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Window Glass
Is Broken
Problem: Glass pane in window
is broken, cracked, or scarred.
Background: Most local hardware stores offer glass
replacement ser vices and can replace glass in wooden
double-sash windows, horizontal sliding windows, casement
windows, wood or aluminum storm windows or doors, or
awning or jalousie windows. If you plan to re place the
glass in a wooden window yourself, assemble a hammer,
screwdriver, putty knife, and measuring rule or tape. Then
add a small package of glazier’s points, window putty, and
either a soldering iron or a small propane torch to your
sup plies. (If you don’t have these materials, pick them
up where you have your new glass cut.)
What to do: First remove the old putty, softening
the old putty with either a soldering iron, small pro pane
torch, or heat gun. Heat makes even ancient putty pliable
and easy to remove. If you don’t want to in vest in any of
these tools, you might get by with an old clothes iron, or
by soaking older oil-based putty with linseed oil to
soften it.
Under the putty you’ll see small triangular glazier points used to
hold the pane in place. Pry these points out with a
screwdriver and remove the old glass. (Wear
gloves and goggles to avoid accidental in jury.)
Cutting your own glass to fit from larger sheets saves some money,
but it does take practice to become accurate and avoid
breakage. How ever, if you do cut your own glass, panes
for most wooden windows should be cut 1/8 inch smaller
than the opening, both in length and height. Cut panes for
vertical-sash aluminum storm windows 1/32 inch smaller
than the opening.
Clean and sand the groove for the pane. If you are using oil-based
glazing compound, apply a coat of linseed oil or thinned
exterior paint around the groove. This keeps the window
from absorbing oil from the compound. Then apply a thin
layer of compound (just enough to act as a seal), and
insert the pane. Fasten it in place with glazier’s points
every 4 inches to 6 inches around the opening. Use a
hammer and putty knife or screwdriver to drive them half
way into the wood.
If you are using oil-based com pound, roll it into a rope about ½
inch in diameter, press it in place, and smoothen with a
putty knife held at an angle. If you are using newer
acrylic latex glazing com pound, do not precoat the
groove. Simply dab it in place and smooth it down
with your putty knife. You can paint over this type of
putty in 30 minutes or so; with oil-based compound let it
cure for a week or more before painting. Use exterior
paint and make sure the paint touches the glass. This
prevents cracks that can trap moisture from occurring.
Special advice: When buying replacement glass, you
will have a choice of single- or double-strength glass. If
the pane is 12 inches x 16 inches or smaller, you can use
single-strength; if it is larger, buy the more expensive
double-strength.
Helpful hint: Putting
linseed oil on the putty knife can help you do a smooth,
professional-looking job with oil-based putty. If you are
using newer acrylic-latex putty, put ting water on the
knife will help lubricate it. If you are using oil-based
putty that is old and hard, put it in a glass container
and microwave it for a short time to make it more pliable
and easier to work with. |
