Glass Window Repair
Professional window repairmen work from high above the ground, navigating huge glass panes. double glazing repairs Sidcup work in extreme conditions and follow strict safety guidelines.
Wearing protective clothing, take off the metal glazing points and the glazing putty by using a utility knife. A heat gun can soften the old putty and make it easier to remove.
Replacement
When a window's pane is broken, it may be tempting to try and repair the glass instead of replace it. However, replacing a window is typically more cost-effective and can aid in preventing other issues with your home's energy efficiency. You should also take into consideration the type of glass that's broken to determine if it is a temporary fix or if you will need to invest in a more permanent solution.
To repair a broken window, take off the sash or frame and lay it flat on the floor. While wearing eye protection, carefully wiggle and pull out any shards remaining in the window pane. Then, use a knife to remove the glazing compound and glazing points that help to hold the glass in place. Keep the track of the components and where they are to ensure they are reinstalled.
Once the frame and sash have been removed, you can begin preparing to install the new glass. Before doing this make sure that the opening in the frame is properly sized for your replacement window. Take measurements both ways across the opening, then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to give space for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. After that, you can purchase double-strength glasses cut to these exact dimensions. It is also an excellent idea to buy enough new glazier's points or clips to be placed every 6 inches around the window pane.
If the manufacturer is responsible then you should call them and submit an claim. After the new glass has been installed, it should be covered with a thin coating of the compound used by glaziers. After the compound has dried, 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 cutting a small arc just beyond the crack. This method isn't infallible, but it will slow the growth of the crack down to a manageable level until you can take more permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window installers know how to handle various kinds of glass types, and they have the tools needed to complete a proper job. They also know the best ways to dispose of garbage, which means they're less likely to leave waste that are left behind, which could injure family members or pets. They're also used to working with various types of windows, and they may be capable of identifying issues that aren't apparent to an inexperienced homeowner.
Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to starting the process of repairing cracked glass. A small crack could cause shards of glass to fly and pose a risk to anyone within or around the home. It is crucial to determine the cause of the crack, as this could prevent future issues.
Create a two-part mixture of epoxy. They are typically 50/50 mix of resin and hardener, and they must be mixed quickly. When the mixture is prepared apply it to the glass crack and allow it to dry. It will take just about a minute, but it's essential to do it quickly because the mixture is very dense and fast-drying.
Once the epoxy is dried, you can take off any excess using a putty knife. You'll need to clean around the cracked glass. If you don't clean it correctly, the resulting residue could cause further damage to the glass. Once the glass is cleaned, use a putty knife to smooth the compound along the edge of the window and match it to the frame of wood.
To make a more durable option think about using a plastic cover. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a strong-duty trash bag. 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 in a timely manner and you're not able to get there quickly, you can use silicone sealant to make an interim repair. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant around the edges of the broken glass. It won't fully seal the gap between glass and frame but it will help keep the break in place while you repair it.
Repainting
Repainting your old glass windows is a good idea. This is an affordable alternative to replacing windows and provide your home with a new look. Before painting, make sure the surface is clean. Clean the window with water and soap or ruby alcohol to eliminate oil smudges as well as other residues which can hinder the paint from adhering. You should also wear rubber gloves while working on glass to prevent the transfer of your own oils onto the glass surface. Apply multiple thin coats instead of a single thick one. This will allow the paint to last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even.
If you're planning to repaint your glass windows, make sure you have all the right tools nearby. You will need either a brush or sponge painter's tap as well as a ruler and toothpicks. You'll need the paints and brushes that you'll be using in your kit. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Be patient because it could take some time for the paint to completely dry.
If you are using solvent-based paints, you must also ensure that the space in which you work is adequately ventilated. This will lower the risk of breathing into harmful chemicals and allow the paint to dry more quickly. Use a mask that is protective when using spray paints.
For older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface before painting. Clean the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water, then apply rubbing alcohol to wash away any grease or oil that might hinder the adhesion of the paint. 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 might be possible to make an insurance claim for repair or replacement with the company that makes the windows or dealer who sold the windows. This is especially the case if you've experienced numerous issues with cracked glass or condensation while the windows are still covered under warranty.
Sealing
There are a variety of options to fix the problem, regardless of whether you have an old double-pane window with a cracked seal, or if you have an upgraded insulated unit (IGU) that has experienced fogging. The most costly option is to replace the insulated unit and frame however it could be necessary if condensation or fog cause energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with just one pane, or repairing the existing IGU by drilling a hole in its bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging agent.
You can also seal the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill by using a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or a door sweep. Felt can be stapled, glued or nailed into place but is not a great protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip is easy to put up and is durable however it can be expensive. It is typically reserved for areas subjected to high abrasion. Door sweeps are cheap and can be nailed into place but they create very little or no protection between the sill or threshold and dust, air, and debris.
To repair a cracked window seal first, use a putty blade to scrape off the 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. Clean any sanding dust and then seal the unfinished wooden surface with a linseed-oil-based paint or clear sealer.
A putty or caulking knife can be used to apply the traditional glazing putty, however the use of a knife allows for the most precise application and a better seal. Choose a putty that is made specifically for glass windows, as it will have higher adhesion and long-lasting.
Apply a thin layer of putty along the inside edge of frame where it joins the glass. Slide the window into frame so that scribed line on glass aligns with edge of frame. Apply pressure on the glass to press the putty and create a tight seal. Smooth the compound using fingers that are gloved and clean up any mistakenly applied caulk or drips that have escaped before it is dry.