Broken windows require a professional to fix them but if you’re in a hurry you can do it by yourself until the window is replaced. You need several tools such as safety glasses, gloves, tape, a putty knife, putty or glazing compound, brush, sandpaper and replacement glass. However, if the broken window is an insulated one, then you have to wait until the professionals arrive and replace it.
In this blog post by Academy Glass and Mirror, a reputed company offering broken window repairing services in Toronto, we are going over a few ways to fix a broken window.
Temporary Solutions
- Use a masking tape on both the sides of the crack
Get masking tape and cut two large pieces to cover the crack on both the sides of the broken window. This will prevent it from cracking further.
- Paint the small holes or crack with a transparent nail polish
If there are small holes or cracks on the window, then you can apply a clear nail polish over the cracks or holes to fill them. You have to repeat this process three to four times until the crack is sealed off. But this method should not be used for any big damage.
- Fix a piece of fabric on the crack
Cut out a large piece of fabric and cover the crack with the help of an adhesive. Hold the fabric until the glue dries and holds the fabric in place. In this way, you will be able to keep away bugs, external light and maintain privacy.
- Cut out a plastic and fix it around the hole
If you don’t have fabric, then you can cover the crack with a cut-out plastic. Use duct tape to seal the plastic edges onto the window.
Remove the broken window pane
- Wear gloves and goggles
When you’re replacing broken glass, it is best to stay safe. So, get a pair of safety glasses and gloves to prevent unwanted accidents.
- Scrape away the putty from the broken window pane
Use a putty knife to scrape away the putty around the broken pane. This will make the fitting loose and rendering the broken glass easy to remove.
- Remove all the nails
If there are nails and clips that are holding the pane, then remove them with the help of a plier.
- Dispose of the shards of glass
Pull all the shards of broken glass from the frame and dispose of them in a garbage bag. Make sure that there are no shards of glass left on the frame.
- Scrub the area with a sandpaper
After you have pulled all the shards of glasses, scrub the area with sandpaper to make sure that there are no particles left. Use a damp rag to clean the left-over debris after sanding.
Replace the broken window pane
- Measure the area
Use tape to measure the length and width of the window frame. This will help you to determine the size of the glass you need to purchase.
- Purchase a new glass
After you’ve taken the measurement, go to the hardware store and purchase a new glass. But make sure the new glass matches the colour and pattern of the existing ones.
- Apply putty around the area
Apply putty around the interior of the frame to hold the glass in place. Don’t worry about the excess putty which will be scrubbed off later.
- Place the new glass into the empty opening
Fix the new glass and press it into the opening. Make sure that the glass is pressed against the putty perfectly so that the compound holds it tightly.
- Fix the nails back
Tap back the nails and clips into the frame that you had removed earlier. These elements will keep the glass in place.
- Apply putty around the new window
Apply a layer of putty around the edges of the new glass on both the sides of the window. This will hold the glass in place.
- Smoothen the putty and let it dry
Use a knife to scrape the excess putty to ensure that the window looks clean. And, let it dry overnight.
If you follow the above-mentioned instructions, you will be able to temporarily fix a broken window. However, if the damage is big and unmanageable, you have no other option, but to take expert’s help. For professional window glass repair and replacement, contact us.