Glass Window Repair Professional window repairmen are able to move large panes of tempered glass from a height higher than the ground. They work under extreme conditions and follow strict safety guidelines. Wearing protective clothing, remove all glazing putty and glazing points with a utility knife. A heat gun can soften the old putty and make it easier to remove. Replacement It is tempting to fix the window glass instead of replacing it when a pane breaks. However, replacing a window is usually more cost-effective, and can also help prevent other problems that could affect your home's energy efficiency. Consider the kind of glass damaged to determine if it's a temporary fix, or if a more permanent solution is required. To fix a broken window, take off the frame or sash, and place it flat on the floor. Wearing eye protection, gently wiggle the window's pane and remove any remaining fragments. Use a utility blade to cut off the glazing compound, and the glazing points that keep the window in place. Be sure to keep the track of the location of these components to make sure they can be replaced later. After you have removed the frame and sash, you can begin preparing to replace the glass. Make sure you check the opening of the frame is the right size for the replacement window. To allow for the expansion of the frame and glass and contraction take measurements in both directions across the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, buy double-strength glasses made to these exact measurements. It is recommended also to purchase enough glazier's clips, or points to place them every 6 inches around the window pane. Depending on the warranty of the window it could be covered by the manufacturer in which case you need to contact the company to file a claim. After the new glass has been erected it is crucial to cover it with a thin layer of glaziers compound. After drying the compound and dry, you can paint it to match the rest of the frame. If your crack is longer than an inch in length, you can prevent it from spreading by cutting an arc that is just a little beyond the crack. This technique isn't 100% foolproof but it will slow down the progression of the cracked until you can take permanent measures. Repair Professional window installers have the right tools and know how to work with different types of glass. They also know the best practices for disposing of waste, and are less likely to leave scraps in the trash, which could hurt pets or family members. They're also accustomed to working with various types of windows and may be aware of issues that might not be apparent to an inexperienced homeowner. Before you begin the process of repairing damaged window glass, make sure to wear safety goggles and gloves. Even a tiny crack can cause shards of glass to fly and put anyone at risk inside or around the house. It's important to determine what caused the crack, since this will help prevent any future problems. Make a two-part mix of epoxy. They usually consist of composed of a 50/50 blend of resin and hardener and must be mixed quickly. Once the mixture has been prepared, apply it directly to the crack and allow it to dry. It should take only some minutes, but you must work quickly because the mixture is thick and will dry quickly. Once the epoxy is dried, you can take off any excess with a putty knife. You'll then need to scrub the cracked glass. If you don't clean it correctly, the resulting residue could cause further damage to the glass. Once the glass is cleaned with a putty blade, use it to smooth the compound along the edges of the window and align it with the wood frame. Consider using a plastic cover for a more durable option. You can cover the glass using masking tape or a strong-duty trash bag. This will prevent the crack from spreading, and will also keep wind, water and bugs out. You can come up with an interim solution when you are unable access the window in time. Simply run a bead of the stuff around the outside of the broken pane. It won't completely fill the gap between the frame and glass, but it will keep the broken piece in place while you repair it. Repainting Repainting old glass windows is a great idea. This is a low-cost alternative to replace windows and provide your home with a new appearance. Make sure the window is clean prior to painting. Use soap or rubbing alcohol and water to remove oil smudges and other traces of dirt that can hinder paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to avoid the transfer of oils from your hands onto the glass. In the end you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a thick layer. This will make the paint last longer and keep your windows looking smooth and even. Make sure you have the right tools on hand in case you want to paint glass windows. You'll need a brush or sponge, painter's tape a ruler, toothpicks, as well as a few other tools, such as a rag or paper towel. You'll need the brushes and paints you'll be using in your kit. Follow the manufacturer's directions. Have patience because it could take some time for the paint to fully dry. You should also make sure the room you're working in is ventilated when you're using solvent-based paint. This will lower the risk of breathing in harmful chemicals and allow the paint to dry faster. Use a mask that is protective when using spray paints. You'll need to clean the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water before you paint it. Clean the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water. You can then apply rubbing alcohol to wash off any grease or oil that could affect the adhesion of the paint. Make sure the windows are dry before you start coating them. If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, you may be in a position to submit a claim to the dealer or window company that sold them to pay any repair or replacement costs. This is especially the case if you've experienced numerous issues with cracked glass or condensation while the windows are still covered under warranty. Sealing If you have double-pane windows that have a broken seal or a newer version of insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging or fog, there are many options for fixing the problem. The most expensive option is to replace the insulated unit and frame but it may be necessary if condensation or fog cause energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU by a single pane, or repairing the IGU that is in place by drilling a hole in the bottom and filling it with an anti-fogging product. You can also fill in the gap between the window frame and the sill or threshold by using a felt strip vinyl v-strips, or a door sweep. Felt is affordable and can be fixed with glue, nailed, or stapled into place however it doesn't offer much protection against moisture. Vinyl v-strip is easy to install and long-lasting however it can be expensive. It is usually reserved for areas that are subjected to high abrasion. Door sweeps are easy to nail in place and are inexpensive. However, they provide only a small amount of protection between the threshold and air. To fix a cracked window seal, first use a putty knife to remove the old caulk. Wearing gloves and eye protection remove the glazing point, which are small fasteners with sharp pointed tips that secure the glass into the recess of the frame. After removing the glazing points, scrub the grooves and sand the wood smooth. Wipe off any sanding traces and then seal the unfinished wood using a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer. Traditional glazing putty can be applied using either a putty knife or a caulking gun, however a knife provides a better precision and precise application. It also will provide a better seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass windows, as it will be more adhesive and long-lasting. Apply a thin layer of glue on the inside of the frame where it meets with the glass. Slide the window into frame so that scribed line on glass lines up with edge of frame. Apply pressure on the glass to press the putty and glass into a tight seal. Smooth the compound with fingers that are gloved and then wipe off any caulk that was applied incorrectly or errant drips prior to drying.