Glazing Repairs
It is crucial to get repairs to your glazing quickly to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can cause fogging. This will also reduce the efficiency of your energy bill. Fogged windows are usually the result of seals that are not properly sealed.
Small metal clips referred to as glazing points (on wood) and spring clips on windows made of metal keep glass in place. The heat gun you hold close to the putty that is used to "bed" glass will soften it.
Broken or cracked glass
A severe storm or a stray pebble from your lawnmower that flies across the window or a glass vase dropped by the family cat are common causes of broken or cracked glass around the home. Fortunately, these small cracks can often be repaired without compromising the quality of the window pane or its ability to encapsulate cold and heat or protect your home from weather conditions. Glass that has sustained more severe damage may require to be repaired or replaced by a professional.
For minor cracks, a thin strip of strong-hold tape can prevent the damage from becoming worse. For more serious cracks, such as stress fractures caused by changing temperatures, you'll need extend the tape on both sides by several inches beyond the crack. Glass repair film can be used as an all-time solution. It is designed to keep the window in place, and is cut to size.
To ensure the best adhesion to ensure maximum adhesion, clean the damaged glass thoroughly prior to applying any repairing products. Make use of a glass cleaner and an unclean cloth to remove any oily spots or residues on the surface of the window, as well as in the cracks themselves. Acetone (the ingredient in nail polish remover), can be applied to a rag to break down stubborn dirt or oily spots.
Once the glass is dry it's time to prepare for the application of the repairing substance. It is essential to mix equal parts of resin and hardener prior to applying the epoxy to ensure a balanced mixture. Use a putty blade to apply the glass adhesive or the epoxy to the crack. Once the adhesive is in contact with the cracked glass, remove any excess with a sharp knife or a rag soaked in Acetone.
If you have cracks that are serious, you may need to replace the entire window. Clean the window frame, and then measure the window to ensure the new window pane is an ideal fit. When replacing a damaged window pane, opt for tempered glass if possible. This kind of toughened window glass is safer in the event of a break because it breaks into small pieces of granular glass instead of sharp, jagged pieces that could injure you or your family members.
Loose Compound
Older windows require glazing compound to hold the glass window panes secure in their wood frames. The putty seals edges, eliminates moisture and aids in energy efficiency. As time passes, the putty may become loose. This is a sign it's time to replace the window with a new layer of putty and a fresh glazing bead. It is essential to replace any loose glazing compound as fast as you can to avoid energy loss. Other signs that the window's glazing requires re-glazing include cracks, rattles on the putty as well as separation of the glass from the sash.
If you want to re-glaze a window first, clean the sash thoroughly using mineral spirits. This will remove any debris or paint that is loose. Once the sash is clean you can take off any panel pins or nails that hold the glass in place. Be careful as these pins and nails may break if you're too rough.
After the sash has been cleaned and dried, it's an ideal idea to apply a coat of primer made of oil to the bare wood. This will help protect the sash and ensure that the putty adheres correctly. Allow the primer to dry according to the instructions of the manufacturer following priming.
Then, Glazier and Glazing can lay the sash flat on your work surface 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 use eye and hand protection.
Then, you can prepare your sash for the new putty by gently rubbing it down using sandpaper, which will remove any rust or grit. When the sash is prepared to accept the new putty, use a small tacking hammer to gently knock in any window pin or nail that was previously holding the glass in place. This is vital because a single hammer strike can shatter the glass and create an unsafe situation.
Make use of a putty knife to smooth the putty and create a bead around each glass. Allow the putty to dry completely before you can reinstall your window. Make sure that you remove all the glass compound that is loose to ensure a weather-proof seal.
Shattered Glass
A severe storm, or a baseball thrown by a child's hands, or even a rock thrown by your lawnmowers could smash your glass. This is a hazardous mess that can cause injuries or property damage if it is not addressed right away. It is essential to secure off the area around a broken window to shield you and your family members from flying fragments. You can also use a piece of cardboard or a partition to cover the broken area. This will stop debris from getting into your house and causing injury to pets or other people.
It is not uncommon to repair a cracked or break glass yourself. It's a fairly straightforward process, but it will require extreme care and concentration on the small specifics. If you don't have the proper tools, you may find yourself frustrated by this DIY project and may decide to work with a professional instead.
Make sure to wash the area around your broken window thoroughly prior to starting. Use a cleaning product to get rid of any dirt or grease from the cracks in your window. It is also important to allow the damaged area to dry before you attempt any repairs. If you can you can do this repair in the sun.
Mix the epoxy required to fix the window after the area has been thoroughly cleaned. To ensure the success of your mix, follow the directions provided by the manufacturer. You can buy these adhesives at the majority of hardware stores. It is recommended to mix the resin and hardener together for about 20 seconds to ensure an effective bond. Once the mixture has been completed, you should apply it to your cracked glass.
Be cautious not to touch the freshly applied epoxy with your fingers. This will leave marks that can be difficult to remove. If you come into contact with the epoxy, clean the area immediately with clean soap and water. You should also be in a place that is well ventilated and wear latex or nitrile safety gloves.
If you are unable to successfully repair your damaged or broken glass, it could be required to replace the entire window. It's a costly repair, but it is worth the cost to ensure the safety and security of your family.
Replacement
It is a lot of work to keep your windows clean. The occasional ball thrown by your children or pebbles kicked up by your lawnmowers could break a few window panes. Fortunately replacing the glass in many types of window is simple. If the frame is intact you can replace the broken pane to save money.
Most single-pane windows are fixed by glaziers' putty or tiny metal clips known as glaziers' push points. You can buy replacement glass that has been cut to the proper size at your local home improvement center or hardware store. If you want to be sure you are ordering the right size, bring the old window pane with you.
Clean the glass on both sides with a damp sponge or cloth. You can also use a mild solution of cleaning soap and water to clean the glass. Before you work with the glass, ensure that it is completely dried. Your repair efforts will be ineffective when there is moisture in the cracked or broken part.
The next step is to get rid of the old putty used for glazing. You can remove it with an instrument such as a screwdriver, or putty knife, however, you may need a utility knife and a tool that has sharp teeth to cut the putty away. A heat gun can help melt stubborn glaze. Just be careful not to burn the wood or cause an ignition!
You can then prepare the surface on which your glass will be placed. If you have glass with low-e, it is important to know which side of the glass you want to install. Most of these windows have an indication on the back of the glass should be facing out or in. It is important to remember that reversed glass can cause it not to perform as it is intended. This could allow warmth to escape while cold is in. Make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions regarding this.