issues.
Start by making an epoxy mix that is two-part. It is usually 50/50 mixture of resin and hardener, and they must be mixed quickly. After the mix has been made and applied, simply apply it to the crack and let it dry. This should only take a few minutes however it is important to do it quickly because the mixture is extremely thick and fast-drying.
After the epoxy has dried, you can remove 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. Use a putty blade smooth out the compound around the edge of your window and match it to the wood frame.
To make a more durable option think about using a plastic cover. A trash bag that is heavy-duty or tarp is ideal, however you can also use masking tape to cover the glass. This will prevent the crack from spreading and will also keep water, wind and insects out.
If you're not able to reach the window in a timely manner then you can apply silicone sealant to make an interim repair. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant to the edge of the broken glass. It won't seal the gap between the frame and glass completely but it will hold the broken piece in place until you are able to repair it.
Repainting
If your glass windows are old, you may need to paint them. This is a cost-effective alternative to replacing your windows and will give your home a fresh appearance. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Use rubbing alcohol or soap and water to wash away oil smudges, and other residues that could prevent paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to avoid the transfer of oils from your hands onto the surface. Finally it here 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.
Make sure you have the right tools in your arsenal when you are planning to repaint glass windows. You'll require a brush or sponge, painter's tape, toothpicks, a ruler and other tools, such as paper towels or a rag. You should also have the brushes and paint you'll use for the project on hand. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's directions and have a good amount of patience because it may take some time for the paint to dry.
Also, ensure that the room you're working in is ventilated when you're using solvent-based paint. This will decrease the risk of breathing into toxic chemicals and allow the paint to dry quicker. It is also important to ensure you have a mask to protect yourself for any spray paints that you use.
For older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface prior to painting. Clean the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water. You can then use rubbing alcohol to clean off any oil or grease that might hinder the paint's adhesion. Make sure that the windows are dry prior to coating them.
If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, you might be eligible to submit a claim to the window company or dealer who sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if the windows are still under warranty and you've had numerous problems with condensation or damaged glass.
Sealing
Whether you have old double-pane windows with a damaged seal or more recent insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced defogging or fog, there are many options to address 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 repairing the existing IGU by drilling a hole in its bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging solution.
You can also seal the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill with a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or a door sweep. Felt is affordable and can be glued, nailed, or stapled into place however it doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip weather stripping is durable and easy to put in however it is costly and is usually reserved for areas exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are cheap and can be put to the floor but they create virtually no barrier between the threshold or sill and air, dust, and other debris.
To fix a cracked window seal, first use a putty knife to take off the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection carefully remove the glazing points, which are tiny fasteners that pin the glass into the frame's recess, with sharp and pointed ends. After taking out the glazing points, clean the grooves, then sand the wood. Wipe off any sanding debris and then seal the unfinished 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, but using a knife allows for a more efficient precision and precise application. It also provides a stronger seal. Choose a putty specifically for glass, as it will last longer and adhere better.
Apply a small amount of 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 the glass is aligned with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass in order to compress the putty into a solid seal. Smooth the compound using fingers that are gloved, and wipe away any mistakenly applied caulk or spills that are not properly wiped away before it dries.