Glazing Repairs
Repairs to your glazing done quickly is essential to avoid condensation that can lead to fogging and lowers energy efficiency. Fogged windows are often 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 the right place. The heat gun you hold close to the putty used to "bed" glass will make it more pliable.
Broken or cracked glass
A bad storm or a pebble from your lawnmower that flies through the window, or a glass vase thrown by the family cat are all common causes of cracked or broken glass around the home. Luckily, these minor cracks are usually repaired without compromising the integrity of the window's pane or its ability to seal in cold and heat or shield your property from weather-related conditions. However, more serious damage to your glass might require professional intervention or even completely replacement.
For superficial cracks, a thin strip of strong-hold tape can keep the damage from worsening. For more serious cracks, like stress cracks caused by fluctuating temperatures, you'll require the tape to be extended several inches past the crack on both sides. To provide a permanent solution, there's also glass repair film that is designed to hold the entire window in place and can be cut to size.
Before you apply any repair product, make sure the damaged glass is thoroughly cleaned to promote optimal adherence. Utilize a glass cleaner as well as a clean cotton rag to wipe away any oily spots or residues on the glass's surface and in the cracks themselves. For stubborn spots of dirt or oil, acetone (the ingredient in nail polish remover) can be applied to the rag, then rubbed into the glass to break down the dirt.
After the glass has been completely dry, you can begin preparing for the application of your preferred repair substance. It's important that you mix equal amounts of hardener and resin before applying the epoxy to ensure a balanced mix. Utilize a putty knife to apply the glass adhesive or the epoxy to the crack. Once the adhesive has been pressed into the cracks, clean any excess from the glass's surface by using a sharp knife or by wiping the area with a rag moistened with acetone.
If the cracks are serious the window may need to replace the whole window. Clean the window frame and measure the window to ensure the new window pane is an ideal fit. If you can, opt for an option with tempered glass when replacing your damaged window pane. This kind of toughened glass is safer to handle in the event of a fracture, because it breaks into small granular chunks instead of sharp, jagged shards that could injure you and your loved ones.
Loose Compound
Older windows need glazing compound to hold the glass window panes safely in their wood frames. This putty helps seal the edges, dries water and helps energy efficiency. Over time the putty can become loose. This indicates it's time to replace the window with new putty and a new glazing bead. It is important to replace any loose glazing compound as quickly as you can in order to avoid energy loss. Other indicators that indicate that the window glazing should be replaced include cracks, rattles, scratches on the putty and separation of the glass from the sash.
If you have a window that requires re-glazing, start by thoroughly cleaning the sash with mineral spirits to eliminate loose paint and debris. Once the sash has been cleaned, you can remove any panel pins or nails that hold the glass to the sash. Be careful because these pins and nails can break if you are too rough.
After cleaning the sash it's a good idea apply a coat or two of primer made from oil on the wood that is unfinished. This will ensure the sash is protected and ensure that the new putty adheres properly. After priming, allow the primer to dry according to manufacturer instructions.
Then, you can lay the sash flat on your workbench and use a putty knife to scrape off the old glaze compound that is loose. If you're having trouble removing old glaze, use a heatgun with an insulated heat shield to soften the putty. Make sure you use the heat gun with care and make sure you wear eye and hand protection.
You can then prepare the sash for the new putty, by applying sandpaper to the sash. This will remove any rust and grit. When the sash is prepared to receive the new putty, employ a small hammer to gently knock out any window pin or nail that was previously holding the glass in place. This is important as a stray hammer blow could break the glass and create a safety issue.
Once the sash has the new putty applied then use a putty knife to smooth it and create an even layer of glass. Let the putty completely dry before reinstalling the window and making sure that all loose glazing compound is removed to ensure an airtight and weather-proof seal.
Shattered Glass
A bad storm, or an errant baseball by a child's hand or even a rock that is thrown from your lawnmower could shatter your glass. This can be a hazardous accident that could cause injuries or property damage if it is not addressed right away. It is essential to secure off the area around a damaged window to protect yourself and your family from flying fragments. You can also put a piece of cardboard or a partition on top of the broken area to prevent debris from getting into your home and causing injury to people or pets.
Oftentimes, you can repair a cracked or shattered window yourself. It's a fairly simple process, but it requires an enormous amount of care and concentration on detail. If you don't have the proper tools, you may find yourself frustrated by this DIY project and decide to work with professionals instead.
Be sure to clean the area around your broken window thoroughly prior to starting. Use a cleaning product to get rid of any dirt or grease that has accumulated in the window's cracks. It is also essential to allow the damaged area to dry prior to making any repairs. If you are able you can do this repair during warm weather.
Once the window is cleaned, mix the epoxy needed to fix the window. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure that the mixture is successful. These adhesives are available at most hardware stores. To ensure a durable adhesive, it is recommended that the resin and hardener are combined for a period of 20 seconds. After the mixture is finished, you can apply it to your broken glass.
Avoid touching the epoxy that was just applied by your fingers. This will leave marks that are difficult to remove. If you come in contact with epoxy, wash immediately with soap and water. It is also essential to work in a well-ventilated area and wear nitrile or latex gloves.
If you are unable repair your broken or broken glass, it may be required to replace the entire window. It's a costly fix however it is worth the investment to ensure the security and safety of your family.
Replacement
It takes a lot of effort to keep your windows in good shape. However, a few balls thrown by the kids or pebble kicked up by the lawnmowers could break a window pane or two. Fortunately, replacing the glass in most kinds of windows is easy. If the frame is intact you can replace the broken pane and save money compared to getting a whole new window put in your home.
Most single pane windows are secured with glazier's glue and small metal clips referred to as glazier's push points. You can usually buy a replacement glass cut to size at your local hardware store or home improvement center. To make sure you're ordering the correct size piece, bring the window pane you used to have with you.
Clean the glass on both sides using a damp sponge or cloth. You can also clean the glass with a mild solution made of water and cleaning soap. Before you work with the glass, make sure that it has dried completely. Repair efforts will be ineffective If there's still moisture in the crack or shattered part.
Next, remove the old glazing paste. It can be removed using the help of a screwdriver or a putty knife, but you might need a utility blade and a tool that has sharp teeth to cut the putty. If the glass is extremely hard to remove, a heat gun can help to soften it. Be careful not to cause the wood to burn or ignite an ignition.
You then need to prepare the surface on which the new glass will rest. If you have glass with low-e it is essential to know which side of the glass you want to install. Glazier and Glazing hatfield repairmywindowsanddoors of these windows have an indicator that shows which side of the glass was designed to face in or out. It is important to know that reversed glass can cause it not to perform as it was intended to. This can let warmth to escape while cold is in. Please read the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer.