Fixing house windows involves careful examination of the broken window and then determining the best way to make the repair that is necessary. This article will look at several possible problems that the homeowner is likely to encounter and go about making the repair.
Instructions
Repair a Broken Window
1. Repair a window with broken glass by first pulling out the old glass. Use a pair of gloves when removing all broken pieces. If necessary, a pair of pliers can be used to extract very small pieces or larger pieces that will not come free.
2. Remove all glazing and window points. The glazing can be removed with a narrow putty knife, but it might require more tools to remove the points. First try a screwdriver and hammer. If that doesn't work, use needle-nose pliers to get the metal points free from the wooden sash.
3. Measure the opening. Go to a hardware store and purchase a replacement piece of glass. The replacement glass should be about 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch less than the opening of the window area.
4. Clean and paint the bare wood before you install the glass.
5. Place the new piece of glass in the window, and hold it into place with a few window points pushed into the wood. Unless the wood is very soft, you will probably need a straight-edged screwdriver to complete the task. Once the glass is tacked in, you can start setting the window points with a straight-edged screwdriver and a small hammer. Each side should get at least three or four window points.
6. Apply the glazing compound with a glazing knife. Make sure the putty is warm before you attempt the glazing. When applying the glazing, make a neat, continuous line that fills the space between the glass and wooden frame.
7. Prime and paint the glazing to match the trim color of the rest of the window.
Replacing or Retying Window Weights
8. Pull apart a double-hung window to replace or retie the weights that slide up and down inside the wall. During this process, you can also unstick any sash that is in the stuck position. Begin by removing the trim that holds the window in place. This trim is always located on the inside of the building and it can easily removed with a small pry bar and hammer.
9. Remove the top half of the window, if necessary. Usually, this is not necessary. If it is painted shut, then you will have to take a utility knife and run the blade around the edge of the window until it comes free.
10. Pull out the bottom window. It will be connected by thin rope or heavy cord. You might have to untie the sash cord if the weight is still attached.
11. Unscrew the wooden panel that is located on the inside tract of the window. There should be a wheel that spins freely located at the top of this panel. The screws might be painted over, so look closely to find the two screws.
12. Remove the cord and the two weights. If the cord is broken, you will have to fish the weight out of the wall cavity and replace the sash cord.
13. Reinstall the weights and sash cord. First, run the cord through the wheel on top of the panel. Then screw the two side panels into the side of the window. Reattach the cord to the bottom window. Replace the window trim after the bottom window is in place.
Tags: window points, bottom window, sash cord, located inside, piece glass, removed with, small hammer
