How to Repair a Broken Window
Whether from a bad storm or a ball kicked by your neighbor's kids Broken windows are not something you should ignore. It could cause further issues, such as drafts or water seepage that can increase your energy bills.
Depending on the extent of the crack, there are a variety of ways to repair it. Here are some options to think about:
Tape
A bit of old-fashioned tape can be used to temporarily fix cracks in your windows. It's cheap, easy to use and effective. Cover both sides of the crack area to make it as secure as possible. This will stop air from entering which could cause further damage to the glass and shatters inside the window. Clear tape is a great option since it looks much better than duct tape, and doesn't leave a sticky residue once you take it off.
There is also Kingston double glazing specialized adhesive tape that is specifically designed for the repair of damaged window screens and it can be purchased in most hardware stores. It is available in two x 30-foot lengths, and creates a patch that is invisible. This will stop the tear or crack from spreading. This is useful for boat enclosure windows, tent or RV vinyl windows and even soft top car windows. It is simple to use and requires no specialized tools or expertise. Just cut the correct size, take off the release paper, and apply it. It is resistant to UV and saltwater and is made of an extremely durable material that can withstand harsh conditions. You will save a lot of cash by not having to replace the entire window.
Super Glue
Super glue as a repair tool is a quick fix for small cracks and chips in glass. These adhesives bond with hydroxyl ions that are present on the surface of glass making a strong grip in just a few seconds. Cyanoacrylate glues are great for attaching wood, metal and ceramic to glass because they can withstand moisture as well as high temperatures. If you have a big project to finish, however, you may want to consider using epoxy glues or silicone to ensure a stronger hold and faster drying.
It is essential to dry and clean the surface before applying any kind of glue to a window that has been damaged. You will want to remove all debris and make sure both surfaces are clean and dry. It is also an excellent idea to roughen the surface, especially if it is extremely smooth. A little sanding can give the adhesive a larger surface to adhere to, resulting in a stronger bond.
When you're ready for the actual repairs, it's important to select a good glue specifically designed for glass. This will ensure the glue is safe and won't leave undesirable marks or fingerprints. Choose a clear glue that is transparent after it has dried. Avoid glues that swell 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 used. If it's intended to be kept inside and won't be exposed to a lot of stress, then a basic super glue can be used. If, however, the glass is intended to be part of a windshield it's best to choose an adhesive that is weatherproof.
Super glues generally take few seconds to bond, however, they may have different cure times. Some require accelerators with chemicals to accelerate the process, so it's important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer carefully. It's a good idea also to work in an area that's well-ventilated and open windows to improve air flow. This will allow the glue to dry more quickly. You can also make use of a fan to boost the flow of air around your work area. This will aid it to dry quicker.
Glass Repair Film
Glass repair film is an effective and practical way of making cracked windows safe until they can be professionally repaired or replaced. Anyone can put it in place, even if they are not a skilled tradesperson. It's easy to install and fast. It is much less expensive than a traditional window board-up and keeps the heat in while keeping the rain out. It resembles windows made of glass and is ideal for hospitals, schools, and offices.
When a window is broken the sharp shards left can cause severe injury, and even death. Safety window films are constructed with a strong adhesive that make broken glass less risky. They also keep the shards within the film. The film is transparent, so light can pass through it and it's less noticeable than board ups, especially for businesses that rely on their customers coming to their premises.
The film is easily cut with a knife or scissors. It has an easy-to-peel backing that has a grid printed on it to aid in cutting. It can be positioned either side of the window and if there is an uneven surface, it could be overlapped by 10cm for additional security.
There are different types of safety window films that are available depending on the kind of breakage. Gray safety films are suggested for star breakages, while amber safety films are best for bullseye breaks and other breaks with a lot of small cracks. The films must be applied to clean glass that is damp and it is recommended to employ a squeegee made of polyethylene with soap solution to apply the film. Once the film is stuck to the glass, it should be left to cure for several days.
This heavy duty self adhesive film is designed to help stabilize and weatherproof damaged or broken glass until a permanent fix can be made. It is used in a number of industries and is manufactured by Eastman Films, who have many years of experience in the production of specialist safety and security performance window films across the world. The film is available in 15-metre rolls that have a 914mm width and comes with a backing sheet and release liner.
Paint
It is crucial to paint a window thoroughly. This will make the paint appear more appealing and will allow it to adhere better. Before starting, ensure that the window is clean and scraped to remove any bits of paint or wood that are loose or decayed. It is also essential to remove any hardware, such as latches and handles. You should also sand down the surface that you intend to paint. This will result in a surface that is smooth so that the primer and paint will bond.
It is crucial to protect the areas around the window by covering them with plastic and painters tape. This will ensure that you don't get paint on anything that isn't intended to be painted. I like to use green frog tape to do this, as it gives an even line and is easy to remove once the time arrives. It's also a good idea to apply painters tape to any edges that are delicate and are affixed to the wall surfaces.
After the window has been secured then it's time to begin the actual painting process. You'll need to apply a few coats of primer and let them dry before continuing. After priming the surface, you can lightly sand the entire surface with fine-grit sandpaper. This will make the surface smoother for the next coat and remove any dust.
You will have to wait until acrylic or oil-based primers or paints are completely dry before you begin painting. Depending on the brand of paint you are using, this could take up to 24 hours.
It's time to paint after the primer and paint have dried. Paint the rails (horizontals first) before the stiles (verticals). This will stop drips of paint from getting to the glass. Also, ensure that you keep a moist cloth on hand to wipe off any paint drips as quickly as they happen.