Glazing Repair - How to Repair a Cracked Window
Glazing can make a huge difference in the energy efficiency of your home. This is particularly true for older double-glazed windows.
It is possible to replace glazing points with the window still in place, however it is much simpler and quicker if you remove the glass and frame. This is also a good occasion to replace the gaskets on the rubber.
Broken Glass
Cracked glass isn't just unsightly, it can also let valuable sunlight and heat escape from your home. It's usually possible to fix a broken window pane without the need for full replacement.
Start by putting on protective gloves and safety goggles. You can also apply duct tape or painter's tap to create an "X" on the glass you plan to remove. This will prevent any shattered glass from falling on your work surface as you work.
Cover a small crack in your window glass using tape to keep water, insects, and wind out. If the crack is superficial and only a single strip tape is enough. However in the event that the weather is expected to worsen before you can replace the window, you may want to use a heavy-duty plastic cover like a trash bag or tarp.
Use a strong adhesive that is specifically designed for windows to repair cracks. Loctite Super Glue Glass is a great choice. This high-tech glue was designed to attach to glass and then dry transparent to give a perfect finish. Apply it to the crack and let it dry completely before applying a new layer.
Glass windows may also develop stress cracks. Stress cracks are typically caused by extreme temperature fluctuations and can quickly spread across the entire window if not fixed. To stop stress cracks from occurring create an arc using glass cutters near the crack. This prevents the crack from spreading and can slow it down by a day or so.
If you're replacing an old window make sure you measure the frame to fit the new pane. It should be slightly smaller than the opening to allow for expansion and contraction, and to compensate for any imperfections in the glass or frame. After you've cut your new glass to size apply glaziers' compounds around the edges of both the frame and the glass. Once the compound has dried, paint it to match the frame.
Double Glazed Windows Condensation Inside
The appearance of condensation on the interior of double glazed windows usually indicates that a seal has broken somewhere along the window unit. This is a significant issue since it means that the heat that is coming from your home is being lost through the window and could be costly for you and your energy bills.
Double glazing has been designed to prevent heat transfer between two glass panes by sandwiching a layer of air or a vacuum between them. This creates a tight seal that prevents warm air from escaping. But, if the glass is cold or colder than the frame then condensation will build up on it, which can damage the window. If you notice condensation on your double-glazed window and you are unable to resolve it by opening the windows, by using extractor fans, dehumidifiers or by trickle venting then you may need to call in a professional.
Condensation of the outside of double-glazed windows is rare, but it can occur if the seal has begun to break down between the glass and the frame. This is more frequent in winter when the temperatures are lower and it's more easy for condensation to form. This is due to an issue in the spacer between the frame and the window. The spacer is often filled with desiccant that is highly absorptive and absorbs excess moisture.
This could lead to moisture seeping through the gap after the desiccant is saturated. This can cause water and condensation to build in the gap which is difficult to remove.
The good news is that most trustworthy window manufacturers will provide a warranty on their products and should replace the glass and window unit in the event of damage caused by condensation. Make sure to report any issues as soon as you can to the window manufacturer so that the condensation is repaired as quickly as possible to prevent further damage.
Shattering Window Glass
A damaged window could be more than an aesthetic issue. It could also be a safety risk, especially if it is spreading. It is recommended to get it fixed as soon as you can. There are a variety of methods to fix it, including using glass adhesives specifically designed for windows in vehicles and can be bought through the internet or at numerous auto repair shops. Alternatively, you can use a glazing compound intended for use in homes that can be found in a lot of hardware and home improvement stores.
Before beginning any work, put on thick cut-proof gloves and safety glasses. You can then sweep the area to remove large shards. You should also remove any chips that have fallen. This will stop them from cutting you or a glass repair person in the future.
It is better to climb a ladder rather than on the ground. This will allow you to reach all parts of the frame and protect you from falling glass. It is also a good idea to clean the rabbet before proceeding to the area around the perimeter of the window frame, where glass is likely to go. Apply a coat of linseed on the rabbet, then wipe it clean. This will help the putty to stick.
Once the frame is cleaned and the rabbet is in place, it's time to plan the replacement of the damaged pane. Take measurements of the width and height of the opening both ways, then order the double-strength piece of glass that's 1/8 inch shorter in both directions. You'll need glass points, which is a metal triangle that keeps the glass in the right place.
With the window sash removed from the way, carefully pry it off of the wood molding using a flat pry bar. You may need to scrape old glazing putty off using a utility blade or chisel. Then, use the heat gun to warm any putty that isn't able to be removed. This will make it easier to remove.
Once the frame has been free of the molding and the frame is firmly pressed, gently press the new glass into its new location. Then, using a putty knife or glazier's point, fill the gaps around it and smooth them out. After the putty has dried, paint the frame in a similar color to the putty. Lap the paint slightly over the edge of the compound, then onto the glass to completely seal it.
Replacement Window Glass
If you're replacing a broken window, be sure to wear gloves and eye protection to protect yourself from glass shatters. Tape the area around the window to prevent it from breaking once you remove it.
Use a utility blade to scrape the old glazing compound from the frame and glazing points (small triangles of metal). Then, clean the frame opening and apply a coat of linseed oil to make the new stick of putty to it better.
Once the frame is ready, make sure you measure it to get an entirely new window and buy it from a home improvement store or other retailer. Make sure you order the pane 1/6th inch shorter in each direction than your measurement to ensure a snug fit.
Installing the new window is easier than it sounds, but make sure you follow the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure the proper fit and a long life span for your new pane. Use a wirebrush for removing any paint or wood gunk from the frame's opening. Then sand the wood until it is the wood's surface to increase the seal.
Use the tip of the putty blade when inserting the new pane to bed it lightly against the wood frame. Then, press glazier's points into the frame every six inches to secure the new window firmly in place.
After the frame has cured and the joint is painted, you can paint it several times until it matches the frame. Let double glazing repairs near me before moving on to cleaning and maintaining your window. Making sure your windows are clean and operating well will prolong their lives and improve the efficiency of your home's energy usage. You might want to replace your windows if they're damaged or are old. If you decide to go down this route, we recommend choosing the highest-quality, well-insulated window that will reduce your utility costs. The type of window you select will also affect the total cost of your project.