TAKING
THE PAIN OUT OF WINDOW PANE REPLACEMENT
By Super
Handyman Al Carrell
The first step toward replacing a broken window pane is to remove the old
glass. How? Very carefully! In fact, it's best to wear gloves and safety
goggles while removing the slivers. Wiggle each piece back and forth until
it lets go. For stubborn pieces, use your hammer to tap them toward the
outside. It's also a good idea to place a large box under the window to
catch all of the pieces.
After the glass
is removed, scrape away all of the putty that is left. If it dry and hard
to remove, try heating it up with a propane torch. Be sure not to burn your
house down in the process. You can also use a soldering iron or even a hair
dryer to soften the putty. Brushing a little linseed oil over the putty
can also help to soften it.
Look for the
glaziers' points (small metal stays that hold the glass) on wooden window
frames. Save these for later. Metal frames may have spring clips to save.
Use sandpaper
or a wire brush to remove the last traces of putty and other debris. Paint
on a layer of linseed oil over the frame to seal the wood and prepare the
surface for the new putty.
Measuring for
the new glass is very critical. Measure the inside of the frame and subtract
1/8 inch - less for a smaller frame. Measure at all corners as some frames
are not perfectly made.
While your
glass is being cut, pick out your glaziers putty or compound. This stuff
is available in caulking tubes now too.
To set the
pane, dig out a blob of the putty and roll it between your hands to soften
it and for ma string as big around as a thin pencil. Press this against
the window frame all the way around where the glass will fit.
It's best if
you place the front side of the pane toward the outside. If you look closely
at the pane, you will notice a very slight bow on some glass and you want
it to bow outside if it is noticeable.
Very gently,
press the glass into the frame. Don't worry about the putty that is squeezed
out. Make sure the glass is solidly against the putty all the way around.
Eliminate any air pockets around the edges.
Now is when
you need to install those glaziers' points. The point goes into the wood
frame to hold the glass pane in tight. Use the flat blade of your screwdriver
or a putty knife to push them down into place. These should be placed about
every 4 to 6 inches around the frame.
To finish off
the outside, apply small blobs of the putty all the way around the glass
and frame. Press it into the joints with your putty knife. You want a slight
triangular seal all the way around the frame. Try to match the look of the
other panes of glass. Rake off any excess with your putty knife outside
and in.
After the putty
has set up for a few days, paint over it. Make sure your paint goes all
the way up to frame and down to completely cover the putty with just a hair
of paint over the glass. This will seal the putty against drying out.
Now, that wasn't
too painful, was it? |