How to Replace Glass Windows

If a window pane cracks, the resulting gaps allow moisture to enter the house. These holes can reduce the efficiency of your home and also the value of resales.

A replacement is a cost-effective and simple solution. You'll need metal glazing points, pliers and latex glazing putty, and a heatgun. Also, make sure to wear gloves and safety goggles.

Measure the Window

The right measurements can determine the success or failure of your window replacement project. If you purchase windows that are the wrong size, it could cost a lot to install and could not fit within the opening. To avoid this take these steps to take measurements of the old window prior to taking it off.

Begin by measuring the width of the window frame from three angles three places: the top, middle and the bottom. Utilize a tape measure to note every measurement. Keep in mind that the window's width does not include any trim. Next, measure the height of the frame from three angles The left side, the center and the right side. Select the measurement that is the shortest and record it. Then subtract 1/4 inch from each of these measurements to get an approximate height and width measurement.

When taking measurements of the height, make sure to take into account any jamb trimming. Then measure the distance from the inside of the right and left side jambs to the head jamb, or if the window has been covered with drywall instead jambs, measure the distance to the top of the drywall.

Once you have the measurements, you can remove the nails and putty that hold the old pane. If the molding on the other side of the frame has nail holes then a pull-type paint scraper or an old chisel could accomplish the task. If you only have tiny pieces of molding, simply pry them loose with an utility knife. Now you are ready to take measurements for the new window frame.

Take off the Old Pane

An errant baseball, an out-flying branch or a rash cleaning routine can crack even the strongest of window panes. In most cases, Replace Glass Windows glaziers' putty and metal clips referred to as glaziers' points hold the glass in place. To replace window glass a damaged glass pane, the initial step is to take off any old glazing putty. The replacement glass for windows near me is then placed in place and Replace Glass Windows coated with.

To avoid damaging the new pane, wear protective gloves and work on a flat surface. Use a utility blade to carefully remove the putty from the rabbet. If the old putty is difficult to remove, try softening it using a hair dryer before cutting with the knife. It is possible to use heat guns to remove difficult-to-remove putty. However you should only employ them in short bursts.

Once the old putty is removed, mark each nail fastener or point and mark the spot of the nail fastener's position in the frame. Utilizing pliers, remove the old nails or brads. If the frame has been painted the paint needs to be removed with a knife before you are able to remove the point.

Measure the width and depth inside the frame opening if you have to purchase a replacement glass. Subtract 1/8 inch on all sides to ensure the replacement glass fits. Many hardware stores and home improvement centers offer the correct size. You can also have the glass cut to your specific size by a majority of glazing and glass companies. If you do, be sure to purchase the glass piece a quarter-inch smaller than the frame opening.

Set the New Pane

If you're going to replace a window, it's a good idea purchase energy-efficient glass. This will help you save money on heating and cooling bills and also helping you save the environment. You can also choose an elegant or historical glass design to enhance the look of your home.

Before you begin, clean the glass you are using to make sure there are no streaks or smudges. Utilize a utility blade to scrape away the old putty, then scrub off any remaining leftover. It is best to work in an area that is well ventilated and have mineral spirits, or a different solvent on hand to wash up any mess.

Installing a new window starts by applying a thin layer of compound on the backstop. Place the pane in the rabbets and press it down to ensure it is secured. Work until the window is perfectly centered within the opening and only 1/8 inch space remains between the face of the glass and the rabbet.

While you're at it, scrape and sand around the wooden rabbets, then coat them with an exterior primer. This will prevent moisture from leaking into the new pane. After the primer has dried, knead it until it's soft and malleable. Then, push it into the rabbets. It's fine to be a little rough, as the goal is to make an elongated seal that lasts.

Apply the Putty

In the days before upvc or double glazing, most windows were made from steel (usually zinc-coated) or wood, and a single glass pane would be dropped into them. Small nails, or spriggs as they were referred to, were then placed into the frame to hold the glass in the right place. They are often visible nails in the wood, and If you are able to get a clear look at them, it should be possible to remove them without breaking the glass. If they won't budge then you may need to spray them with silicone sealant remover and/or dissolver as this will cause the glue to break down that holds them and allow you to free them.

Alternately, you can make use of a heat gun to loosen the old glazing putty and make it easier to remove it using a cutting instrument. This is a safer option however you need to be careful not to focus the heat on one area of the wooden surface, which could cause cracks to form. Always wear gloves made of leather and eye protection when using a heat gun. Also, make sure the window is clamped down to prevent it from moving as you cut the old putty.

Before applying any new putty it is essential to rub the frame using an abrasive soaked in mineral turpentine. This will clean off any remnants of dried putty and give the surface some grip. Apply a thin layer of white putty along the inner edge of groove where the glass is to be placed. It is crucial to get this right otherwise the window will not sit in the groove as it should. The glazing points can be replaced if necessary after the putty has been shaped and smoothed using a rag that has been soaked in turpentine.

Apply the oil

If it's a casement windows (which is hinged on the top and opens like a door) or a double- or single-hung window, you'll need remove the sash, or the sliding portion of the window that holds the glass. Apply pressure to the jamb liners made of vinyl which protect the frame's sides and then pull the top of the sash, and then give an arc to release the springs that hold the latch at the bottom. Slider windows are generally the most straightforward to remove from the frame since you just lift the bottom part of the sash.

After the old glass is removed using a wirebrush or an utility knife to clean the frame. This will remove any dirt or paint that may have been stuck in the grooves of the glazing beads. You can also soften the glaze putty by using a heating gun, but be careful not to scorch the wood. If necessary, sand down the grooves to bare wooden.

Order your new window glass from a full-service hardware store after the sash has been removed. Be sure to take the measurements accurately and subtract 1/8 of an inch for shrinkage. Be sure to buy a package of glazing points to hold the glass in place as the new putty sets.

Apply a thick coat of linseed onto the wood frame before re-glazing the window. Let it soak in. This lubricates the wood, which will help make your new putty last much longer than it would if it was not. You can then proceed with the remainder. You can also use the oil from linseed to lubricate the hinges and tracks of sliding doors, too. This will keep doors and windows replace cost from binding or sticking.