15 Gifts For The Glass Window Repair Lover In Your Life
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Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen are able to move large panes of tempered glass from a high point above the ground. They follow strict safety protocols and often work under harsh weather conditions.
Wearing protective clothing, take off the metal glazing points as well as all glazing putty with an utility knife. A heat gun can help to soften and eliminate the old putty.
Replacement
When a window's pane breaks, it can be tempting to try and repair the glass instead of replace it. It is more cost-effective to replace windows and it can also help prevent other problems in the efficiency of your home. It is also important to consider the type of glass that's damaged to determine if it is an interim fix or if you will require an option that is more permanent.
The first step to repair broken windows is to remove the frame, or sash and lay it flat on a table. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window's frame and remove any remaining fragments. Use a utility blade to scrape off the glazing compound, and the glazing points that keep the window in place. Keep an eye on the components and their location to ensure they are reinstalled.
After removing the frame and sash, you can start preparing to replace the glass. Before doing this ensure that the opening in the frame is properly sized for your replacement window. To allow for the expansion of the frame and glass and contraction, measure both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. After that, you can purchase double-strength glasses cut to these exact measurements. It is a good idea to purchase enough glazier's clips or points to be installed every 6 inches around each window pane.
Based on the window's warranty the window may be covered by the manufacturer in which case you should call them to file a claim. Once the new glass has been installed, it must be sprayed with a thin coating of glazier's compound. Once the compound is dry it is possible to paint the frame to match.
If you have a crack that is more than an inch, scoring the crack with a razor blade that is just above the crack can help to stop it from spreading further. This method isn't foolproof, but it can slow the development of the crack down to a manageable amount until you can take more permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window installers are equipped with the appropriate tools and know how to work with different types of glass. They are able to dispose of waste safely and are therefore less likely than others to leave behind scraps that could inflict harm on family members or pets. They're also familiar with different types of windows, and they may be capable of identifying issues that might not be apparent to a homeowner who isn't experienced.
Wear safety glasses and gloves before you begin repair work on cracked glass. A small crack can cause shards to fly off, posing a danger to anyone in or around the home. It is crucial to determine what caused the crack, as this could prevent future problems.
Make a two-part mixture of epoxy. It is usually 50/50 mix of hardener and resin, and they must be quickly mixed. After the mixture is made then apply it directly to the crack and allow it to dry. It will take just about a minute however it is important to work quickly since the mixture is very thick and fast-drying.
After the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of excess epoxy with a blade. Then, you'll have to clean the area around the crack of glass. If you do not clean the area properly, the leftovers could cause further damage to the glass. Make use of a putty knife to smooth out the compound around the edge of your window and match it to the wood frame.
Think about using a plastic lid for a more durable option. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is the best option, but you can also apply masking tape to the glass. This will prevent the crack from spreading and will also keep water, wind and insects out.
If you're not able to get to the window quickly and you're not able to get there quickly, you can use silicone sealant to make temporary repairs. Simply run a bead of the stuff around the outside of the broken pane. It won't seal the gap between the glass and the frame completely but it will hold the break in place until you can fix it.
Repainting
If your glass windows are old, you might need to paint them. This is an affordable alternative to replacing windows, and read more it can give your home a new appearance. Make sure the window is clean before painting. Clean the window using water and soap or rubbing alcohol to remove oil smudges as well as other residues that can prevent the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves while working on glass to avoid the risk of transferring your own oils onto the glass surface. In the end, you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a single thick layer. This will allow the paint to last longer and make your windows appear smooth and even.
Make sure you have the proper tools available if you plan to repaint glass windows. You'll require a brush or sponge, painter's tape 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 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 help to reduce the risk of inhaling toxic chemicals, and the paint will dry quicker. You should also make sure you wear a mask that is protective for any spray paints you use.
You'll need to wash the glass window thoroughly using soap and warm water prior to you paint it. Clean the glass thoroughly with soap and warm water, then use rubbing alcohol to clean off any oil or grease that might hinder the paint's adhesion. Make sure the windows are completely dried before you begin to paint them.
If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, you may be eligible to make a claim with the window manufacturer or dealer that sold them to pay any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if you have experienced multiple problems with condensation or broken glass even though the windows are covered under warranty.
Sealing
Whether you have old double-pane windows with a cracked seal or newer insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced defogging and fogging, there are a variety of options to address the issue. The most costly option is to replace the frame and insulated unit but it may be required if fog or condensation cause energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with a single pane, or fixing the existing IGU by drilling a hole in its bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging agent.
You can also fill in the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill by using a felt strip vinyl v-strips, or a door sweep. Felt is affordable and can be fixed by gluing, nailing, or stapled into place, but it does not provide a lot of protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strip weather stripping is durable and easy to install however, it can be costly and is generally reserved for areas exposed to high abrasion. Door sweeps can be easily nailed in place and are cheap. However, they provide only a small amount of protection between the threshold and air.
To fix a damaged window seal, use a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves take out the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp, pointed tips that pin the glass into the frame's recess. After getting rid of the glazing points clean the grooves and sand down the wood. Wipe away any sanding residue and then seal the unfinished wood using a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.
A caulking knife or putty can be used to apply traditional glazing putty. However, a knife will provide a more precise application, and a more secure seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass, as it is more durable and stick better.
Apply a small amount the putty on 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 aligns with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to force the putty and create a tight seal. Smooth the compound with gloves and then remove any drips or caulk that were not applied correctly before it has dried.