Window Repair - How to Repair Cracks in Glass Windows
Restoring windows instead of replacing them can save money and preserve the aesthetics. The photos in this post show how to dismantle a wooden sash. However, the procedure is similar to vinyl and aluminum frames.
Wearing work gloves, remove the glazing points holding the glass in the frame. Wire-brush the frame, then vacuum it or wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
Cracks
Epoxy is the most effective method to repair glass cracks. This high-tech glue has been designed to be used with glass. It works quickly to secure window panes. Clean the glass surface by wiping it with a damp cloth prior applying epoxy to get rid of fingerprints, oil and dust. This will ensure the best possible bond. When you're ready to begin, pour a container of two-part epoxy, containing resin and hardener onto a disposable surface like cardboard or plastic. Mix the glue using a toothpick for around 20 seconds or as directed on the packaging.
Once the glue is mixed, apply it to the damaged area of your window with a putty knife. Apply the epoxy to the crack and smooth over the surface to ensure that it is even and does not reveal any gaps. Let the epoxy set for five minutes after you have applied it. Once the epoxy is dry, drop a few drops Acetone onto a cotton or cloth and use it to remove any glue that may be sticking out from the window.
If you don't want use a solvent-based fix, another option is to cover the crack with a thick piece of plastic. It's not as appealing however it will keep bugs and cold air out of your home until you can go to the shop for more permanent repairs.
You can also use a piece mesh to fix the crack. It's not pretty, but it will do a good job of keeping cold air drafts and bugs out until you can find a shop
Other methods to hide cracks on your glass window are available however they're generally less efficient and require more effort. In most cases it's better to consider replacing the broken glass window altogether.
Broken Panes
A bad storm or a baseball hit by the kids or rocks thrown up by a mower could cause broken windows. A crack that spreads across the entire windowpane is a bigger repair task, and it could be beyond the DIY range. Contacting a professional is the best choice. However, if the damage is limited to just one small area or a single broken pane, you can tackle the job using the right materials and tools.
It is essential to prepare the area prior to when you can install a new one. Use a cross-hatch tape to block the crack, so that it does not break when you take off the old glass pane. Wear protective glasses and gloves, and scrape off any metal glazing points that remain in the frame using a utility knife. Then scrape the glaze compound and paint off the grooves in the shape of an L, grind them to bare wood, and seal the grooves with a sealer.
After the grooves have been cut, you can measure how wide the opening is to order an appropriate replacement pane. You'll want to subtract 1/16 inch to 1/8 inch per direction from the total measurement in order to purchase an exact replacement. Then, get a double-strength piece of glass cut to the measurements you recorded and have it put within the frame. The hardware store should be able do this for you.
When you are installing the new pane, wrap a rope of glazing compound putty around the edge of the opening to make a bed for it. Press the pane into place and smooth it down with a putty knife. If there is a void in the glass or at the edges, use more putty to close the area.
Once the new pane is installed, place the glazing points inside the sash. For windows that are 12 inches or longer on each side, spread the points equally every 6 inches along the perimeter. These points will hold the glass firmly in place should you need to move it.
Caulking
Certain window repair tasks require caulking of cracks and gaps. This is a kind of sealant composed of latex or silicone and filler materials like limestone to aid in bonding to surfaces. It's commonly used to seal up areas that have gaps between woodwork, like in door frames and windows and around baths, sinks and toilets, as well as the gaps between stonework or brickwork.
You can buy caulking kits that are suitable for home use, but if you plan to do this yourself, it's best to clean the area prior to beginning. Using a damp cloth, wipe away dust and dirt. Then, it's time to remove the old caulking, with a putty knife or scraper. If there's a lot of traces left in the slurry, you can get it up with a small amount of nail polish remover or acetone. If you don't own any tools, a razor blade can be able to get rid of any leftover mixture.
After the area is cleaned, you can begin repairing any cracks that may have formed in the glass window. Strong-hold tape is a great option to stop the deterioration of superficial cracks, such as window repair those caused by stress cracks resulting from low temperatures. For more severe cracks, you'll need extend the tape a few inches further than the end of the crack on both sides.
If you have triple or double-pane windows, it's important to check the seal around each pane. Moisture between the panes can cause condensation, which can lead to higher the cost of energy, and cause windows to fog up or freeze in cold weather. If there is moisture or condensation between your windows, or the frame shows signs of deterioration then it may be time to replace your window.
If you're replacing windows it's crucial to know what the project will cost. The average window replacement costs between $3 and $12 per square foot, based on the size of your house, style of window and whether you have double-pane or single-pane windows. If you need to remove the window frame to install the glass, your labor costs will be higher.
Replacement
If your window cannot be repaired, you can replace the glass with a new one. The best option will depend on the severity of the damage and the amount of time you've owned the window. It's also cheaper to replace the entire window than to pay for replacement glass in small panes.
With gloves, remove the cracked pane of glass from its frame. If it's stuck, gently wiggle it to free it. After you've removed the glass remove any glass pieces with a damp towel. Tape over the cracks to keep them from spreading until you get an alternative pane.
Apply a piece of clear concealing tape or masking tape to the crack on both sides. This will stop the cracks from spreading, and prevent water from leaking out. You may require two pieces of tape if the cracks are deep. You can also make use of solvent-based glass adhesives to fill the cracks and hold them together.
You can also try sealing the glass with silicone sealant for a more permanent fix. This will make the temporary repair weatherproof and give it a more solid feeling.
If your cracks are caused by temperature stress it is possible that you won't be in a position to stop the damage from getting worse until you have a new window pane installed. You can limit the development of cracks by applying a waterproofing layer to your window. This will protect windows from harmful environmental pollutants as well as metal oxidation, glazing breakdown as well as condensation, smog and dirt.
To prepare for replacing the glass To measure the width and height of the frame opening and subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement. This will help to ensure that your new piece of glass is the right size and leaves room for seasonal expansion and contraction. You can bring these measurements to your local hardware or home improvement store to have the glass cut to size. You'll also require a set of glass points, which are steel triangles that hold the glass in place.