How To Repair a Window

Is there a crack in your windowpane that is just driving you up a wall? Are you worried about the window frame starting to seep moisture? It may be time for a glass replacement or just putting in a new window altogether. Glass repair can be done safely with the help of any replacement service to make sure that your window is properly installed at an affordable price that ensures better safety and greater energy efficiency.

Remove the window.

Whether it’s a bay window or glass doors, window glass repair is best left to a professional service that will make sure that you are getting rid of broken glass safely and putting in high-quality glass safely and securely. Removing the sash allows you to lay glass flat and work on replacing the pane. Modern casement windows have window release catches built into the hinges. With older windows, you may have to unscrew the window at the top and bottom to remove them. Be sure to always remove the broken glass carefully and clean the area around the window frame before replacing it with new materials.

A professional service will remove the broken glass by putting on heavy, cut-proof gloves and proper eye protection to make sure that glass is not causing a danger within a person’s home. Using painter’s tape or duct tape will allow for easy removal of the glass. Older double-pane window glass can be repaired while the window stays in the frame, but this can only be done with glass that has few cracks and loosening old glazing. Bear in mind, this is easier with aluminum windows than replacing glass in a wood frame.

Measure glass for replacement.

Just like most home renovations, you want to follow the old adage of “measure twice, cut once.” Window installation professionals understand the importance of measuring the height, width, and opening of the pane multiple times before moving forward with a new installation. Contractors will also measure the thickness of the old glass to have it cut to the correct size for replacement. Pros will test fit the glass dry before setting it in place. Vinyl or aluminum window frames may require double-sided foam tape or silicone to set.

Once the old glass has been removed, the window frame needs to be prepped for potential reglazing. Replacing it with Bristol double glazing windows can be a great option. For a wood frame window, professionals will use a wire brush to clean out dirt and residue. They will then soften the old compound with a heat gun, going slowly to not scorch the wood while scraping away the softened material with a putty knife. Contractors remove the metal glazing points from grooves in the window frame where the glass was held, while scraping away any remaining old paint or compound in the grooves, sanding them down to bare wood.

Replace the pane and frame.

When replacing window glass, it’s usually easier to remove the window and lay it flat. However, most aluminum windows can be repaired in place by a qualified expert service. This is done by popping out the vinyl strip, inserting a screwdriver under the strip to start, then removing it by hand. It’s important to inspect the vinyl strips, as they can be old, worn, brittle, and unable to handle a new piece of glass. Professionals will measure the frame space from top to bottom and side to side to get the correct measurement of the new glass.

A professional window service understands the importance of keeping surfaces clean throughout to create the best seal on a new installation. Double-sided mounting tape is applied, reaching the corners and overlapping, allowing for a better adhesive to make sure the window sash can be locked back into place. After all, the type of window and the type of frame may vary, and you want to be sure that a contractor is doing this installation safely and properly.