Glazing Repairs
It is important to get repairs to your glazing quickly to prevent the accumulation of moisture which could cause fogging. This can also affect energy efficiency. Fogged windows are an indication that seals aren't tight enough.
Small metal clips, also known as 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 soften it.
Cracked or broken glass
Broken or cracked glass is often caused by an intense storm or lawnmowers' puddle that flies into the window, or a vase of glass dropped by the cat. Fortunately, minor cracks are often repaired without compromising the quality of the window pane or its ability to keep in cold and heat or shield your home from weather conditions. Glass that has suffered more severe damage may require to be replaced or repaired by an expert.
For minor cracks, a thin strip of strong-hold tape will prevent the damage from becoming worse. For more severe cracks, like stress fractures caused by fluctuating temperatures, you'll need extend the tape both sides a few inches beyond the crack. Glass repair film can be used for an all-time solution. It is designed to keep the window in place, and is cut to size.
Before applying any repair product, make sure the damaged glass is thoroughly cleaned to ensure an optimal adhesion. Make use of a glass cleaner and a cotton rag to get rid of any residues, oily spots or stains from the glass's surface as well as the cracks. For stubborn dirt or oily spots, Acetone (the ingredient used in nail polish remover) can be applied to the rag, then rubbed into the glass to break down the contaminants.
Once the glass has dried it's time to prepare for the application of the chosen repair substance. If you're using a two-part epoxy, it's essential to mix equal parts of hardener and resin prior to applying the glue in order to achieve a properly balanced mixture. Apply the epoxy or glass adhesive to the crack using a putty blade to work it in and around the cracks. Once the glue is pressed into the cracks, clean any excess from the surface of the glass using a razor blade or by wiping the area again with a damp rag soaked in Acetone.
If the cracks are serious, you may have to replace the entire window. To do this clean the window frame and carefully take measurements to ensure that the window you're purchasing is an exact match to the damaged window. If replacing a damaged window pane, you should opt for temperate glass whenever you can. This type of toughened window glass is more secure in the event of a crack because it breaks into small pieces of granular glass instead of sharp jagged fragments that could harm you or your family.
Loose Compound
Older windows require glazing compound to ensure that the glass window panes securely in their wood frames. The putty seals the edges, sheds water and helps to improve energy efficiency. As time passes the putty could become loose. This is a sign it is time to get the window re-fitted with new putty and a new glazing bead. It is important to replace any loose glazing compound as quickly as possible in order to stop the loss of energy. Other indicators that indicate that the window glazing should be replaced include cracks, rattles on the putty, and the separation of the glass from the sash.
If you want to re-glaze a glass, first clean the sash thoroughly with mineral spirits. This will take away any debris or paint that is loose. Once the sash is cleaned, you can get rid of any panel pins or nails 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 oil-based primer on the wood surface. This will protect the sash and ensure that the new putty adheres properly. Allow the primer to dry as per the instructions of the manufacturer following the priming.
Then, you can use a blade to remove the old glazing compound. If you're having trouble removing old glaze, you can employ a heat gun and an insulated heat shield to soften the putty. Be careful not to burn the wood when using the heat gun. Also, remember to wear gloves and eye protection.
Then, you can prepare your sash for the new putty by gently rubbing it down with sandpaper to remove any rust or grit. After the sash is ready to receive the new glass, use a small hammer to gently tap in any window pins or nails that held the glass in the frame. This is crucial as a stray blow by a hammer could break the window and cause an accident.
Make use of a putty knife to smooth the putty and form beads around each 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 a baseball thrown from a child's hand, or even a rock thrown from your lawnmowers could break your glass. This is a dangerous mess that can cause injury or property damage if not taken care of immediately. It is important to cordon the area around a damaged window to shield your family and yourself from flying fragments. You can also use an object of cardboard or a partition to protect the broken area. This will prevent any debris from entering your home and causing harm to pets or people.
You can often repair a cracked or shattered glass yourself. It is a relatively easy task, but it requires great care and concentration on the small details. You may be frustrated by your DIY project when you don't have appropriate tools. You might decide to hire an expert.
Be sure to clean the area around your damaged window thoroughly prior to starting. Use a cleaning product to get rid of any grease or dirt from the cracks in your window. It is also important to allow the broken area to dry before you attempt any repairs. If you are able you can do this repair during sunny weather.
Mix the epoxy required to fix the window after the area has been thoroughly cleaned. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure a successful mixture. You can purchase these adhesives at many hardware stores. To ensure that the adhesive is strong it is recommended that the resin and hardener be mixed together for 20 seconds. When the mixture is finished, you can apply it to your broken glass.
Avoid touching the epoxy that was just applied with your fingers. This could cause marks that are difficult to get rid of. If you do come in contact with the epoxy, wash the area immediately using cleaning soap and water. It is also essential to work in a well-ventilated location and use latex or nitrile gloves.
If you are unable to repair the glass that is cracked or shattered, it may be necessary for you to replace the entire window. It's an expensive fix but it's is worth it to ensure your family's safety.
Replacement
It takes a lot of effort to keep your windows in good condition. But the occasional baseball that is thrown by kids or pebble kicked up by the mower could cause damage to a window pane or two. Replacing the glass on most types of windows is easy. If the frame is still in good shape, you can replace the damaged pane to save money.
Most single pane windows are secured by glazier's putty or small metal clips called glazier's push points. You can buy replacement glass that's cut to the proper size at your local home improvement center or hardware store. To ensure that you're purchasing the correct size piece, bring the window pane you used to have with you.
It is possible to clean the glass on both sides using a damp sponge or cloth. You can also use a mild mixture of cleaning soap and water to clean the glass. After Glazier and Glazing luton is clean and you are ready to do anything to it, ensure that it is dry. If there is moisture in the crack or broken area, your repair efforts are useless.
The next step is to take off the old glazing putty. You can remove it with an instrument such as a screwdriver, or putty knife, but you may need an utility blade and tool that has sharp teeth to cut the putty away. A heat gun can be used to in removing stubborn glaze. Just be careful not to burn the wood or ignite the fire!
Then you can make the surface that your new pane will rest on. If you are using low-e glass it is essential to know which side of the glass you want to install. Most windows have a sticker that indicates whether the glass is designed to face in or out. It is important to remember that reversing a glass could cause it to not perform as intended. This can let warmth to escape while cold is in. Make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions regarding this.