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15 Gifts For The Glass Window Repair Lover In Your Life
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 the glazing putty by using a utility knife. A heat gun can soften the old putty and accelerate the removal process.

Replacement

When a window's pane breaks, it can be tempting to repair the glass instead of replace it. However, replacing windows is typically more cost-effective, and can also help prevent other problems in your home's energy efficiency. Take a look at the type of glass that is broken to determine if it's a temporary fix or if a permanent solution is required.

The first step to repair a broken window is to take off the sash, also known as the frame and lay it flat on a work table. Wearing eye protection, gently move the window's pane and pull out any remaining fragments. Use a utility blade to cut off the glazing compound and the glazing points that keep the window in place. Keep an eye on the components and where they are so that they can be put back in place.

After you have removed the frame and sash you can start preparing to replace the glass. Make sure that the opening of the frame is the right size for your replacement window. To allow for frame and glass expansion and contraction take measurements in both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, buy double-strength glass cut to these precise dimensions. It is also recommended to purchase enough new glazier's glazier's pointing or clips to be placed every 6 inches around the window pane.

Based on the window's warranty the window may be covered by the manufacturer in which case you should call the company to file a claim. Once the new glass is installed, it must be sprayed with a thin layer of glazier's compound. After the compound has dried and dry, you can paint it to match the rest of the window frame.

If your crack is longer than an inch, you can prevent it from expanding by cutting a small arc just beyond the crack. This technique isn't 100% infallible, but it will slow the development of the crack to a manageable size until you can take permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers know how to deal with a variety of glass, and they have the tools needed to complete a proper job. They are able to dispose of waste properly and are therefore less likely than other people to leave behind a mess which could cause harm to family pets or members of the family. They're also accustomed to working with various types of windows, and may be able spot problems that a novice home owner might not see.

Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to starting the process of repairing damaged glass. A small crack can cause shards to fly off, creating a risk for anyone who lives in or around the home. It's also important to figure out what caused the crack in the first place, so that it could help avoid future problems.

Begin by creating an epoxy mix that is two-part. These are usually 50/50 mixture of hardener and resin, and they must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture has been prepared and applied, simply apply it to the crack and allow it to dry. It should take only some minutes however it is important to work quickly since the mixture is very dense and fast drying.

Once the epoxy is dried, you can take off any excess with a knife. After that, you'll need clean the area around the cracked glass. If you do not clean the area in a proper manner, the leftovers 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 edges of the window and to match it to the frame of wood.

If you want a more durable solution, consider using a plastic cover. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is ideal, but you can also apply masking tape to the glass. This will prevent the crack from spreading and will also keep water, wind and bugs out.

If you're not able to reach the window in a timely manner, you can use silicone sealant to make a temporary repair. Simply place a tiny amount of the material around the outside of the broken pane. It won't close the gap between the glass and the frame completely, but it will hold the fracture until you can repair it.

Repainting

If your windows with glass are old, you might want to repaint them. This is a low-cost alternative to replacing windows and can give your home a new look. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to wash away oil smudges and other traces of dirt that can hinder paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to avoid 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.

Make sure you have the appropriate tools available if you plan to repaint glass windows. You'll require a brush or sponge, painter's adhesive, toothpicks, a ruler and other tools such as a rag or paper towel. You'll need the brushes and paints you will be using in your kit. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's directions and have plenty of patience as it can take awhile for the paint to dry.

It is also important to ensure that the space you're working is well ventilated if you're using solvent-based paint. This will decrease the risk of breathing into toxic chemicals and allow the paint to dry more quickly. You should also make sure you have a mask to protect yourself for any spray paints that you use.

You'll need to wash the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water prior to you paint it. Use soap and warm water to thoroughly clean the glass window. Then, rub alcohol on any oil or grease remnants that may hinder the adhesion of the paint. Be sure that 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 company or dealer that sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if the windows are still under warranty and have experienced numerous problems with condensation or damaged glass.


Sealing

There are window repairs to fix the problem regardless of regardless of whether you have an old double-pane window with cracks in the seal or if you have a newer insulated unit (IGU) that has experienced fogging. The most costly option is to replace the insulated unit and frame however it could be required if fog or condensation are causing energy loss. Other options include replacing the existing IGU with a single-pane or repair it by drilling a small hole through the bottom of the unit, and then filling the solution with anti-fog.

You can also fill in the gap between a window frame and a threshold or sill with a felt strip or vinyl V-strip. Felt can be stapled, glued or nailed into place but doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip weather stripping is durable and easy to install however, it can be costly and is typically reserved for areas that are exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are able to be easily nailed in place and are cheap. However, they provide very little or no protection between the threshold and air.

To fix a cracked window seal first, employ a putty knife to scrape off the caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves remove the glazing point -- small fasteners with sharp pointed tips that secure the glass to the recess of the frame. After getting rid of the glazing points remove the grooves, then sand the wood. Wipe off any sanding traces and then seal the unfinished wood with a linseed oil based paint or clear wood sealer.

A caulking knife or putty can be used to apply the traditional glazing putty, however using a knife will give the most precise application and a better seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass as it will be more durable and will adhere better.

Apply a thin bead of the putty to the inner edge of the frame where it meets the glass. Slide the window into the frame in a way that the cut line on the glass lines up with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to compress the putty and glass to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound with a gloved finger, and wipe away any caulk that is applied incorrectly or errant drips before it is dry.

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