Broken windows are unsightly and unsafe.
It is important to fix a broken window as soon as possible. A broken window not only compromises the security of your home, it can also result in higher heating and cooling costs. Replacing a broken window in a wooden frame is a simple job that requires no special tools or advanced home-repair skills. You can get professional results and save money by doing the job yourself. All necessary materials and supplies are available at your local glass shop. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Protect your hands by putting on gloves. Pull or pick large pieces of glass from the window frame and discard. Use a putty knife or a flat-head screwdriver to pry broken glass and loose glazing compound or putty from the window frame. If the putty is old and dry, or if it is particularly cold outside, you may have to soften the putty with a heat gun. Pry and scrape all of the putty from the frame. Use needle-nosed pliers to pull out glazier's points. Dust any residual debris from the window frame with a sash brush.
2. Roll a pingpong-ball-size lump of putty into a long rope, about 1/4 inch in diameter. Press 3- or 4-inch pieces of the putty rope into the corners of the window frame. Position the glass in the frame. Firmly but gently press the corners of the glass until it rests against the frame, allowing the putty to adhere the replacement pane to the frame. The putty will provide a cushion and temporarily hold the replacement glass in place while you install glazier's points.
3. Space the glazier's points approximately 4 inches apart. Hold the glazier's point with its smooth back against the edge of the glass and the sharp point perpendicular to the frame. Use a putty knife to push the glazier's point into the frame, as far as it will go, using manual pressure. The metal tabs on the front of the glazier's point should be flush with the edge of the frame. Continue installing glazier's points until the entire perimeter of the glass is securely in place.
4. Roll pieces of glazier's putty into 1/4- to 3/8-inch ropes. The exact diameter is not important since excess putty will be removed as you finish installing the glass. Gently press the putty ropes around the perimeter of the window pane to form a seal between the glass and the frame.
5. Hold the putty knife so it forms a 45-degree angle with the glass and the edge of the frame. With the point of the knife against the glass and the edge of the knife against the window frame, draw the knife along the frame toward you. The knife will press the putty into both the frame and glass, concealing the glazier's points and forming a beveled bead of putty. Periodically wipe excess putty from the knife. Continue until the perimeter of the window pane is sealed. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions regarding drying time for the putty. Once the putty has dried, it may be painted to match the window frame.
Tags: window frame, glazier points, broken window, frame putty, from window, from window frame, glazier point
