10 Startups Set To Change The Glass Window Repair Industry For The Better
Glass Window Repair
Professional window repair men work high above the ground, navigating huge glass panes. They adhere to strict safety standards and often work under extreme weather conditions.
While wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and glazing points using a utility knife. A heat gun can soften the old putty and accelerate the removal process.
Replacement
It can be tempting to fix the glass of your window instead of replacing it if panes break. However, replacing a window is typically more cost-effective and may assist in preventing other issues that could affect your home's energy efficiency. You should also consider the kind of glass that is damaged to determine if it is temporary or if you'll need to invest in an alternative that is more durable.
To fix a broken window, remove the frame or sash and lay it flat on your work surface. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window's frame and then remove any remaining fragments. Then, use a knife to remove the glazing compound and points that help to hold the glass in place. Keep track of the components and where they are so that they can be put back in place.
After you've removed the frame and sash, you can start preparing to replace the glass. Before doing this ensure that the opening in the frame is size for the replacement window. Measure both sides of the opening, and then subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to give space for expansion and contraction of the frame and glass. Then, purchase double-strength glass made to these exact measurements. It is a good idea to purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to place them every 6 inches around each window pane.
If the manufacturer is responsible you should contact them and submit an claim. After the new glass has been installed, it must be covered with a thin layer of the compound used by glaziers. After the compound has dried and dry, you can paint it to match the rest of the window frame.
If you have a crack that extends more than an inch, scoring a small arc with a razor blade that is just above the crack will help stop it from spreading further. This trick won't be completely foolproof, but it could slow the development of the crack to a manageable level until you can take permanent measures.
Repair
Professional window contractors are equipped with the proper tools and know how to work with various types of glass. They also know the best methods for disposing of waste, and are less likely to leave scraps behind, which could potentially hurt pets or family members. They're also accustomed to working with various types of windows, and may be able to spot issues that a novice home owner might not see.
Wear safety goggles and gloves before you begin repair work on cracked glass. A minor crack could cause shards of glass to fly away, posing a danger to anyone living in or around the home. It is crucial to determine what caused the crack, so that you could prevent future problems.
Begin by creating a two-part epoxy mixture. They are usually composed of a 50/50 blend of hardener and resin. They must be mixed quickly. After the mixture is made, apply it directly to the crack and let it dry. It should take only about a minute but it's important to do it quickly because the mixture is very dense and quick drying.
Once the epoxy has dried, you can get rid of excess epoxy using a putty blade. You'll need to clean the cracks in the glass. If you don't clean the area properly the debris could cause further damage to your glass. After the glass has been cleaned with a putty blade, use it to smooth the compound along the edges of the window and match it with the frame of wood.
For a more durable solution, consider using a plastic cover. You can cover the glass with masking tape or a strong-duty trashbag. This will prevent the crack from expanding and will also block out wind, water, bugs, and debris.
You can make an interim solution in the event that you are unable to reach the window in time. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant around the edge of the broken glass. It won't close the gap between the glass and the frame completely but it will hold the break in place until you are able to repair it.
Repainting
Repainting old glass windows is a good idea. This is an affordable alternative to replacing windows and will give your home a fresh new look. Make sure the surface is clean prior to painting. Wash the window with water and soap or rubbing alcohol to remove oil smudges and other traces which can hinder the paint from adhering. It is also recommended to wear rubber gloves when working on glass to avoid the risk of transferring your own oils onto the window's surface. Apply several thin coats rather than one thick coat. This will help the paint last longer and make your windows appear smooth and even.
Make sure you have the appropriate tools on hand when you are planning to repaint glass windows. You'll need a sponge or brush painter's tap as well as a ruler and toothpicks. It is also recommended to have the paint and brushes you'll be using to complete the project. Follow the manufacturer's directions. Have patience because it could take a while for the paint to completely dry.
If you're using solvent-based paints, you must make sure that the area where you work is well ventilated. This will decrease the risk of inhaling toxic chemicals, and also the paint will dry more quickly. Use a protective mask when using spray paints.
For older glass windows, it is necessary to prepare the surface prior painting. Clean the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water. Then, apply rubbing alcohol to wash off any oil or grease that might hinder the paint's adhesion. Be sure that the windows are completely dry before you begin to paint them.
If your glass windows are energy efficient dual pane windows, then you might be eligible to make a claim with the window company or dealer that sold them to pay any repair or replacement costs. This is particularly true if the windows are still under warranty and you've had numerous problems with condensation or damaged glass.
Sealing
There are a variety of options to address the issue, whether you have an old double-pane window with cracks in the seal or if you own an upgraded insulated unit (IGU) that has experienced fogging. The most expensive option is to replace the insulated unit and frame but it may be necessary if condensation or fog is causing energy loss. Other alternatives include replacing the current IGU with a single-pane or fixing it by drilling a small hole in the bottom of the unit and then filling the solution with anti-fog.
You can also fill in the gap between the window frame and the sill or threshold with a felt strip, vinyl v-strips, or door sweep. Felt can be stapled, glued, or put in place, but it doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip is easy to install and durable, but can be expensive. It is generally used in areas that are subject to high abrasion. Door sweeps are affordable and can be fixed into place, but they create very little or no protection between the sill or threshold and dust, air and debris.
To repair a damaged window seal first, employ a putty knife to take off the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves take out the glazing point -- small fasteners with sharp, pointed tips that pin the glass in the recess of the frame. After taking out the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand the wood. Wipe off any sanding traces, then seal the bare wood using a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.
A putty or caulking knife can be used to apply traditional glazing putty. However, using a knife will give a more precise application, and a more secure seal. Make sure you choose a putty specifically designed for glass windows, since it has better adhesion and long-lasting.
Apply a thin layer of putty across the inside of the frame where it meets with the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the drawn line on the glass lines up with the frame's edge. Apply pressure to the glass to force the putty and glass to form a tight seal. Smooth the compound with fingers that are gloved and clean up any caulk that was applied incorrectly or drips that have escaped prior to drying.
