The horrific sound of a window shattering is enough to make any homeowner cringe. The first thought is on the cost of hiring a professional to attend to the window and the cost of buying a brand-new window. However, the good news is that it can be fixed at home. You will need to know the following first:
- The correct size of the window
- The thickness of the window
- How to prepare the frame correctly: removing the outer frame and the seal
- How to install the glass
Even though the broken double pane window glass does not appear to be badly damaged, it may need to be repaired. These windows were created to provide better insulation from the cold and heat. It thus increases energy efficiency. If they are damaged, they inevitably lose their effectiveness thus costing the owner more money in energy costs. What do you do if can’t find a window repair near you? Repairing a foggy window is usually better than replacing it. However, if the window is broken, you can repair it.
What happens when a double pane window is broken or damaged?
- The window will obviously lose its ability to insulate properly. This means that it can no longer preserve energy.
- Over a period of time, moisture and dirt will get stuck between the glass.
You may notice that you have fog in your double pane windows and in some cases, condensation may form.
What are your options for double pane window repair?
Should your double pane window be foggy or have trapped water inside, you do not have to replace it. You may just opt to repair the foggy window. Repairing your window is 50% cheaper than buying a new one. Your second option is to take it to a professional window repair near you. However, this can prove to be quite expensive.
How is a repair done?
There are a few methods that the experts use to clear up double pane windows. However, each involves drilling a small hole in the corner of the window. If you choose to clean and restore your windows, you will need to use pump cleaners to remove the dirt that may have been trapped. Using a second hole, the particles are suctioned back out. Finally, a drying agent is sent through the hole, then the holes are sealed, and the windows become new. Depending on the type of window you have, you will need the following supplies:
- Hammer
- 4-foot level
- Circular saw
- Drill
- Drill bits
- Nails
- Utility knife
- Caulking gun
Materials:
- Window
- Drip edge
- Casing nails
- Silicone caulk
- Fiberglass insulation
What if the window is broken?
To save money you do not need to replace the insulating windows but opt to repair them. You will only need to replace the glass. This is less expensive than getting brand new frames.
You will first need to remove all the broken glass from the frame. Then you will need to find a glass supplier with the type of glass that you need. You will then need to install the exterior glass pane first (dependent on the design of your window) and the interior glass pane. Following these steps, you may now finalize the installation.
Depending on the design of your windows, you will use different methods:
- Windows with a rubber gasket: If your windows have wooden sashes, you will need to remove the sash pieces first. Then remove the small screws that are holding the rails and stiles. You should use a rubber mallet to make the frame lose from the gasket and double pane glass. Then remove the gasket from the glass system and fit it onto your new double pane window unit. Use silicone to seal the small gaps.
- Windows that use sealing tape – Pry out the window stops with a putty knife first. Then with a utility knife, you must cut off the existing tape. Make sure that you completely remove all the old tape using an all-purpose solvent. Smear the new sealing tape on the frame and lower the double pane window to stick. Seal all the gaps with silicon, be sure to use a clear silicone.
- Windows with caulking around glass: Pry and remove the wooden stops. Just like with the sealing tape, you should clean out all the old caulking using a blade. You may want to use a hair dryer or heat gun to soften the previous adhesive and scrape it all off. When it is dry you may apply to caulk to the frame and lower it onto the double pane window. Once again apply clear silicone to any small holes or spaces.
Once this is done you should level the window and thereafter tack the window in its place. You may want to use shims to fill the spaces between the jambs and the framing as the window may have some movement despite using nails. The shims will help to centralize the window in the opening. Later, you will trim the shims to fit perfectly in the spaces. Don’t forget to fill around the entire window with silicone once you are done and fill the nail holes. When the silicone dries you may paint over it to match the trims on the rest of your home.
Repairing a broken glass does not have to be a costly affair. You will need to do relevant research and educate yourself on the various ways relevant to the type of window you have. Once you know this, repairing is simple and cost-effective. In some instances, it is difficult to find a suitable window repair near you so it may be the best option to learn from a DIY video. However, you may want to enlist the help of another person to help you if you are not confident enough to try it on your own.
