12 Companies That Are Leading The Way In Replace Glass Windows

How to Replace Glass Windows

When a window pane cracks, the gaps that result allow moisture to enter the home. These holes also reduce the efficiency of energy and resale value.

It is fortunately, a replacement is an affordable and easy solution. You'll need metal glazing points, pliers, latex glazing putty and the heat gun. Be sure to wear protective gloves and safety glasses.

Measure the Window

Making the right measurements can make or break the window replacement project. If you choose the wrong size replacement window, it can be expensive to install. It might also not fit correctly in the opening. To avoid this take these steps to measure the old window before taking it off.

Begin by measuring the width of the window frame from three angles that is 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. Measure the frame height in three areas on the left and the right side. Note the shortest measurement. Subtract 1/4 inch from both these measurements to get a rough estimation of the width and height.

Be sure to include any jamb trims when measuring the height. Then, measure the distance between the inside of the left and right side jambs to the head jamb, or if the window is finished with drywall instead of jambs, measure the distance to the top of the drywall.

Once you have the measurements Remove any nails and putty securing the old pane. If the molding on one side of the frame is soiled you can employ an old chisel, or a paint scraper that has a pull-type. If there are just small pieces of molding, just cut them off with the help of a utility knife. Now you are able to measure your new window frame.

Remove the old Pane

Even the strongest of windows can be shattered by a baseball that flies out of control, a branch that flies too high, or cleaning that is done with excessive enthusiasm. In the majority of instances, glaziers' putty and glaziers' clips made of metal called points keep the glass in the right position. The first step to replace damaged panes is to remove the old glazing putty and points. The new one can then be put in place and then glaze.

Wear gloves that are protected to prevent damaging the new glass and work on an even surface. Using a utility knife, carefully cut away the putty as well as the point of the rabbet. If the old putty is difficult to remove, you can soften it using a hair dryer before using your knife. You can also use a heating gun for Replace Glass Windows hard-to-remove glazing putty however, be sure to apply the heat in short bursts, and avoid touching the glass with any tools applied to the frame.

Once the old putty is removed, label each point or nail fastener and mark the spot of the nail fastener's position in the frame. Using a pair of pliers, take off the old brads or nails. If the frame has been painted, you'll have to cut off the paint with an instrument to get rid of the point.

Take measurements of the width and depth of the frame opening, if you are planning to purchase a new glass. Subtract 1/8 inch on both sides to ensure that the glass you purchase is suitable. Many hardware stores and home improvement centres carry the correct size. Alternately, you can get the glass cut to size at most glass and glazing companies. If you do this, be certain to order the piece of glass one quarter-inch smaller than the frame opening.

Set the New Pane

If you're planning to replace glass windows a window pane, it's a good idea to invest in energy-efficient glass. This will help you save money on heating and cooling costs and also helping you save the environment. You can also select a more decorative or historic glass design to enhance the style of your home.

Before you begin cleaning the new pane to make sure there are no smudges or streaks. Utilize a utility blade to scrape the old putty, then brush away any remnants. It is recommended to work in a well ventilated space, and you should have mineral spirits or another solvent to clean up the mess, if needed.

To set up the new window pane, start by applying a thin bed of compound to the backstop. Place the pane in the rabbets, and press it to secure it. Make sure that the window is in the middle of the opening and less than 1/8 inch is left between the glass face and the rabbet.

While you're at it scrape and sand the rabbets to bare wood, then coat them with an exterior primer. This will prevent moisture from seeping into the new pane and causing damage to it. After the primer has dried and is dry, knead some putty until it's warm and malleable. Then, push it into the rabbets. It's fine to be a bit rough, as the aim is to create a solid seal that will last.

Apply the Putty

Back in the days before double glazing and upvc, most windows were made of steel (usually galvanized) or timber, and a single pane of glass dropped into them. Small nails or spriggs, as they were referred to and then put into the frame to keep the glass in place. If you examine the nails, it is likely that they are easy to remove them. If they're not you can spray them with silicone sealant dissolver or remover to break up the glue holding them.

You can also use a heat gun to break up old glazing putty and make it easier to chip with a cutting instrument. This is a much safer alternative, but you need to take care not to concentrate the heat in one area of the wood and crack it. Always wear gloves made of leather and eye protection when working with a heat gun. Also, make sure the window double glazing replacement is securely secured to stop it from moving when you cut out the old putty.

Before applying any new putty it is important to rub down the frame using a rag that has been dipped in mineral turpentine. This will clean off any remnants of putty that has dried and to give the frame some more grip. Then apply a small amount of white putty to the inside of the groove where the glass will be. This is essential because otherwise the window replace cost will not fit properly in the groove. The glazing points can then be replaced if required after the putty has been smoothed and shaped by a rag soaked with Turpentine.

Apply the oil

If it's a casement windows (which hangs from the top and opens as a door) or a single- or double-hung window, you'll need remove the sash or the sliding part of the window that holds the glass. Take off the top of the sash by pressing it against the jambs of vinyl that cover the frame's sides. Then give it a twitch to remove the latch springs at the bottom. Slider windows are the easiest to use, since you can simply lift the sash's bottom part to remove it from the frame.

After the old pane is removed, clean the frame with a wire brush and a utility knife to remove any dirt or paint in the grooves that surround the beadwork for the glazing. You can also soften glazing putty using the use of a heat gun. Be careful not to scorch wood. If necessary, sand down the grooves to bare wooden.

After the sash has been removed, purchase your new window glass at a full-service hardware store. Make sure you accurately measure the opening and subtract 1/8 inch to account for shrinkage. Be sure to buy the glazing points to help hold the glass in place while the new putty sets.

Before you begin re-glazing the window, apply a heavy coat of linseed oil to the frame of the wood and allow it to soak into the frame completely. This will lubricate the wood and help the new paint last longer. You can then move on to the rest of your work. The same linseed oils can be used to grease the tracks and hinges of sliding doors. This will stop windows and doors from squeezing or binding.