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Glazing Repair - How to Repair a Cracked Window
Glazing can make a huge impact on the energy efficiency of your home. This is especially true for older double-glazed windows.
It is possible to change the glazing points by putting the window still in place, however it is much simpler and quicker to remove the frame and glass. It is a good idea to replace the rubber seals.
Broken Glass
Cracked windows are not only ugly, but they can also let valuable heat and sunshine to escape your home. It's possible to fix the glass that is cracked without replacing the entire window.
Wear safety glasses and gloves. Also, you should put a piece of tape in an "X" shape on the glass you plan to remove (duct or painter's tape works well). This prevents any shattered pieces from falling as you work, which can keep you from serious injuries.
If you've noticed a small crack in the glass of your window, cover it with tape to keep out water, wind and insects. 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 a more durable plastic cover like a tarp, or a garbage bag, to hold the glass in place until you find a permanent solution.
For cracks that aren't quite as shallow Try using a strong adhesive that is specifically designed for windows, such as Loctite Super Glue Glass. This high-tech adhesive is designed to bond to glass, and dries crystal clear for an ideal finish. Apply it to the crack and allow it completely dry before applying a new layer.
Glass windows may also develop stress cracks. Stress cracks are usually caused by drastic temperature changes and can spread rapidly across the entire window if they are not fixed. To avoid stress fractures, use a glass cutter to cut a small arc near the crack. This prevents the crack from spreading and can reduce the size by a day or two.
Examine the frame of the damaged window to determine the size of the new pane. It should be slightly larger than the opening in order to allow for expansion and contraction and to account for any imperfections that may occur on the frame or on the glass. Once you've cut your glass to the proper size apply glaziers' compounds around the edges of both the frame and the glass. After the compound has dried, paint over it to match the rest of the window frame.
Condensation on the inside of Double Glazed Windows
The appearance of condensation on the interior of double-glazed windows typically indicates that a seal has broken at some point along the window unit. This is a major issue, as it can mean that heat is being 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 tight seal that stops warm air from escaping. If the glass is cooler than the frame, condensation will form on the glass and cause damage to the window. If you're unable to resolve condensation on windows with double glazing by opening windows by using extractors, dehumidifiers or trickle venting, then you might need a professional.
Condensation on the outside of double-glazed windows is uncommon however it can happen when the seal has started to weaken between the glass and the frame. This is more frequent in winter when the temperature is lower and it's more likely for condensation to develop. The most likely cause is a defect in the spacer that is used between the frame and the window. The spacer usually contains desiccant which is highly absorbent and absorbs excess moisture.
The problem with this is that when the desiccant gets saturated, it will begin to break down and then moisture will begin to leak through the gap between the glass units. This could cause condensation and water to build in the gap which is difficult to get rid of.
The positive side is that many reliable window companies will provide warranties on their products and should replace the window unit and glass if it has been damaged by condensation. Make sure to report any issues as soon as you can to your window installer so that the condensation can be repaired as soon as it can to avoid further damage.
Shattering Window Glass
A damaged or cracked window can be more than just an aesthetic issue. It could also pose a safety risk, especially when it's spreading. It is best to get it fixed as quickly as possible. There are a variety of ways to do it, including using glass adhesives specifically designed for windows in vehicles and can be bought on the internet or at a variety of auto maintenance stores. You can also make use of a glazing compound for home use that is available at a variety of hardware and home improvement stores.
Before you begin any work, put on thick protective gloves and safety glasses. You can then sweep the area to get rid of large shards. Also, you should clean up any chips that fell. This will stop them from cutting yourself or a glass repair person in the future.
It's better to climb a ladder rather than on the ground. This will let you access all parts of the frame with ease and protect your glass from falling. Before you start, it's a good idea clean the rabbet. This is the area around where glass is placed. Wipe it down and then apply the linseed oil to the rabbet. This will help the new putty stick to the frame securely.
After the frame has been cleaned and the rabbet is in place, it's time to get ready for the replacement of the broken pane. Purchase a piece of double strength glass that is 1/8 inch smaller in both directions. You'll also need glass points, which are steel triangles that keep the glass in the right place.
With the window sash taken off and the pry-bar flat, use it to carefully pry the sash off of the wood moulding. You may have to scrape old glazing off using a utility knife or chisel. Then make use of the heating gun to warm any putty that isn't able to be removed. This will make it easier to remove.
When the frame is out of the mold and the frame is firmly pressed, gently press the new glass into its new location. Fill in the gaps with a glazier's tip or putty knife. Once the putty is dry paint the frame to match. Paint a little bit over the edge of the compound and onto the glass to seal it completely.
Replacement Window Glass
If you're replacing a damaged window pane, you should first wear eye protection and gloves to protect yourself from glass shards. Tape the area around the window to prevent it from breaking again when you remove it.
Start by removing the old glazing compound and glazing points (small metal triangles) from the frame using a knife. Then, clean the frame opening and apply a layer of linseed oil to make the new putty stick to it better.
Once the frame has been made, measure it to determine the size of the new windowpane. Then, you can purchase it at an home improvement store or another retailer. The panes should be 1/6th inch smaller in each direction than your measurement. This will ensure a tight fit.
It's much easier than you think to set up the new window. But, it's important to follow the instructions given by the manufacturer to ensure a proper fitting and long-lasting replacement. Use a wire brush to clean the frame opening of any old paint or wood gunk and then sand it down to bare wood to increase the seal between the sash and frame.
Make use of the tip of the putty knife when inserting the new pane to lightly place it against the frame of wood. The glazier's tips should be pressed into the frame every six inches. This will hold the new window securely in place.
Once the frame is cured, paint the new joint several times to match the frame. Let the paint completely dry before proceeding to cleaning and maintaining your window. Maintaining your windows in good condition and operating properly will extend their useful lives and boost the efficiency of your home's energy usage. You might want to replace your windows if they're damaged or are old. If you choose this option, we recommend choosing a high-quality, insulated window to lower your energy costs. The kind of window you pick will also impact the total cost of your project.
