Most homeowners recognize that damage to a window should be attended to promptly. When a window is letting air leak in, the homeowner’s energy costs go up, condensation increases, and the surrounding wood can become damaged as well. Replacing a window can be an expensive endeavor, but minor damage to window glass can often be repaired at home. The following are some tips for Window Glass Repair in Colorado Springs.
First of all, if the window is scratched (but not cracked), it can often be repaired with clear nail polish. Just paint a coat of polish over the crack to fill it in and remove the excess with nail polish remover. Alternatively, try a metal polishing compound. Apply a small amount to the scratch with a soft cloth and polish the glass until the scratch disappears. Both of these methods are somewhat labor intensive, but repairing a scratch yourself is much less expensive than buying a new pane.
If the glass is cracked or broken, however, it will need to be removed and replaced. When removing the glass, tape the window with cross-hatched masking tape to keep shards from falling out, and lay a drop cloth on the floor to catch any small pieces of glass the tape doesn’t hold. Make sure to wear gloves to protect your hands from slivers of glass.
Once the window is taped, use the butt of the hammer and gently tap the pane to loosen the glass. Remove large pieces of glass first and then work out the smaller pieces. Wrap the glass in plastic, tape the bundle, and then dispose of it with your regular garbage. Broken window glass can’t be recycled.
Finally, use a chisel to remove old putty and to pry out the glazing pins. Clean the edge of the window thoroughly before applying a new rope of putty to make a bed for the new pane. Bear in mind that home repair is most effective with single-pane windows. Double-pane windows or high-performance glass usually require the skills of a professional. To learn more about professional Window Glass Repair in Colorado Springs, check out Peakviewwindows.com.