Glazing Repair - How to Repair a Cracked Window
Glazing can have a major impact on the efficiency of your home. This is especially true for older double-glazed windows.
While it is possible to change the glazing points when the window is still in place, it is much quicker and easier when the frame and glass are removed. This is also a great occasion to replace the rubber gaskets.
Broken Glass
Glass that is cracked isn't just ugly, it can also let valuable sunlight and heat escape from your home. It's usually possible to fix a broken window without the need for a complete replacement.
Wear safety glasses and gloves. You can also employ duct tape or a painter's taps to create an "X" on the glass that you intend to remove. This will prevent any broken pieces from falling when you work, which could protect you from serious injury.
Cover a small crack in your window with tape to keep insects, water, and wind out. If the crack is only superficial just a single strip of tape will be enough. However in the event that the weather is likely to get worse before you can replace the window, you might need a more durable plastic cover, such as the trash bag or tarp.
For cracks that aren't as shallow, try using a strong adhesive designed specifically for windows, such as Loctite Super Glue Glass. This high-tech adhesive is formulated to adhere to glass and it dries crystal clear to give a perfect finish. Apply it to the crack in the glass and allow it to dry completely before applying a new layer.
Stress cracks are a different 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 fixed. To prevent stress fractures using a glass cutter, you need to cut a small arc near the crack. This can prevent the crack from spreading and slow it down for some days.
If you're replacing an old window make sure you measure the frame to fit the new pane. It should be slightly larger than the opening in order to allow for expansion and contraction and also to make up for any imperfections that may occur on the frame or on the glass. Once you've cut the glass to the proper size, apply glaziers' compound around the edges of the frame and the glass. Once the compound has dried, paint it to match the frame.
Condensation on the inside of Double Glazed Windows
The appearance of condensation on the inside of double-glazed windows typically indicates that the seal has been damaged somewhere along the window unit. This is a serious issue because it could indicate that heat is lost from your home through the window.
Double glazing is designed to prevent heat transfer between two panes by putting an air or vacuum layer between them. This creates a airtight seal and stops warm air from escaping the home. But, if the glass is colder or colder than the frame then condensation will build up on it and damage the window. If you have condensation on your double-glazed window and you are unable to resolve it by opening the windows, with extractor fans, using dehumidifiers or trickle venting, then you may need to contact an expert.
Condensation on the outside of double-glazed windows is not common, but it can occur when the seal has started to deteriorate between the glass and the window frame. This is more common in winter when the temperature is lower and it's more easy for condensation to develop. The most likely cause is a flaw in the spacer placed between the window and the frame. The spacer is made up of desiccant which is very absorbent and will absorb any excess moisture.
The problem with this is that once the desiccant is saturated, it will begin to break down and water can begin to enter the gap between the glass units. This could lead to condensation and water leaking into the gap, which is difficult to eliminate.
The positive side is that many reliable window companies will provide an assurance on their products. They will replace the window unit and glass when it's damaged by condensation. Make sure to report any issues as soon as you can to the window manufacturer so that the condensation is repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Shattering Window Glass
A window that is cracked isn't just a visual problem, it could present a security risk especially if the crack is growing. It is best to get it fixed as quickly as possible. You can use glass adhesives for window glass in your vehicle which you can purchase on the internet or at many auto maintenance shops. You can also make use of a glazing compound for home use, which is available at most hardware and home improvement stores.
Before you begin any task, put on thick gloves that are cut-proof and safety glasses and sweep the area to get rid of large shards. You should also vacuum up any chips that fell. This will stop them from cutting you or a glass repair person later on.
It is best to stand on a ladder instead of on the ground. This will let you reach all parts of the frame with ease and protect yourself from glass falling. It's also a good idea to clean the rabbet before proceeding with the installation. This is the area around the perimeter of the window frame that is where the glass will go. Apply a coat of linseed on the rabbet and wipe it down. This will help the putty adhere.
After the frame is cleaned and the rabbet is prepared It's time to make the replacement pane. Measure the height and width of the opening both ways, then order an item of double-strength glass that's 1/8 inch shorter in both directions. Also, you'll need to purchase glass points, which are metal triangles which hold the glass in place.
With the window sash removed from the way, carefully pull it away from the wood molding using a straight pry bar. You may need to scrape old glazing off using a utility knife or chisel. Then you can use the heat gun to warm up any putty that isn't able to come off. This will make it easier to remove.
Once the frame is free from the molding then carefully press the glass in its place. Fill in the gaps using either a glazier's tipped or a knife. Once the putty is dry, paint the frame to match. Paint it slightly over the edge of the compound and onto the glass to seal it completely.
Replacement Window Glass
Wear eye protection and gloves when replacing a damaged pane of glass. Tape off the area around the broken window to stop it from breaking again in a different location when you remove it.
Start by removing the old glazing compound and glazing points (small metal triangles) from the wood sash frame using a utility knife. Clean the entire opening of the frame and then apply a coat linseed to help the new putty adhere better.
When double glazing repairs is complete to be measured, you can make sure you measure it to get the new window pane. Then purchase it from a home improvement store or another retailer. Make sure you order the pane 1/6th inch shorter in each direction than your measurement to allow for an ideal fit.
It's not as difficult as you think to set up a new window. But, it's important to follow the instructions given by the manufacturer to ensure a good fitting and long-lasting replacement. Use a wirebrush for removing any paint or wood gunk from the frame's opening. Then sand the wood down to the surface of the wood to strengthen the seal.
Make use of the edge of the putty blade when putting in the new pane to lightly place it against the frame of wood. Then, press the glazier's points into the frame about every six inches to secure the new window firmly in place.
After the frame has dried, paint the new joint several times to match the frame. Let the paint dry completely before cleaning and maintaining your windows. Making sure your windows are clean and operating properly will extend their useful lives and boost the efficiency of your home's energy usage. If your windows are old or not in great shape, you may be better off with the complete replacement of your windows. If you opt for this option, we suggest choosing a high-quality insulated windows to lower your energy costs. The type of window you select will also impact the total cost of your project.