Glazing Repairs
Repairs to your glazing done quickly is vital to prevent the build-up of moisture that causes fogging and lowers energy efficiency. Fogged windows are usually an indication of leaky seals.
Small metal clips called glazing points (on wood) and spring clips on metal windows help to hold the glass in place. By securing your heat gun close to the putty that is used to "bed" glass will make it more pliable.
Cracked or Broken Glass
Glass that is cracked or broken is often caused by a bad storm or lawnmowers' puddle that falls into the window, or a vase of glass dropped by the cat. Minor cracks in the glass can be repaired without compromising its integrity or ability to keep out heat or cold or protect the home from weather conditions. Glass that has suffered more severe damage might need to be repaired or replaced by a professional.
For superficial cracks, a simple strip of strong-hold tape will keep the damage from worsening. For more serious cracks, such as stress fractures caused by fluctuating temperatures, it is necessary to extend the tape on both sides by several inches beyond the crack. For a more permanent solution, there is glass repair film that is designed to keep the entire window in place and is cut to size.
Before applying any repair product, ensure that the damaged glass is thoroughly cleaned to promote optimal adherence. Utilize a glass cleaner as well as a clean rag to clean any residues or oily spots on the surface of the window as well as the cracks themselves. Acetone (the ingredient in nail polish remover) is a solution that can be applied to a rag to break down the stubborn dirt or oily spots.
After the glass has been completely dry, you can begin preparing for the application of your preferred repair substance. If you're using two-part epoxy, it's important to mix equal amounts of resin and hardener prior to applying the glue to achieve a properly balanced mixture. Apply the epoxy or glass glue to the crack, using a putty knife to push it into and around the cracks. Once the glue has been pressed into the cracks, clean any excess from the surface of the glass by using a sharp knife or by wiping the area again using a rag that has been moistened with Acetone.
If the cracks are serious it may be necessary to replace the whole window. To do this, clean the frame of your window and measure to ensure that the window you're purchasing is an exact fit to the damaged window. If possible, choose the option of tempered glass when replacing your damaged window. This type of toughened window glass is more secure in the event of a break, as it breaks into smaller pieces of granular material instead of sharp, jagged pieces that could harm you or your family.
Loose Compound
Older windows require glazing compound to hold the glass window panes safely within their wooden frames. This putty seals edges, sheds moisture and improves energy efficiency. As time passes, the putty may be loosened. This is a sign that it is time to get the window replaced with fresh putty and an entirely new glazing bead. Loose glazing compound is a problem that must be repaired quickly to prevent loss of energy through the window. Repair My Windows And Doors and splinters in the putty glaze and separation between the sash and glass are other indicators that the window's glazing needs to be replaced.
If you have a window that requires re-glazing, start by thoroughly cleaning the sash using mineral spirits to remove the paint and other debris. After the sash has been cleaned, you can get rid of any nails or panel pins that hold the glass in place. Be careful, because these pins and nails may break if you're too rough.
After cleaning the sash it's a good idea apply an even coat of primer based on oil to the bare wood. This will protect the sash and ensure that the new putty adheres properly. After priming, allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Then, lay the sash flat on your workbench and use a putty knife to scrape off the old glazing compound that has escaped. If you're having trouble removing old glaze, you can employ a heat gun and the aid of a heat shield to soften the putty. Make sure to use the heat gun with care and wear eye and hand protection.
Then, you can prepare the sash to receive the new putty by gently rubbing it down with sandpaper to get rid of any grit or rust. Once the sash is ready to receive the new putty, use a small tacking hammer to gently knock in any nail or window pin that held the glass in place. This is crucial since a single hammer blow can break the glass and create an issue for safety.
Once the sash has the new putty apply a putty blade to smooth it and create an even layer of glass. Allow the putty to dry completely before reinstalling the window and ensuring that all of the loose glazing compound is removed to ensure an airtight and weatherproof seal.
Shattered Glass
A bad storm, or an errant baseball by a child's hands, or even a rock that is thrown from your lawnmowers could break your glass. If you don't act promptly, it could lead to injuries or property damage. It is important to cordon off the area around a broken window to protect your family and yourself from flying fragments. You can also put a sheet of cardboard or a partition over the broken area to prevent debris from getting into your home and injuring people or pets.
Oftentimes, you can repair broken or cracked windows yourself. It is a relatively easy procedure, but it requires the most care and focus on the details. If you do not have the right tools, you could find yourself frustrated with this DIY project and decide to work with a professional instead.
Make sure to wash the area around your broken window thoroughly prior to starting. Use a cleaner to clean any grease or dirt from the cracks in your window. It is essential to let the damaged area dry before beginning any repairs. If possible try to complete the repair during warm weather.
After the window has been cleaned, you can mix the epoxy needed to fix the window. To ensure an effective mix, you must follow the instructions given by your manufacturer. You can purchase these adhesives at many hardware stores. To ensure a strong adhesive it is recommended that the hardener and resin are combined for a period of 20 seconds. Once the mixture is completed, you should apply it to the cracked glass.
You should be careful not to touch the newly applied epoxy with your fingers. This could leave marks that are difficult to remove. If you come in contact with epoxy, wash immediately with soap and water. It is also important to work in a well-ventilated area and use latex or nitrile gloves.
If you're unable to successfully repair your cracked or shattered glass, it may be required to replace the entire window. It is a costly repair but it's worth the investment to ensure the safety and security of your family.
Replacement
It takes a lot of effort to keep your windows in good shape. However, the occasional ball that is thrown by kids or a pebble kicked up by the lawnmower can cause damage to a window pane or two. The replacement of glass on the majority types of windows is simple. If the frame is intact you can replace the broken pane to save money.
Most single-pane windows are secured with glaziers' putty and tiny metal clips known as push points of glaziers. You can usually buy a replacement glass cut to the size you need at your local hardware store or home improvement center. To ensure you're buying the right size piece, take the old window pane with you.
Once you have the glass, you can clean it on both sides using a sponge or damp cloth. You can also use a mild mixture of cleaning soap and water to clean the glass. After the glass is clean and before you apply any modifications to it, ensure that it is completely dry. Repair efforts will be ineffective If there's still moisture in the crack or shattered piece.
The next step is to remove the old glazing putty. You can do this with an instrument such as a screwdriver, or putty knife, but you may need to use a utility knife and a tool that has sharp teeth to break the putty off. A heat gun will help in removing stubborn glaze. Be careful not to scorch the wood or cause the fire!
You can then prepare the surface on which your new glass will rest. If you have glass with low-e, it is important to know which side of the glass to install. The majority of these windows have a label that indicates whether the glass should face out or in. This is important because reversed glass can cause it to behave in a different way than it was designed to perform, which could let cold out and heat in. Make sure you read the guidelines provided by the manufacturer.