We’ve all been there; something smashes through your window, shattering it into a thousand pieces giving bugs and the elements the leeway into your home. Either that or your windows are too foggy or too dirty and throw off your home’s exterior. Whatever the case, replacing your window glass isn’t something people do for fun; it’s something they have to do. You can always call the neighborhood handyperson to replace your windowpane, but if you’re looking to save some cash, why not do it yourself? Say what? You don’t know how to do that? Well, that’s why we’re here. Join us today, and we’ll show you how to replace your window glass on your own with a few simple steps.
What You’ll Need:
Replacing your windowpane is one of the simplest DIY jobs, and you’ll only need a few basic tools to get the job done. If you want to replace your window pane, you’ll need the following tools.
- A tape measure
- A chisel
- A paint scraper
- Glass cutter
- Putty knife
For materials, you’ll need to have:
- Putty or glazing compound
- A glass pane that fits your window
- Linseed oil
Select The Type of Glass You Want:
The first step is simple because all you have to do is select the type of glass you want for your windows. However, with the plethora of options, picking the right windows for your glass may be a tad challenging. There are many types of window glass for your consideration, but the common ones include:-
- Laminated glass
- Tempered glass
- Insulated glass
- Frosted glass
- Plexiglass
The type of glass you pick depends on your personal preference, but it’s always a good idea to pick one that matches your home’s current windows. Insulated glass is a good idea if you live in hotter regions and get frosted glass if you’re out for a bit of privacy. Read more about Tips to Design Farmhouse Style Kitchen
Remove Glass Shards:
If you have a broken window, you’ll have to first get rid of the remaining shards before you can install the new window. You can remove the glass shard while the frame is still in place, but a better alternative would be to remove it and place it on a platform to make removing the shards much easier.
Wear proper protective clothing and wiggle the glass shard out of the frame. You can use a hammer for stubborn pieces to get the shards out or form new brake lines. If the glass is hard to pull out, try using a heat gun to soften the putty and make it easier to pull out the shards.
Remove Glazing:
Now it’s time to remove the little bits of remaining glass, putty, and glazing on the frame’s glazing points. You can use a paint scraper- the pull-type works best, or a chisel and hammer to remove the putty. If you opt for the latter, ensure you tap the hammer gently to avoid denting the window frame.
Prepare the Frame:
Now it’s time to take your wire brush and brush the frame, then vacuum it until it’s clear of any debris. If you don’t have a vacuum, you can wipe it using a damp rag. Next, coat the rabbet joints with linseed oil to help the putty stick on the frame.
Only apply the linseed oil if the frame and rabbet joints are free from dust and debris. If you don’t, the putty won’t attach securely to the frame.
Measure the Windowpane:
With your tape measure, take accurate measurements of the height and width of the window opening. When ordering your glass, make sure it’s shorter by at least an eighth of an inch in each direction. Test whether the windowpane fits before moving to the next step.
Apply Putty:
Roll the putty or glazing compound into a long thin strand. Using the putty knife, press it on the corner of the rabbet. Doing so creates a thin, putty surface that the glass will lay on.
Press the Glass Into the Putty:
Pick up the window pane and gently press it into the putty layer, ensuring that it’s flat on all edges. After about every five inches, press a glazing point by pushing gently on the glass as you proceed.
Knead the Putty:
Knead and roll the putty into strands that measure about an inch or three-quarters an inch in diameter. Doing so makes it much easier to apply on the pane and minimizes wastage.
Apply the Putty:
Put the putty strand on the glass, stretching horizontally or vertically from one corner to the other. Press the putty gently on the rabbets and ensure it stays in place. Then, use the putty knife and press the putty against the glass, and swipe after proceeding every two inches for a clean finish.
Smooth the Putty:
Place your knife at a 45-degree angle from the glass and let its tip touch the top edge of the rabbet. Slowly move the knife along the glass surface, moving from corner to corner. Wipe away any extra putty and vacuum the remaining debris.
Final Touches:
Take a step back, and check whether the window glass sits straight on the frame and whether the putty looks even on the window’s edges. Look at the putty from different angles and smooth out any unevenness.
Clean Up and Enjoy Your Glass Window:
For the final step, all you have to do is clean up and heave a sigh of relief because you’re almost done. You can choose to prime and paint the putty, but this is entirely optional. If you’ve never done serious painting before, you best leave your windows at that.
If you notice any problems with your window seal while replacing the glass, call a window seal repair near me to repair your window seal. A broken seal allows moisture to seep into the panes and make them foggy.
How To Replace Window Glass Made Easy:
We hope this window replacement glass has been of great help to you. If you follow the above steps to the letter replacing your window glass will be a breeze. If you think you’re not cut out for the job, it’s best to call the pros.
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