Glazing Repairs
Repairs to your glazing done quickly is crucial to preventing condensation that can lead to fogging and decreases the efficiency of. Fogged windows are often an indication of leaky seals.
Small metal clips called glazing points (on wood) and spring clips on metal windows keep glass in place. Warm the glue used to "bed" the glass by putting your heating gun close to it until it becomes soft.
Cracked or broken glass
Glass that is cracked or broken is often caused by an intense storm or a lawnmowers' pebble that flies into the window, or a glass vase that is dropped by the cat. Fortunately, these small cracks can often be repaired without compromising the integrity of the window's glass or its ability to encapsulate cold and heat or protect your property from weather conditions. However, more severe damage to your glass could require a professional intervention or completely replacement.
For superficial cracks, a thin strip of strong-hold tape will prevent the damage from becoming worse. For deeper cracks such as 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 as a permanent solution. It is designed to hold the window in place, and it is cut to the size you require.
Before you apply any repair product, make sure the damaged glass is thoroughly cleaned to promote the best adhesion. Use a glass cleaner and a clean cotton rag to wipe away any oily spots or residues on the glass's surface and in the cracks. For stubborn dirt or oily spots, Acetone (the ingredient in nail polish remover) can be applied to the rag and rubbed into the glass to break down the dirt.
After the glass has dried it's time to prepare for the application of the chosen repair substance. If you're working with a two-part epoxy, it's essential to mix equal amounts of hardener and resin prior to applying the glue in order to create a balanced mixture. Apply the glass adhesive or epoxy to the crack using a putty blade to work it into and around the cracks. Once the adhesive has been in contact with the cracked glass, scrape off any excess using a razor or a rag that has been soaked in Acetone.
If the cracks are extensive it may be necessary to replace the whole window. To do this, clean the frame of the window and then measure to ensure that the new window pane you buy is a perfect fit to the damaged window. When replacing a damaged window pane, opt for temperate glass whenever you can. This type of toughened glass is safer in the event of a crack, as it breaks into small granular pieces instead of sharp, jagged pieces that could injure you or your family.
Loose Compound
Glazing compound is needed to secure the glass panes in older windows. The putty seals the edges, dries water and increases in reducing energy consumption. As time passes, the putty may become loose. This is a sign that it's time to replace the window with fresh putty and a fresh glazing bead. It is crucial to replace any loose glazing compound as fast as you can to avoid energy loss. Other signs that the window's glazing should be replaced include rattles, cracks on the putty as well as 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 loose paint or debris. Once the sash is cleaned, you can remove any nails or panel pins that hold the glass in place. Be cautious as the nails and pins could break if handled too roughly.
After cleaning the sash it's a good idea apply an even coat of primer made from oil on the wood surface. This will ensure the sash is protected and make sure that the new putty adheres properly. After priming, allow the primer to dry according to manufacturer instructions.
Then you can use a putty blade to cut off the old glazing compound. If you're having trouble getting rid of the old glazing, make use of a heat gun with an insulated heat shield to soften the putty. Be careful not to burn the wood as you are using the heat gun, and remember to wear eye protection and gloves.
Then, you can prepare the sash for the new putty by rub the sash with sandpaper. This will remove any rust and grit. When Door Glazier and Glazing merton repairmywindowsanddoors is prepared to accept the new putty, employ a small hammer to gently knock out any nail or window pin that was previously holding the glass in place. This is important as a slight smack with a hammer may break the window and create an injury to the person who is in.
Use a putty blade smooth the putty and form an edging around each glass. Allow the putty to dry completely before installing your window. Make sure that you remove all the loose glazing compound to create a weather-tight seal.
Shattered Glass
A bad storm, or the impact of a baseball by a child's hands, or even a rock thrown from your lawnmower could shatter your glass. This is a hazardous accident that could cause injury or property damage if it is not addressed right away. To protect your family members and yourself from flying fragments, it is important to secure the area around the broken window. You can also put an adobe sheet or a partition over the damaged area to stop debris from entering your home and injuring pets or people.
Oftentimes, you can repair a cracked or shattered window yourself. It is a relatively easy process, but it requires an enormous amount of care and focus on the details. If you do not have the proper tools, you could find yourself frustrated with this DIY project, and opt to engage a professional instead.
Be sure to clean the area around your broken window thoroughly prior to starting. It is recommended to use a cleaning solution that will take away any dirt or grease that might be trapped in the cracks in your window. It is also essential to allow the damaged area to dry prior to making any repairs. If possible, try to do this repair in warm weather.
Mix the epoxy required to fix the window after the window has been thoroughly cleaned. To ensure the success of your mix, follow the instructions provided by your manufacturer. You can purchase these adhesives from many 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 has been dissolved you can apply it to the broken glass.
Avoid touching the epoxy that you just applied by your fingers. This could cause marks that are difficult to get rid of. If you do come in contact with the epoxy, clean the area immediately with clean soap and water. It is also recommended to be in a place that is well ventilated and wear latex or nitrile safety gloves.
If you are unable successfully repair your cracked or shattered glass, it could be necessary to replace the entire window. It's a costly repair but it's worthwhile to ensure the safety of your family.
Replacement
It takes a lot of effort to keep your windows in good shape. The occasional ball tossing by your children or pebbles thrown up by your lawnmower may break a few window panes. Fortunately replacing the glass in many kinds of windows is simple. If the frame is in good condition, you can replace the broken pane to save money.
The majority of single-pane windows are fixed by glaziers' glue and tiny metal clips referred to as push points of glaziers. You can get replacement glass that has been cut to the proper size at your local home improvement center or hardware store. If you want to be certain you're ordering the correct size, bring the old window pane along.
Clean the glass from both sides using a damp sponge or cloth. You can also use a mild solution of cleaning soap and water to clean the glass. Once the glass is clean and before you make any changes to it, make sure it is dry. If there's any moisture in the cracked or shattered area, your repairs will be futile.
Next, remove the old glaze paste. You can do this with an instrument such as a screwdriver, or putty knife, however, you might need a utility blade and a tool with sharp teeth to cut the putty. A heat gun will help soften stubborn glazing. Just be careful not to scorch the wood or start an ignition!
Then, you can prepare the surface on which your glass will be placed. If you have low-e glass it is crucial to know which side of the glass to install. Most windows have a sticker that indicates whether the glass is designed to be facing in or out. It is important to note that reversing a glass can cause it not to perform as intended. This could allow the heat to escape while allowing cold air in. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's guidelines on this.