Window Repairs: How To Re-glaze A Window
If you have a broken window pain or it is starting to deteriorate due to age, it might be time to re-glaze it. Re-glazing a window is a simple process and less expensive than replacing the entire window. With a few basic supplies, you can re-glaze your own window and avoid further damage from cracking.
Here are some basic guidelines for re-glazing a window:
Remove the Glazing
The first thing you need to do when re-glazing a window is removing the old glazing. You can access this by first removing the sash. This will be the part of the window that slides up or down. If there are stops on the interior of the window, remove those first. You might need a screwdriver if there are screws holding them in place.
Remove the sash once the stops are out. Use a razor knife to chip away at any loose glazing you see. The rest of the glazing is stuck more securely to the window, so be extra careful not to cause damage to the window.
A heat gun is a good tool for removing glazing since it can soften the glazing just enough to remove it easily. However, keep in mind you might need to paint the frame again if you use heat. Continue until all of the old glazing has been removed.
Repair the Wood Frame
With the old glazing gone, you can take a moment to look closely at the window's frame. If there is any damage, do patching at this point. A two-part wood epoxy is the perfect item for patching small cracks and holes in a wood window frame. Once it is applied and has dried, you can sand it and shape it so it matches the wood. You can now decide if you would like to prime the wood once it has been repaired and sanded. Some window professionals say it is okay, while others advise against it. It really is your call.
Apply the New Glaze
It is now time to apply your new glaze. You want to begin with the glazing putty, which is very easy to work with. If you're only re-glazing one or two window panes, you won't need more than a small container of it. Keep the glazing putty at room temperature before working with it. Grab a small amount of it, about the size of a golf ball, and work it through your hands. This gets it to a good temperature and evens it out.
Roll out the putty until it is the shape of a long rolling pin, then place it at the top of the window you're working on. You want it right at the edge of the windowpane. Use a putty knife to press the glaze into the glass and keep it even with the frame. It should be even as you do this, without bubbles or empty spaces. You want it to go over the entire window, removing excess as you work with it.
Once the glazing has cured, which takes about a week, you can paint the glazing and the window frame. To learn more, contact a company like Ken Caryl Glass, Inc. with any questions you have.
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