Why do you need to know how to fix a broken window? Won’t it be better if you hire someone to do the job for you? If the damage to the pane is minimal, like a small hole or a crack, you can do the job on your own. There is no need to hire a professional. Show
All you need to have to perform the job satisfactorily is a couple of free hours, a little patience, and the tools required for the job. But you must know that the ‘fix’ will be temporary. You’ll eventually have to replace the broken pane of glass. Broken Window Temporary FixesHere are three quick-fire ways to fix the broken window temporarily: 1. Masking Tape MethodCut two pieces of masking tape that are big enough to cover the whole crack. Apply one on the inner side of the crack and the other on the outer side. You can apply more pieces on top of these if you want to be more careful. Try to find a tape with a neutral color. This will prevent the tape from standing out on the glass and make it difficult for guests to notice it. 2. Nail Polish MethodDip the nail polish brush into the polish and fill in the crack or hole on the glass pane. After giving the initial coat enough time to dry, reapply the polish three to four times. This method is only useful for minor cracks as big holes can’t be filled in with nail polish. 3. Mesh Patch MethodimageMeasure the dimensions (length and width) of the crack. Cut a piece of fabric that must be big enough to cover the entire crack. Use one hand to hold the mesh over the window and apply super glue around the edges of the mesh with the other hand. Don’t remove the pressing hand until you’re sure that the mesh will remain in place without your help. 4. Thick Plastic MethodIs the hole in your window big? Then you can stop the entry of drafts into your room using this method. Cut a square piece of thick plastic big enough to cover the whole. Use your dominant hand to press the piece over the hole. Apply duct tape around the plastic’s edges using the other hand. It will seal the plastic onto the glass pane. Broken Window Permanent Repair5. Removing the Broken Glass PaneHere’s how you can remove a broken glass pane: Step 1: Gather the suppliesYou’d need the following items to apply this method:
Step 2: Wear personal protective equipmentWear work gloves and protect your eyes with a pair of safety goggles. Don’t remove either during the following steps as you’ll be dealing with shards of glass. Step 3: Loosen the glassUse chisel or utility knife to remove the putty which might have developed around the edges of the glass over the years. It will loosen the grip of its surrounding surface over the glass, making it easier for you to remove it. Step 4: Remove clips or nailsSome old windows have clips or nails to hold their glass panes in place. Use a pair of pliers to grip onto them and pull them out. Some worn-out or rusty clips might require you to strike them before they can be pulled out of the frame. Step 5: Take the shards out of the frameUse both your hands to twist the shards until you can feel they have come loose. Once they are loose, take out the shards and dispose of them in a dustbin. Repeat this process as long as the frame is devoid of any glass pieces. Step 6: Smoothen the area around the broken windowUse 180-grit sandpaper to smoothen the area around the broken window. Go back and forth in circular motions over any remaining sealant. Once you feel that the area has become smooth, use a damp rag to wipe it down. 6. Replacing the Broken Glass PaneHere’s how you can replace the broken window pane: Step 1: Gather the suppliesYou’d need the following items to replace the broken window:
Step 2: Measure the dimensions of the broken windowpaneMeasure the length and width of the entire frame. Subtract 0.32 centimeter (1/8 inch) from the measurement. You need the additional space to a) fit the glass inside the window and b) prevent it from cracking during winter months when frames usually expand. Then apply a layer of wood sealer around the broken window frame using a painter’s brush to weather-proof the frame. Once the wood sealer has dried, coat the opening of the frame (from where you took out the broken window) with a glazing compound. Step 3: Install the new panePurchase the new pane from your local hardware store by telling the shop owner the dimensions you measured at the start of the previous step. Then install the pane by pressing it into the opening. Make sure that after you’ve pressed the glass against the putty, it has adhered to it. Step 4: Reinsert nails or clipsUsing a hammer, a pair of pliers or a screwdriver, reinsert the nails or clips that you had removed to take out the pane. Lightly tap them into the frame. Step 5: Apply putty around the new windowThe glazing compound that you applied in the frame’s opening in step number three will hold the new pane from inside. This putty, meanwhile, will hold the responsibility of holding both sides of the glass in place. Apply it around the edges of the new window. Step 6: Remove the excess puttyAfter you have given the putty enough time to dry, use a utility knife to remove the excess. You need to smooth the putty on both the inner and the outer side of the window. ConclusionYou now know everything you need to about fixing a broken window. The three methods mentioned above are more than enough to help you repair your glass pane and stop the inward flow of cold air, insects, and rain. The onus, then, is on you to pick the method which best fits your requirements. If you’re having trouble deciding which of the methods will work better for you, please get in touch. Posted at 20:46h in Home Tips Dealing with broken windows in your home is no fun. Not only do you have the financial investment of a new window to worry about but you also have to act quickly so that your home isn’t open to the elements for too long. Having dealt with cracked and even broken glass windows in the past I know a thing or two about how to make a quick fix. I also know that a temporarily fix for a broken window can give you time to examine your options before making a financial investment. So, how do you temporarily fix a broken window? There are a few ways you can temporarily fix a broken house window:
Understanding how to temporarily fix a broken house window can give you time to shop and find a replacement window for your home. Next, we’ll walk you through step-by-step on how to temporarily repair a broken window. 1. Use Glue or Nail Polish to Fix Small Cracks in a WindowSmall chips and cracks can form in windows in numerous ways. Hail damage or storm damage can cause debris to hit the windows and cause damage. Rocks can be thrown out from underneath a lawnmower and hit the window. However the window was damaged, being able to do a basic window repair can delay having to purchase a brand new window right away. You can use glue or nail polish, or epoxy to fix small cracks in a window. This is an effective way to save your window from having to be replaced. Here are the steps to follow to fix small cracks in windows:
While this process may seem tedious with having to apply multiple coats, it can be quite effective at sealing up small cracks and chips in the window. You may ask what’s the point of fixing a small crack in the window? A small crack can easily grow and suddenly become a big crack. A crack in the window can also allow moisture in between the window panes. By taking the time to fix a small crack, you can keep the damage from getting worst. 2. For Large Window Cracks, Cover the Crack With TapeWindows can get large cracks in them from closing the window to hard or by a sudden change in temperature. While windows with large cracks will need to be replaced, knowing how to temporarily fix the crack will give you time to shop for a new window without having to worry about further damage to the window. Here are some steps to follow when it comes to temporarily fixing large window cracks.
If your window has a large crack in it that you have temporarily repaired, be sure to keep an eye on the crack to make sure the damage isn’t getting worse. While the tape should protect the crack from the elements that can get inside and cause it to expand, sometimes tape can fail. You can add extra layers of tape to ensure that the window crack is safe. 3. If You Have a Shattered Window, Remove the Remaining GlassA shattered window will need to be replaced as soon as possible. As you work with a shattered window, it’s important to be aware of any loose glass, as this can be a potential safety hazard. The first thing you’ll want to do is remove any remaining glass that hangs around the window sill. Follow these steps to safely and effectively remove the glass.
Removing loose and shattered glass and properly disposing of it will keep you, your family, and your pets safe. Just because you’ve taken the time to remove the remaining glass from the window doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be cautious when working around the windowpane. Pieces of glass may still be stuck in the windowpane and can easily be a safety hazard when replacing the window. 4. Cover the Shattered Window Using Plastic and TapeOnce you have removed any remaining glass from a shattered window, now it’s time to properly cover the window so the weather, animals, and other things can’t get into the house. With this step, it’s important to still take safety precautions by using heavy-duty gloves and wearing thick-soled shoes. Here are the steps you can follow to cover a shattered window:
Once you’ve securely placed the plastic over the broken window, now it’s time to start shopping for a replacement window. By using heavy-duty plastic to cover the window, your home should get reasonable protection and temperature insulation until you can find a window for replacement. Related QuestionsHow do you hide a broken window?For smaller cracks left by gravel or hail, a good option to consider for covering your broken window is the use of transparent shellac. This process will take time as you need to apply new layers after old ones have dried but it should work in most cases involving small windows with minor damage from weathering and rocks. Larger holes will require filling them up with glue which takes more time than using nail polish due to needing multiple layers on top of one another that dry before applying again – make sure there’s no debris around first! How to Find a Replacement Window for my HomeOnce you have your broken window temporarily fixed, you can start looking for a replacement window. Some information to gather before you start shopping is the dimensions of the window and the type of window you want to purchase. Double-paned windows will keep your home better insulated from temperature and noise, but they may be more expensive than a single-paned window. If the window that was broken was relatively new, you can check to see if there was a warranty on the window. Window companies may provide warranties for a few years after the purchase of the window. While how the window was broken may determine whether or not the warranty will cover the replacement, it’s worth a shot to look into. How Often Should I Replace My Home’s Windows?Good quality windows will usually last between 15 – 20 years. There are a few ways you can tell when it’s time to replace your house windows. Here is a list of the signs to look for when it’s time to replace your windows:
What do you put on a broken shattered window?What do you put on a broken shattered house window? If the glass is in pieces, make sure to wear gloves and protective eyewear when dealing with it. Remove any remaining shards of glass before installing heavy duty plastic trash bags or wood as you create a temporary barrier from outside elements. Can you fix broken glass with superglue?Superglue, epoxy, and silicone are the leading adhesives for repairing glass. Super glue is a quick-fix that won’t be subjected to water or stress; epoxy or silicon may be better if your need something more substantial like weatherproofing. If you notice these signs in your current windows, it may be time to replace the windows in your house. Windows can be expensive, so you can replace them one at a time or all at once. I hope this article was helpful in learning how to temporarily fix a broken window. Expert Home Report has many articles on do-it-yourself home fixes and repairs that will make your life as a homeowner easier. To learn more, click here. |