How to Repair a Broken Window
Whether from a bad storm or a ball thrown by your neighbor's kids Broken windows are not something to ignore. It can cause further problems including water leakage or a draft that increases the cost of energy.
Depending on the severity of the crack, there are a variety of ways you can repair it. Here are some options to think about.
Tape
A good old-fashioned piece of tape can be a temporary solution to cracks in windows. It's easy to use, cheap, and works quite well. Make sure to cover both sides of the crack to ensure that it's as secure as you can. This will help to reduce air from entering, which can lead to further damage to the glass and shatters within the window. Clear tape is a great alternative since it looks more appealing than duct tape and doesn't leave a sticky residue once you remove it.
You can also purchase special adhesive tape from most hardware stores. It comes in two 30-foot lengths, and creates a patch that is not visible. This will stop the crack or tear spreading. It can be used to repair boat enclosure windows as well as tent or RV vinyl window and soft top car windows. It is easy to apply and requires no special tools or skills. Just cut the correct size, remove the release paper, then apply it. It is a saltwater and UV resistant, and made of a tough material that is able to withstand harsh environments. You'll save lots of money by not needing to replace the entire window.
Super Glue
Super glue as a repair tool is an easy fix for small cracks and chips in glass. These adhesives bond with hydroxyl ions on the surface of glass and create a firm grip in seconds. Cyanoacrylate glues can also be used for attaching wood, metal and ceramic to glass as they can withstand moisture and high temperatures. If you're working on a large project, however it's worthwhile to invest in silicone or epoxy to ensure more sturdiness and faster drying time.
Before applying any type of glue to a damaged window it is important to prepare the surface. It is important to clear any debris that may be present and make sure that both surfaces are clean and dry. It is also an excellent idea to roughen up the surface, particularly if it's very smooth. A slight sanding gives the adhesive a larger surface to adhere to, resulting in a stronger bond.
Once you're ready to start the actual repairs, it's important to select a good glue that is specially formulated for glass. This will ensure the glue is safe and won't leave any unattractive marks or fingerprints. If you can, opt for an adhesive that is clear and will be transparent once it's dried. Avoid glues that expand when they're drying, as they can exacerbate the problem of cracked glass.
You'll also have to think about how the glass will be employed. If it's intended to be kept inside and won't be subjected to excessive stress, then a basic super glue will work fine. If, however, the glass is to be part of an exterior windshield it's best to use an adhesive that is weatherproof.
Super glues generally take couple of seconds to bond, but they can have different cure times. It is important to read the directions thoroughly as some require chemical accelerators in order to speed up the drying process. It's recommended to work in a well-ventilated location and open all windows to improve air circulation, since this will allow the glue to dry more quickly. You can also use a fan to increase the flow of air around the work area. This will allow the glue to dry faster.
Glass Repair Film
Glass repair film is a cost efficient and practical method of making cracked windows safe until they can be repaired professionally or replaced. Anyone can put it in place even if they're not a skilled tradesman. It's simple to do and quick. It is less expensive than a traditional window board and keeps the elements out and keep heat in. It also gives the appearance of a glass window and is perfect for schools, hospitals glasshouses, offices factories, shops and shops.
The sharp shards left behind by a damaged window could cause serious injuries or even death. Safety window films contain an adhesive that makes broken glass less hazardous, securing the fragments inside the film. The film is transparent so light can still pass through the window and it's much less unsightly than a boarding up especially for businesses that depend on the presence of customers at their premises.
The film can easily be cut with a knife or scissors. It has a peelable backing that has an image of a grid to help with cutting. It can be positioned either side of the window, and if there is an uneven surface, it can be folded over by 10cm to provide extra security.
There are many different types of safety film that are available according to the nature and severity of the damage. Amber safety films are recommended for bullseyes and other breakages with small cracks. Gray safety films are recommended for star break. The films must be applied to clean glass that is wet and it is recommended to employ a squeegee made of polyethylene with soap solution to apply the film. After the film is adhered to the glass it is recommended to allow it to cure for several days.
This heavy duty self adhesive film is designed to stabilize and weatherproof damaged or broken glass until a permanent fix can be found. Eastman Films has years of experience in the manufacture of security and safety window films. The film is offered in 15 metre long, 914mm wide rolls, and comes complete with a backing paper and release liner.
Paint
It is important to thoroughly paint a window. This will make the paint appear nicer and help it adhere better. Before starting, make sure that the window is clean and scraped to get rid of any bits of paint or wood that is loose or rotten. Take out double glazing repairs Chiswick , like latches and handles. Finally, you will want to sand the area that will be painted. This will give an even surface that the primer and paint can join.
Cover the area around the window by using painters' tape and plastic sheeting. This will ensure that you don't get paint on things that aren't supposed to be painted. Green frog tape is the best for this as it creates a clean line and is easy to remove. Painters tape is a great option for edges that are located near the walls.
Once the window is protected, you can begin painting. You'll need to apply a few coats of primer and let each one dry before moving on. After priming the surface, you can lightly sand the entire surface with fine-grit sandpaper. This will smooth the surface for the next coat and eliminate any dust.
If you are using acrylic or oil based primers and paints, then you'll need to wait for them to fully dry before you can begin the painting process. Depending on the brand of paint you're using, this could take up to 24 hours.
After the primer and paint are dry, it's now time to paint. It is recommended to work from the inside out by painting rails (horizontals) before stiles (verticals). This will prevent drips of paint from getting to the glass. Also, make sure you keep a damp cloth on hand to wipe away any paint drips as soon as they occur.