Glazing Repair - How to Repair a Cracked Window
Glazing can make a big difference in the energy efficiency of your home. This is particularly true for older double-glazed windows.
While it is possible to change the glazing points while the window is in position, it is faster and simpler when the frame and glass are removed. This is also a good opportunity to replace the rubber gaskets.
Broken Glass
Glass that is cracked isn't just ugly, it can also let valuable heat and sunlight escape your home. Fortunately, it's often possible to repair a damaged window without the need for a complete replacement.
Wear safety goggles and gloves. You can also employ duct tape or a painter's tap to create an "X" on the glass that you intend to remove. This prevents any shattered pieces from falling when you work, which could keep you from serious injuries.
Cover a small crack in your window glass with tape to keep insects, water and wind from getting. One strip of tape should be enough to cover any cracks that are superficial, but if you're worried about the weather getting worse before you can replace your window, use an extra-strong plastic cover such as a tarp or a trash bag, to hold the glass in place until you can find a permanent solution.
Use a strong adhesive that is specifically designed for windows to fix cracks. Loctite Super Glue Glass is a great choice. This high-tech glue is made to adhere to glass and then dries crystal clear for an ideal finish. Apply it to the crack, and let it completely dry before applying a new layer.
Stress cracks are another common issue that can affect your glass window. They're usually caused by significant changes in temperature, and they can quickly spread across the entire glass window if it's not repaired. To avoid stress fractures, use a glass cutter to cut a small circle close to the crack. This will stop the crack from spreading and can slow it down for several days.
If you're replacing a broken window make sure you measure the frame to fit the new pane. It should be slightly bigger than the opening in order to allow for expansion and contraction and to compensate for any imperfections that may occur on the frame or the glass. After cutting the glass, apply glaziers compound around the edges of the frame and glass. Once the compound is dry paint it in a manner that matches the frame.
Condensation on the inside of Double Glazed Windows
Condensation inside double-glazed windows is typically an indication that the seal along the window unit has failed. This is a serious issue because it could mean that heat is being lost from your home through the window.
Double glazing is designed to stop heat transfer between two panes, by sandwiching an air or vacuum layer between them. This creates a airtight seal and keeps warm air from exiting the house. However, if double glazing repair is colder or colder than the surrounding frame then condensation will build up on it and cause damage to the window. If you are unable to remove condensation from double-glazed windows by opening windows or using extractors, dehumidifiers, or trickle venting, then you might need professional help.
It's much rarer for condensation to appear on the exterior of double-glazed windows, however it can occur when the seal between the glass and frame is beginning to break down. It's more frequent in winter, when the temperature is lower. This makes it easier for condensation. This is caused by a defect in the spacer that is used between the frame and the window. This spacer contains desiccant, which is highly absorbent and will soak up any excess moisture.
The issue with this is that when the desiccant becomes saturated it begins to break down and water can begin to seep through the gap between the glass units. This can cause water and condensation to build within the gap, which is difficult to clean out.
The positive side is that many reliable window companies will provide an assurance on their products. They should replace the window unit and glass in the event of damage caused by condensation. Make sure to report any issues as soon as you can to the window manufacturer to ensure that the condensation is repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Shattering Window Glass
A cracked window pane isn't just an aesthetic issue, it could also present a security risk especially if the crack is growing. It's best to get it repaired as soon as you can. There are several ways to do it, including using glass adhesives specifically designed for windows in vehicles that can be purchased through the internet or at numerous auto maintenance stores. Alternately, you can use a glazing compound intended for use at home and can be purchased in a lot of hardware and home improvement stores.
Before starting any task, put on thick cut-proof gloves and safety glasses. You can then sweep the area to eliminate large shards. Also, you should clean up any chips that fell. This will stop them from causing injury to you or a glass repair person later on.
It's a good idea work on a ladder instead of standing on the floor. This will make it easier to reach all the areas of the frame, and will ensure that you are safe from falling glass. Before you begin it's best to clean the rabbet. This is the area that the glass will be placed. Wipe it down and then apply a coat of linseed oil to the rabbet. This will allow the new putty to stick securely.
After the frame has been cleaned and the rabbet has been prepared, it is time to make the replacement pane. Order a piece of double strength glass that is 1/8 inch smaller in both directions. You'll need to purchase glass points which is a steel triangle that holds the glass in place.
With the window sash taken off, use a flat pry-bar to carefully pry the sash away from the moulding of wood. It is possible to scrape old glazing off using a utility blade or chisel. Utilize the heat gun to warm any putty which won't come off easily. This will make it easier to peel off.
Once the frame is free from the molding, carefully press the new glass into its place. Fill in the gaps using either a glazier's tipped or a knife. Once the putty is dry, paint the frame in a similar color to the putty. Lap the paint slightly over the edge of the compound and onto the glass to completely seal it.
Replacement Window Glass
If you're replacing a damaged window pane, first wear eye protection and gloves to shield yourself from glass shards. Tape the window's edge to prevent it from breaking when you take it off.
Start by removing the old glaze compound and glazing points (small metal triangles) from the frame using a knife. Clean the entire frame opening and then apply a layer of linseed to aid in adhering the new putty better.
Once the frame is made, measure it to determine the size of a new windowpane. Then, you can purchase it at an home improvement store or another retailer. Choose the panes 1/6th inch smaller in each direction than your measurement. This will ensure a perfect fit.
It's much easier than you think to install windows that are new. However, it is essential to follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer to ensure a proper fit and a long-lasting replacement pane. Use a wire brush to clean the frame opening of any old paint or wood gunk and then sand it to bare wood, which will increase the seal between the frame and the sash.
Make use of the point of the putty blade when inserting the new pane to bed it lightly against the frame of wood. Put glazier's tips in the frame every six inches. This will help hold the new pane securely in position.
When the frame is cure, paint the joint with a few coats of paint to match the rest of the frame. Let the paint dry completely before proceeding to cleaning and maintaining your window. Maintaining your windows in good condition, and functioning properly will extend their useful lives and improve your home's energy efficiency. You might want to replace your windows if they are damaged or are old. If you decide to go down this option, we suggest you choose a high-quality, insulated window that will lower your energy bills. The kind of window you pick will also influence the total cost of your project.