Repairing broken or cracked windowpanes is a relatively easy home improvement project to do. All it takes is a few tools, supplies, and patience. Keeping your windows in good repair is vital. It will keep your house well insulated, saving on your heating and cooling bills. It will also extend the life of your windows. Here are step-by-step instructions for how to replace a windowpane.
Step 1 Gather the tools and supplies you will need to replace a broken windowpane
You will need a pair of gloves, wire brush, replacement windowpanes, window glaze, a measuring tape, paint, blow dryer or heat gun, hammer, chisel, putty knife, and safety goggles.
Step 2 Remove the old windowpane
Put on a pair of gloves and safety goggles. Remove the broken glass. For unbroken panes, chip out the old glazing and glazing points with a chisel to remove the glass. To make the process easier you can soften the glazing with a blower dryer or heat gun. Once all the glass is removed, use a wire brush to clean the frame.
Step 3 Measure the windowpane opening
Measure the windowpane opening and subtract 1/8 inch from the horizontal and vertical measures. This will prevent the glass from being jammed too tight. If there is no room for the window to expand it may break.
Step 4 Buy replacement glass
Once you have your dimensions for your replacement windows, go to a glass shop or hardware store and purchase replacement glass
Step 5 Set the new glass in the window opening
Place the new glass into the window opening, using two glazing points or more for each side. Be careful not to press too hard on the glass or it may break. Use your putty knife to push in the glazing point and then tap with your hammer to set it in all the way.
Step 6 Apply glazing
Apply the glazing onto the glass and window frame with your glazing knife or putty knife.
Step 7 Wait at least 24 hours before opening the window
Step 8 Apply a coat of paint to protect the glazing
A few days after the putty has dried paint the glazing.
There you have it. As you can see replacing a broken windowpane is a relatively easy process. All it takes is a little of your time and patience. Just follow the above step-by-step instructions and you will have your broken windowpane replaced in no time at all.
Mon, Mar 2, 2009
Windows