Can a window pane be replaced?
Every homeowner with window repair needs can’t always afford new windows. No matter how much money new window installation could save over time with utilities, that isn’t always an affordable option. This why having the knowledge and skill or knowing a person that does makes window repair for homes an option.
It depends, are you looking for a quick and short-term solution or would you rather have a long-term solution? The answer that question and considering the budget will determine if a window pane replacement is the way to go for you.
Definitely the easier and less expensive thing is to replace the glass pane that is broken. It won’t make any aesthetic changes to the house like a completely new window. There are different window repair options when taking this route when you have a broken or cracked window pane.
You can do the window repair yourself by simply removing the broken window pane of glass and replace with a new window pane. Doing a your own window repair, cost is the least expensive way, but there is always that slight bit of anger when working with broken glass. This is why most homeowners choose to have a professional company or contractor do the work, especially when the window repair requires a low-e coating glass.
Who can fix my broken window?
The tradesman that removes broken glass then cuts and install new glass for window repair is called a glazier. They are typically employed or contract through a glass and mirror company.
How do you temporarily fix a broken window?
The windows in your home are important and can be a financial investment. When one gets broken, window repair is essential in order to keep your home safe from the elements. If you don’t wait until a professional glazier is available to handle your window repair, there are some temporary tricks you can use:
- For chips and small cracks, using glue or nail varnish for filler will work for a temporary window repair. Clean the area with a toothbrush then apply the glue or varnish, allow to dry and then scrap any excess around the chip or crack and reapply again. Repeat till the chip or crack is filled with the glue or varnish.
- For larger window cracks, should you tape a cracked window? Yes, if the glass is still intact within the window frame, clean around the window with a toothbrush to remove any loose glass splinters. Then gently but firmly, place duct tape or masking tape over and 1” to 2” longer on each end of the crack. If pressing on the glass appears to cause it to loosen, a temporary window repair isn’t going to be sufficient, you’ll need to use the next tip.
- For shattered window glass, knock out and remove the remaining glass while wearing gloves and protective eyewear. Use a broom to sweep out any loose glass shards or splinters then vacuum the glass up. Next, using a thick plastic sheet or tarp, stretch it over the broken window securing with nails, screws or tape until a professional glazier is able to do a proper window repair.
How do I repair windows?
Don’t let a cracked or shattered small window be a huge panic for you! With the following steps, you can do your own window repair for little expense. A larger window, a high performance glass window, or windows with dual glazing though, you should hire the service of a professional glass dealer or glazier. (or other high-performance glass), it’s usually smarter to call a glass dealer. They have the knowledge for window repair or parts are available with them.
To do your own window repair, follow these instructions after you have put on gloves and protective eyewear:
- Remove the broken glass and crisscross tape over the cracked pane with duct tape to keep glass pieces and shards from falling out.
- Buy the same type of glass as what bork if possible so that it matches your house. Taking a large piece of the broken glass with you will help the associate match the new glass. If the broken glass is from a wooden window, chisel the old putty out of the slots or use a pair of glazier’s points with a long nose. Clean with a wire brush and then sand the wood. Next apply a wood sealer.
- Next, for wood window repair, apply a strand of glazing compound putty around the window opening and make a smooth bed with a putty knife or your fingers.
- Put the window pane in place and with damp rag, remove excess putty after pushing the glazier’s points in the frame with your putty knife.
- Apply more window putty around the pane, creating a tidy seal with a putty knife. Once the putty has dried, it can be painted.
If the window repair is in a metal or vinyl sash, you can remove the parts that are retaining the glass by pulling the old glass out and have it reglazed then replace it in the sash while replacing the parts that keep it in place.
Depending on how old the windows in your room are, window repair vs replacement with newer windows is something to consider if you can afford the expense. There may be tax credits available to you for install energy efficient windows, and with the lower utility bills, this can help pay for them. Need help with window repair in Fort Worth, TX? Call 817-937-6267 today.