Many people wonder if it is possible to remove scratches from glass. In general terms, it could be said that it is. However, there is a wide spectrum of possibilities regarding this topic. Glass is not like a diamond, even though they both look transparent, glass is a ‘non-crystalline’ solid that is derived from silica, an element found in sand that at high temperatures, turns into a liquid that It is rapidly cooled to form glass. Diamonds are derived from carbon, and their crystallization depends on temperatures and pressures much higher than those of glass, making it one of the most resistant materials in the universe, and therefore it is practically unbreakable and impossible to scratch. We know that it is practically impossible to make all our windows and doors out of diamonds, so we must take good care of our glass to avoid scratches.

Scratches of different shapes and sizes can be found on your glass. It must be understood that, depending on the type of scratch, the solutions that can be applied will vary.

There are two types of scratches that can be found on the glass panes of your windows and doors; there are superficial scratches and deep scratches. These at first glance can seem quite the same since their difference does not depend on their length, but on their depth. Superficial scratches can be caused by passing light elements on one of the glass surfaces such as coins, toys, keys among others. While deep scratches can be caused by heavy items, such as tools, or when windows are protected with plywood in hurricane season. The way to detect a deep scratch is to pass your nail through it, if the nail is hindered when passing it means that it is deep, this is the main method to differentiate the types of scratches.

If you find a superficial scratch on the surface of your glass, it is very likely that it can be repaired. However, most scratches found in everyday life are deep, so it is necessary to check well before proceeding. To remove a superficial scratch, the popular cerium oxide can be used together with the appropriate tools, such as polishers and specific glass sanding discs. It is not recommended that this activity be carried out as a DIY. It is necessary to call a company specialized in scratch removal for evaluation and subsequent service. The use of these tools without due care can raise the temperature of the glass and provoke breakage.

Deep scratches are of special care, a scratch of this type means that the glass suffered wear and lost millimeters of thickness in that area. To solve this situation, it is imperative to call a specialized company, which will oversee determining if the scratch is deep enough to be sanded or if a replacement is necessary. It is important to mention that glasses (depending on their type) have a molecular composition that is determined by a certain temperature applied at the time of manufacture. If this resistance temperature is exceeded by just a few degrees, the glass can suffer immediate breakage, that is why the use of heavy-duty tools, such as polishers, which work with friction, are of careful usage since they can raise the temperature of the glass in just a few seconds. For these reasons it is very valid that in certain situations it is better to replace the glass rather than repair it since there are scratches that cannot be sanded.

Hurricanes are tropical storms in which the winds can reach sustained speeds of 74 miles per hour and higher. Generally, a windspeed like this can uproot trees, destroy light poles, break glass and lift objects. In any of these situations, these objects potentially become “missiles” that can impact the glass of your windows and doors causing breakage and, in some cases, breaching the building envelope. This can be dangerous for the integrity of your home, since the wind and water can enter through these penetrations causing extreme pressure changes.

Over time, studies on the formation and evolution of hurricanes have improved. In turn, security protocols have been increased in terms of planning and protection against hurricanes, especially in places historically affected by them. The data extracted from these studies is of vital importance for the design, manufacture and installation of hurricane-proof window and door systems. These systems are called “impact” systems due to their ability to resist the force of hurricane winds and their resilience over time. These are most made of high resistance aluminum, manufactured under rigorous production processes, and tested in laboratories. It must be considered that, like everything else, these products must be properly maintained since its resistance capability depends largely on the proper functioning of all its components.

Maintenance protocols may vary depending on the state and design of your windows and doors, starting with basic maintenance to more complex ones. Below, we reveal different maintenance methods that can be applied to impact systems:

1. Cleaning and vacuuming of tracks for dust and debris.
2. Track lubrication.
3. Lubrication of operable components.
4. Adjustment of operable panel, handle and locking mechanism.

1. Cleaning and vacuuming of tracks for dust and debris.
2. Track lubrication.
3. Lubrication of operable components.
4. Adjustment of operable panel, handle and locking mechanism.
5. Replacement of wheels.
6. Track repair or track cover installation.
7. Replacement of handle and locking mechanism

1. Operable panel adjustment.
2. Replacement of weatherstripping and rubber gaskets.
3. Cleaning and unclogging weep holes.
4. Protection and sealing of installation screws and assembly screws.
5. Removal and reapplication of silicone on the perimeter and in assembly joints.

1. Glass replacement.
2. Removal and reapplication of structural silicone seals around the glass perimeter.

1. Chemical cleaning on all aluminum profiles surfaces.
2. Removal of salt accumulation and cutting of rubber gaskets.
3. Filling of aluminum in surfaces with holes affected by salt.
4. Application of activator and primer.
5. Application of electrostatic painting of the corresponding color.
6. Curing and drying of the applied paint.
7. Application of structural silicone in the perimeters of the glass and assembly joints.

1. Cleaning and vacuuming of windowsills for dust and debris.
2. Lubrication of operable components.
3. Adjustment of operable panel, handle and locking mechanism.
4. Replacement of spring balances.
5. Replacement of missing plastic guides.
6. Replacement of weatherstripping and rubber gaskets.

With the above we want to express the general concern with the lack of maintenance that is seen daily on existing impact doors and windows; There are cases in which it is necessary to replace integral components that can take months to be delivered by the manufacturers. Sometimes the damage is so severe that the maintenance and repair protocols require extensive amounts of time and labor to be carried out. For these reasons, it is necessary that basic maintenance protocols be carried out at least every 6 months.

Keep in mind that your impact window and door systems are manufactured and installed by certified companies, Likewise, it is necessary that the maintenance protocols are carried out by a specialized company like us. If maintenance is not performed on a regular basis, it is very likely that the components that make up the systems will not work correctly and therefore lead to major problems in the future.

In some cases, having impact resistant windows is not enough to avoid headaches during a storm.  To mitigate damages of your floors, baseboards, drywall, blinds, carpet, and furniture among others, it is very important to maintain or inspect certain components to guarantee the systems performance.

Inspect the locking hardware.  Ensure operable panels are locked properly to avoid them opening with the high winds a storm can bring.   Periodically, clean the locks and lubricate them to maintain their proper function.

Inspect the weather-stripping, gaskets and wet glaze of the doors and windows. Visually inspect these components for any missing chunks, damage, cracks, movement, or lack of compression.  Any of these signs, could mean that the component needs to be replaced.

This is one of the hardest inspections to do. Each System/manufacturer has weathering components strategically installed along the frame to minimize the strength of air coming thru.

It is important to keep in mind that operable system is not air and watertight. Existing gaps are necessary for panel movement and alignment.

Weep holes are small openings that allows water to drain from within an assembly. It is crucial to have the weep holes inspected to make sure they are free of debris.  If they get clogged, these must be cleaned to restore their proper draining function.

Since it rains most of the year in Florida, this inspection should not be limited to just hurricane season, but throughout the entire year.  Anchors need be sealed to avoid water entering the frame’s predrilled penetrations.  Within time, this sealant disintegrates or peels, leaving a perfect path for water to enter the system causing mold growth and destroying surrounding components.

Check the Alignment of Vents and/or panels with the frame.  Proper alignment will guarantee that the locks, weather-stripping, gaskets, and pile pads can achieve their purpose.  This simple step is a compliment to all previous maintenance steps.

Following these guidelines, will ensure that your impact resistant product(s) will be preforming at the very best level that they were designed. It is recommended that all of the above procedures be conducted by a professional licensed contractor at least every 6 months to ensure that your windows will be in the best shape possible to confront the worst of the elements.