Thermal glass might lower the cost of heating a home
Thermal glass works well for those looking to save energy in a home. The glass has a coating treatment that insulates windows to prevent heat from seeping out, while keeping the sun's radiation at bay. Installing thermal glass is similar to installing any glass pane. Replacing the thermal glass is a project that anyone can handle if looking to avoid the cost of professional installation.
Instructions
1. Apply tape to the outside of the window glass in a crosshatch pattern. Start in the upper corner and apply a strip of duct tape diagonally to the opposite lower corner. Repeat the process in the opposite upper corner. This will protect you if the glass breaks.
2. Put on heavy work gloves to protect your hands.
3. Pry the old window putty off the frame with a putty knife or removal tool. Heat the putty with a heat gun if necessary.
4. Pull the old glass pane out of the frame. Once the putty comes off, the glass will slip out of the frame. Place your hands flat on the glass and slide it to the side. Grasp the free end with gloved fingers, and gently move the glass to free it.
5. Use a putty knife to pry out the metal glazier's points set around the frame. Glazier's points are metal triangles that secure glass in a frame.
6. Sand down wood frames at the rabbet. A rabbet is the grove cut into the wood to hold the glass. Use a cloth to dust off the frame and brush linseed oil on the rabbet with a small paintbrush. The oil will ensure easy placement of the new thermal pane.
7. Warm the glazing compound following the instructions provided with the product. Glazing compound is a putty substance that helps secure the pane of glass. Roll out a thin rope of the compound in your hands. Press the putty compound around the inside the window frame. Use a putty knife to help press the compound into the space.
8. Press the new thermal glass pane into place. Thermal glass has a coating on one side to prevent heat from the sun. Pay attention to the look of the glass. The coated side goes on the outside. The pane sits inside the opening of the window frame and presses into the glazing compound.
9. Press the new thermal glass pane into place. Pay attention to the look of the glass. The coated side goes on the outside. Sit the pane inside the opening of the window frame and press it gently into the glazing compound.
10. Apply new glazier's points around the glass. Slide the points so they are parallel to the pane. Points should sit against the glass to secure it, but not puncture the surface. The number of points used to seat the glass will depend on the size of the window. Follow the pattern of the previous installer and apply the points in a similar manner.
11. Roll a second application of glazing compound and apply it to the outside of the glass pane. Let the putty dry thoroughly, following the directions on the label.
Tags: glass pane, glazing compound, putty knife, thermal glass, window frame, your hands
