Glazing Windows

Installing a pane of glass in your window is known as window glazing. Window pane installation is something that we let the professionals take care of. But it can very well become a DIY home improvement project. Window glazing is not a difficult project and can be done in a few hours. You get window glasses in many different styles, from the simple single pane window glass to the double pane insulated window glass. Single pane window glasses are easier to install than double glazing windows.

How to Glaze Windows

Single pane glass windows gives your home a traditional look. For window pane replacement, you should get good quality window glass from a home improvement store.

Things Required

• Glass
• Glazing putty
• Putty knife
• Heat gun
• Glazier's points
• Primer
• Narrow paintbrush
• Aluminum foil
• Painter's tool

Method

For window glazing or window pane repair, first you need to measure the dimensions of the glass that you will be replacing. Once you have done measuring windows, subtract 1/8th inch from top, bottom and sides of the glass. Next you need to remove the putty from the window. Putty is the substance that is holding the glass pane to the frame of the window. Old putty might be tough which will make it difficult for you to remove it. So, at this point you need to use the heat gun to soften the putty so that it is more malleable and easier to remove. Direct the heat gun on the putty and take care to move the heat gun in a straight direction. Make sure that the heat is not too intense, as it might crack the existing window pane or burn the wooden sash. Once the putty becomes soft and malleable, use the putty knife to remove the old putty.

Once this is done, use the tip of the putty knife to remove the glazier's points. These are small metallic contraptions that are used for holding the glass in place. Next, gently remove the glass pane. If your pane is already broken, then you will have a much easier time removing the glass from the window. Now clean the window sash and remove any old putty that is still stuck to the window. Clean the window with a clean cloth and apply a primer over it. When the primer dries, you can install the new glass pane.

First clean the replacement window pane with either alcohol or a good glass cleaner. Now insert the glass into the window frame. If you had taken the measurements correctly, you can easily fit the glass inside the frame. If not, you will need to measure again and cut it to fit the dimensions of the window frame. Some window frames will have a slot on the top or bottom of the frame. Slide the glass into this slot. Next insert the glazier's point by pushing it point downwards into the wooden frame of the window. The top of the glazier's point should touch the window pane. If you are having trouble inserting the point into the wooden frame, use the back of your putty knife. Insert 2-3 glazier's point on each side of the frame excluding the side which has a slot in it.

Warm the putty in your hand until it is soft and malleable and then press it on the perimeter of the window frame. Make sure that you apply the putty both on the wooden frame as well as the glass. After you have applied the putty on all the four sides, glide the putty knife over the putty, pressing it firmly in place. Cut off any excess putty with the knife. Clean any excess putty with alcohol and you are done.

Although it is not a fun project but still it can save you money if you do it yourself. Now that you know about home window glass replacement, you can certainly fix a broken window pane.