What NOT To Do When It Comes To The Glazing Repair Industry
Glazing Repair - How to Repair a Cracked Window
Glazing can make a significant difference to the energy efficiency of your home. This is especially true in older double-glazed windows.
While it is possible to replace the glazing points when the window is still in position, it is quicker and easier if the glass and frame are removed. This is also a good opportunity to replace the rubber gaskets.
Broken Glass
Cracked glass isn't just unsightly, it can also let valuable heat and sunlight escape from your home. It's possible to fix damaged glass without replacing the entire window.
Begin by putting on protective gloves and safety goggles. Also, you should put a piece of tape in an "X" shape on the glass you plan to remove (duct or painter's tap works well). This will prevent any broken pieces from falling as you work, which can keep you from serious injuries.
Cover a small crack in your window with tape to keep insects, water and wind from getting. If the crack is only superficial, a single strip of tape is enough. However should the weather be expected to worsen before you can replace the window, you may prefer a sturdy plastic cover such as an tarp or trash bag.
For cracks that aren't as deep, try using a strong adhesive specifically designed for windows, like Loctite Super Glue Glass. This high-tech adhesive is formulated to bond to glass and it dries crystal clear to give an ideal finish. Apply it to the cracks in the glass, and let it dry completely before applying a new layer.
Stress cracks are another frequent issue that can occur to your glass window. They are usually caused by large changes in temperature, and can spread quickly across the entire glass window if not treated. To prevent stress cracks, score an arc using glass cutters close to the crack. This can prevent the crack from spreading and slow it down for several days.
Take a look at the frame of the damaged window to determine the size of the new pane. It should be slightly larger than the opening to allow for expansion and contraction, as well as to make up for any imperfections on the frame or the glass. Once you've cut the glass to the proper size apply glaziers' compound around the edges of the frame and the glass. After the compound has dried then paint it over it to match the rest of the frame.
Double Glazed Windows Condensation Inside
The appearance of condensation on the inside of double glazed windows usually indicates that a seal has broken somewhere along the window unit. This is an important issue since it means that the heat that is coming from your home is being lost through the window, and can be costly to both you and your energy bills.
Double glazing has been designed to block heat transfer between two panes of glass by sandwiching a layer of air or a vacuum between them. This creates a airtight seal and prevents warm air from leaving the home. If the glass is warmer than the frame, condensation could form on the glass and cause damage to the window. If you've got condensation on your double glazed window that you are unable to eliminate it by opening the windows, by using extractor fans, dehumidifiers, or by trickle venting, then you may need to contact an expert.
It's less likely for condensation to appear on the outside of double glazed windows, however it can happen in the event that the seal between the glass and the window frame has begun to weaken. This is more frequent in winter as the temperature is lower and it's more likely for condensation to form. The primary reason for this is a fault in the spacer used between the frame and the window. The spacer is often filled with desiccant that is highly absorptive and can absorb excess moisture.
The issue is that once the desiccant is saturated, it begins to break down and then moisture will begin to leak through the gap between the glass units. This can cause water and condensation to build in the gap which is difficult to get rid of.
The positive side is that many trustworthy window manufacturers will provide an assurance on their products and should replace the window unit and glass when it's damaged by condensation. Make sure to report any issues as soon as you can to your window installer so that the condensation is repaired as quickly as possible to avoid further damage.
Shattering Window Glass
A damaged or cracked window could be more than an aesthetic problem. It could also pose an injury risk, particularly when it's spreading. It is best to get it repaired as quickly as you can. Glass adhesives can be used for vehicle windows that can be purchased on the internet or at many auto repair shops. You can also use a glazing compound for home use, which is readily available at many hardware and home improvement stores.
Before you begin any work, wear thick cut-proof gloves and safety glasses and sweep the area to remove large shards. Also, you should clean up any chips that have fallen. This will prevent them from cutting you or a glass repair technician in the future.
It is best to stand on a ladder instead of on the ground. This will make it easier to reach all parts of the frame, and will keep you safe from falling glass. It is also a good idea to clean the rabbet prior to proceeding with the installation. This is the area around the perimeter of the window frame that is where glass will be. Apply a coat of linseed to the rabbet, then wipe it clean. This will help the putty adhere.
After the frame has been cleaned and the rabbet prepared It's now time to make the replacement pane. Measure the height and width of the opening in both directions Then, you can order an item of double-strength glass that is 1/8 inch smaller in both directions. You'll need to purchase glass points which is a metallic triangle that holds the glass in the right place.
With the window sash removed, use a flat pry-bar to gently pull the sash away from the moulding of wood. You may have to scrape old glazing off using a utility blade or chisel. Then you can use the heat gun to warm up any putty that isn't able to fall off. This will make it easier to remove.
After the frame is removed from the molding and the frame is pressed gently into the new glass in its place. Then, with a putty knife or glazier's point, fill in the gaps around it and smooth them out. After the putty has dried, paint the frame to match. Lap the paint slightly over the edge of the compound and onto the glass to seal it completely.
Replacement Window Glass
Wear protective eyewear and gloves when replacing a damaged pane of glass. Tape off the area surrounding the broken window to stop it from breaking again in a different location when you take it off.
Begin by removing the old glazing compound and glazing points (small metal triangles) from the wood sash frame using a utility knife. Then, clean the frame opening and apply a layer of linseed oil to help the new stick stick stick to it better.
Once the frame is in place, make sure you measure it to get the new window pane. Then purchase it from a local home improvement store or any other retailer. Make sure double glazing repair order the pane one-sixth inch shorter in each direction than your measurement to ensure a snug fit.
It's easier than you think to set up a new window. But, it's essential to follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer to ensure a good fitting and long-lasting replacement. Use a wire brush to clear the frame of old paint or wood gunk, and then sand it down to bare wood, which will improve the seal between the frame and the sash.
When you're putting the new pane in place, use the point of your putty knife to lightly lay the new window against the wood frame. Then, press glazier's points into the frame approximately every six inches to keep the new window securely in the frame.
After the frame has dried and the joint is painted, you can paint it multiple times to match the frame. Let the paint dry completely before cleaning and maintaining your windows. Maintaining your windows in good condition, and functioning correctly will prolong their useful lives and boost your home's energy efficiency. If your windows are old or are in poor condition then you might be better off having a full window replacement. If you opt for this option, we suggest selecting a high-quality insulated window to cut down on your energy bills. The type of window you select will also affect the total cost of your project.