Glazing Repairs
Making repairs to the glazing promptly is vital to prevent moisture build-up that leads to fogging and reduces energy efficiency. Fogged windows are a sign that seals are loose.
Glass is held in place by small metal clips, referred to as glazing points made of wood or spring clips made of metal. Holding your heat gun close to the putty used to "bed" glass will make it more pliable.
Broken or cracked glass
A severe storm, a pebble from your lawnmower that flies across the window, or a glass vase that is dropped by the family cat are common causes of broken or cracked glass in the home. Fortunately, minor cracks can often be repaired without compromising the quality of the window's pane or its ability to seal in cold and heat or protect your property from weather conditions. However, more severe damage to your glass may require a professional intervention or complete replacement.
For superficial cracks, a thin strip of strong-hold tape can prevent the damage from becoming worse. For deeper cracks, like stress cracks caused by changing temperatures, you'll need to extend the tape several inches past the crack on both sides. To provide a permanent solution, there is glass repair film that is designed to hold the entire glass in place and is cut to size.
Before you apply any repair product, make sure the damaged glass is thoroughly cleaned to promote an optimal adhesion. Make use of a glass cleaner and a clean rag to clean any residues or oily spots on the surface of the window as well as the cracks themselves. For stubborn oily spots or dirt, Acetone (the ingredient in nail polish remover) can be applied to the rag and rubbed into the glass to break down the dirt.
Once the glass is dry it's time to prepare for the application of the repairing substance. If you're using a two-part epoxy, you need to mix equal parts of resin and hardener before applying the glue to create a balanced mixture. Make use of a putty blade to apply the glass adhesive or epoxy to the crack. Once the adhesive is pressed into the cracks, scrape any excess material from the surface of the glass with a razor blade or by wiping the area again with a damp rag soaked in Acetone.
If the cracks are severe, you may have to replace the entire window. To do this, clean the frame of the window and then check that the new window you purchase is a perfect size to the damaged window. If replacing a damaged window pane, opt for temperate glass whenever you can. This type of toughened glass is more secure to handle in the case of a break since it shatters into smaller granular chunks instead of sharp, jagged shards which could cause injury to you or your loved ones.
Loose Compound
Older windows need glazing compound to keep the glass window panes securely within their wooden frames. This putty seals the edges, dries water and helps in reducing energy consumption. Over time the putty can become loose. This indicates that it is time to have the window refitted with new putty and the new glazing beads. The glazing compound that is loose is a problem that must be fixed quickly to stop loss of energy through the window. Other indicators that indicate that the window's glass should be replaced include cracks, rattles, scratches on the putty as well as separation of the glass from the sash.
If you have a window that requires reflashing, begin by thoroughly cleaning the sash using mineral spirits to remove loose paint and debris. After the sash is cleaned, you can take off any panel pins or nails that hold the glass to the sash. Be careful because these pins and nails may break if you're too rough.
After the sash has been cleaned, it is an ideal idea to apply an oil-based primer on the bare wood. This will protect the sash, and ensure that the putty is adhered properly. Allow the primer to dry according to the instructions of the manufacturer following the priming.
Then you can use a putty blade to remove the old glazing compound. If you're having difficulty removing the old glaze, you can use a heatgun with a heat shield to soften the putty. Be careful not to heat the wood when using the heat gun. Also, remember to wear gloves and eye protection.
You can then prepare the sash to receive the new putty by rub the sash with sandpaper. This will get rid of any rust and grit. Once the sash has been prepared to accept the new glass, use a small hammer to gently tap in any nails or window pins that held the glass into the frame. This is crucial as a stray blow with a hammer may break the window and cause a safety concern.
After the sash has had putty on it, use a putty knife to smooth it out and create an even layer of glass. Let the putty dry completely before reinstalling your window. Be sure to remove all the glass compound that is loose to ensure an airtight seal.
Shattered Glass
A severe storm or a baseball thrown by a child or a rock from your lawnmower could break your window glass. If you don't take action quickly, this can result in injury or damage to property. It is crucial to seal off the area around a broken window to safeguard you and your family members from flying fragments. You can also place a sheet of cardboard or a partition over the damaged area to stop debris from getting into your home and causing injuries to pets or people.
Sometimes, you can fix a cracked or shattered window yourself. It's a simple procedure, but it requires an enormous amount of care and concentration on detail. If you do not have the right equipment, you could find yourself frustrated by this DIY project and may choose to hire an expert instead.
Be sure to clean the area around your damaged window thoroughly prior to beginning. Use a cleaner to get rid of any dirt or grease that has accumulated in the window's cracks. It is also crucial to allow the broken area to dry before you attempt any repairs. If you are able, make this repair in sunny weather.
Mix the epoxy required to fix the window after the window has been thoroughly cleaned. Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer to ensure the mix is successful. You can buy these adhesives at many hardware stores. To ensure a durable adhesive, it is recommended that the hardener and resin are combined for a period of 20 seconds. Once the mixture has been completed, you should apply it to the cracked glass.
Avoid touching the epoxy that was just applied by your fingers. This could cause marks that are difficult to remove. If you do come in contact with the epoxy, wash the area immediately using cleaning 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 repair the glass that is cracked or shattered, it may be necessary to replace the entire window. It is a costly repair but it's worth the cost to ensure the security and safety of your family.
Replacement
It is a lot of work to keep your windows in good condition. A few balls tossing by your children or pebbles kicked by your lawnmowers might break a few window panes. Fortunately replacing the glass in many kinds of windows is simple. If the frame is still in good shape you can replace the damaged pane and save money over purchasing a new window put in your home.
Most single-pane windows are secured by glaziers' putty or tiny metal clips referred to as push points of glaziers. You can typically find replacement glass cut to size from the local hardware store or at a home improvement store. To make sure you're ordering the correct size piece, 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 mixture of cleaning soap and water to clean the glass. Before you begin any work on the glass, ensure that it is completely dried. Your repair efforts won't be successful if there is still moisture in the cracked or broken part.
The next step is to get rid of the old glazing putty. You can remove it with an instrument such as a screwdriver, or putty knife. However, you may need to use a utility knife and a tool that has sharp teeth to chip the putty away. A heat gun can be used to melt stubborn glaze. Just be careful not to scorch the wood or ignite the fire!
You then need to prepare the surface on which the new glass will sit. If Glazier and Glazing Services basildon are using low-e glass it is crucial to know which side of the glass you want to install. Most of these windows come with a sticker indicating whether the glass should be facing out or in. It is important to note that turning a glass in the reverse direction can cause it not to perform as it was intended to. This could allow the heat to escape while allowing cold air in. Be sure to read the directions provided by the manufacturer.