Mini Guide: Replacing a Broken Window Pane

If you have a broken window it’s definitely something you need to move quickly on. If you leave a window that’s broken unattended you might risk your property getting some further damage. For example if it’s winter you could end up with water damage opposed to just simply fixing a broken window pane.

Follow these quick but important steps on how to replace a broken window pane. Please note that guide is just for a single broken window pane and not an entire window including the frame.

Depending on how bad the damage is would depend on if you can do this as DIY job or not. If you can then you should be able to save yourself some money by not having to hire a professional window replacement company.

When you follow this guide your must wear protective gear.

Here are the steps on how to replace a window.

  1. First things first! Make sure you put on gloves and long sleeves that are specifically meant for glass work. You can pick these up from your local hardware store.
  2. Pick up the broken glass around the area of the smashed window. Make sure you dispose of this carefully. Be sure to thoroughly sweep the area to get all the glass fragments and if carpet was involved make sure to vacuum.
  3. Next you need to make sure all the old glazing is removed from the window pane.
  4. Step 4 is to take careful measurement the now empty window pane so you can buy a replacement window panel. If you are unable to find the right side then you need to give those measurements to a glass professional so they can cut the right size for you. Be sure to also take the exact measurements of the glass pane you need you will need to ask a professional to cut the right size for you.
  5. If you decide to install the new window pane yourself Then the next step is to apply chalk or a glazing compound to the entire outside rim of the glass. This is were the glass connects to the window frame.
  6. Finally you need to use a putty knife to smooth out the glazing compound.

And that’s basically it. You’re done!

It’s important that you follow these steps carefully and to protect yourself at all times. If you are not professional then it might be easy to overlook the safety aspect of dealing with broken glass. Please don’t ever overlook any safety aspects and use the correct protective gear.

Here is a nice video explaining the entire process also.

The other option is to simply call a professional glass firm like this double glazing repairs Bournemouth company that specialises double glazing window repairs. Or check them out on Twitter – Abacus Glazing.

Yes is going to cost you more money but you don’t have to deal with any broken glass or safety gear. Nor do you have to deal with measurements and the installation of a new window pane. If you’re looking to install the window because you’re a natural hobbyist then that’s fine but if you’re just an everyday person who doesn’t really deal with repair work then it might be best to just call a professional to do the job.

4 Signs it’s time to Replaces your Windows!

Even though you look through your windows every single day it’s actually pretty easy to overlook the state of your windows. They might be fine or they might be screaming for attention due to a window leak. Hopefully after reading this short article today you’re going to easily be able to recognize if your windows need to be replaced or fixed.

Do you need New Windows?

Let explore a few situations the pretty much guarantee your windows have issues.

Increasing Energy Costs

If you have an older home especially single pane windows. This means any glass that is not double-glazed or triple glazed. Then the odds are that you’re spending too much money on your heating or cooling costs.

The thing is single pane windows that are worn down are prone to leaks of heat or cold.

Replacing old single pane windows with newer highly energy-efficient double glazing or triple glazing reduces those are leaks to zero and also reduces your energy cost by up to 25%. Your homes largest expense is pretty much the cost of your electricity. This could be a few dollars a month or it could be hundreds of dollars a month. It just depends on what your regular Energy bill is in the first place.

Windy Days

When you stand by your window on a windy day do you feel chilly?  Do you feel cold? Do you feel the cold coming through the window?

This means you have a leak and you need to get that fixed. It’s really the same concept as above but instead of having a window pane that has a leak because of some sealant has gone bad it’s most likely the frame that is causing the problem. Nevertheless the same issue has just presented itself because you’re wasting your money on your heating or cooling costs.

Foggy Double Panel Windows

If you already have double glazing or triple glazing do you notice that there’s any fog or condensation building up between the window panes?

If this is something that you can spot then that indicates you’ve got a sealant failure somewhere. And the purpose of a double glazed or triple glazed window has pretty much been throw out of the window, no pun intended.

If it’s very possible that you might even notice some ice buildup. If this is happening and your windows are still under warranty it’s definitely time to call your original supplier to see if they can deal with claim through the manufacturer to get windows replaced. If you’re out of warranty in might be time to get a glazing company in to install some newer and better Windows.

Double Pane Windows are Cold When Touched

When you touch your double glazed windows are they cold? If this is the case then it is very likely that your energy bill is much more than it should be. And your windows are not operating as effectively as they should be.

The whole point of a double glazed or triple glazed window is to keep the heat in during winter. If that’s not the case and you windows are hold then the cold is being let in. It’s time to speak to a glazing company to replace your windows or to speak to the original company that installed your windows to see if something can be covered under warranty.

How to Fix Scratches on Tempered Glass

Life is not perfect. Sometimes things break, get scratched or even totally smash.

Hopefully you are reading this when you are looking to get something fixed. And not something that has been completely smashed but I’d rather just a little scratch on some tempered glass.

Inspecting the Damage Caused

Most of the time, if you’re dealing with slightly scratched tempered glass you can actually restore it without burning a hole in your wallet. The first thing you want to do is clean the glass. Take a soft rag and wipe off any dud.

New line then run your fingernail across the scratch. now if any glass catches your fingernail then the scratch might be too deep to use a DIY method but if that is not the case then the options we are going to explore in this article can be used.

How to Remove Scratches from Tempered Glass

There are a few different ways to remove scratches from tempered glass. Below are the most common ones that can be used with minimal effort that don’t break the bank.

Toothpaste

Toothpaste can be used to remove small scratches from tempered glass. You want to use whitening toothpaste. The reason for this is it’s slightly more abrasive than regular toothpaste.

Apply a dab of toothpaste to a soft but clean cloth and then rub the toothpaste in a circular motion around the scratch. Keep doing this and then rinse the glass with some clean water. Have a look at what you’ve done and if the scratch remains then repeat the process a few more times. If you still have the scratch after 3 rounds then it’s time to move on to the next step.

Soap or Steel Wool

Pumice soap is your next step. Put the toothpaste away and go for the pumice soap. We’re getting more heavy duty here because there are more abrasive elements in pumice soap that can help remove scratches from tempered glass.

You can also try #000 steel wool instead of a cloth with the pumice. This is a type of a very fine grain steel wool that will help remove scratches yet not scratch the glass itself. Make sure you use high grade steel wool, so something that is brand new and doesn’t have any rust or imperfections.

Use a circular motion for a few minutes on the scratch. Then use a little bit of water to remove any residue. if your scratch is still not gone it’s time to move to the next step. Or you can try these other DIY methods to remove a scratch.

Commercial buffering or Sanders

Now we’re getting into the point where it could cost you some money. If you’re not willing to spend the money here it might be best just to hire a professional to fix your window.

Commercial buffering is pretty much professional scratching to remove scratches. It’s quite simple to implement. If you have access to a commercial buffering tool or a sander then you simply need to switch it on and go to work. Don’t forget to keep the area moist by squeezing a little bit of water through a sponge on to the area you are sanding.

After several minutes of sanding you should have removed the scratch. If you have then you’re done. If you have not then repeat the  steps a few times until you remove your scratch.

If you’re still not removed the scratch then it might be time to actually call a professional. Any company that provides glass or glazing repairs will be able to help.