When you are faced with broken or missing glass in your windows, you may be wondering what options you have for window repair. One of the first steps to take is to assess the damage and see if there are any underlying problems that need to be addressed before you tackle the problem of replacing the windows. For example, cracked panes or frosted glass are signs of a more serious issue and require a different window repair solution than a splintering door or trim. If you simply have a piece of glass that is broken, however, then you may be able to handle the repair on your own. In many cases, all you need is a patch kit, some new replacement windows, and a few hours.
One way to fix a window that is broken is to replace the entire pane. If you only have one or two windows to repair, this can often be done on your own. Many times, all you need to do is remove the existing glass and replace it with a new piece. Many times, you can find an inexpensive plastic pane replacement at a local hardware store. You can also find glass that has been sanded down and refinished online or at your local home improvement store.
Another common option for window repair vs window replacement is to fix the damage to the frame. If the damage is to the frame alone, then it may be possible to replace the entire window without taking out the entire frame. However, most home improvement stores and sliding glass doors stores do not carry window frames, so you will most likely need to purchase the frame separately. Once you purchase the frame, however, all that remains is to install the new glass over the frame. This will save you both time and money.
If you have broken glass on a few windows, replacing them all might not be a bad idea. However, if you have damaged or broken windows in several different places, such as the top and bottom or middle section of each window, then you may want to consider only replacing the broken glass in those areas. Windows can become cracked because they are hit hard against other things, such as another car door. This can cause the glass to break or crack, sometimes without any damage to the actual window frame itself. Instead of replacing the entire window, you may want to just repair the broken glass portions until the frame can be fixed. This option will save you both time and money.
If you have replaced the entire windows in your home, but you still have some broken or chipped glass, then it is likely that you will have to purchase replacement windows for each window. The price of each window replacement will be considerably more than your original purchase, due to the labor that must be spent to install them. In addition, you will also have to purchase the tools to fix the windows, which may increase your bill by a bit. However, if you are working with a contractor, he can often give you a break on these expenses, depending on the type of work that needs to be done.
When you need to replace broken glass in your home, especially if the glass is in an area of the house that gets hit hard against other items, it is often recommended that you hire a professional. It can be difficult to repair large panes of glass. A professional can place new panes over your old ones, to make the replacement process much easier. In addition, a professional can often make repairs to your windows without replacing the entire window. This is something that you should research thoroughly before choosing to have a window replacement professional do the work.