Window glass replacement needs attention to detail and safety. The technique heavily depends on the kind of window pane. For instance, a wood frame needs more steps to be installed than a vinyl frame used in most new homes.
Wear thick gloves, long clothing, and protective eyewear when handling shattered glass because tiny, nearly invisible splinters can easily cause injury.
Below we are going to introduce different types of window replacement and when your windows need to be replaced.
Signs Show That You Need Window Glass Replacement
Window glass replacement is a great investment that not only increases the value of your home but also saves a considerable amount of money on electricity bills by providing excellent insulation.
Here are signs showing if your home needs new windows.
Damaged frames
Visible damage and decaying frames signify that your windows are nearing the end of their lifespan and can no longer effectively insulate your home. Moreover, decay may also cause lots of difficulty in closing windows properly. It not only exposes the inside of your home to lots of elements like insects, but threatens your safety.
Cracks & Condensation
One of the obvious indicators that shows your home needs window glass replacement is cracked glass. A cracked glass means your home is not sufficiently insulated, and moreover, it’s not visually appealing.
Condensation between panes shows the exchange of moisture between your home’s outside and inside, and if it’s left alone, it can easily cause water damage or mold. Condensation usually occurs due to a broken or cracked seal. Both condensation and cracked windows are the main signs that show you need to purchase new windows.
Noise & Drafts
If your closed windows are unable to keep out noise and drafts, there may be a problem with their seals, or they may not have been installed well initially. Today, at ESNAGLASS, we use a low-emittance glazed pane filled with argon or krypton for better soundproofing and energy saving.
How to Replace Window Glass?
Here are some useful tips on how to replace window glass and broken windows.
Remove the broken glass.
Window glass replacement without proper tools (thick gloves and some goggles) is like going to battle empty-handed. Safety is always a priority.
Some glass will pull off easily from the frame and some won’t. You may also need a pair of pliers to pry off smaller pieces from the frame, and to get those pieces that will be struck to the glazing off, you will probably need a heat gun.
Clean the frame.
After all the pieces of glass are taken out, you need to clean the frame to get it ready for new glazing. Neglecting to clean frames means window glass replacement won’t last long. For better cleaning, use a tough brush for metal, or use a bit of linseed oil to make window wood frames more charming.
Measure how much glass you need.
For measuring the required window pane, accuracy is a priority to avoid hassle later. Don’t forget to leave a small bit of headroom to ensure the glass will fit snugly into the frame. The overall measurement should be a fraction of an inch less than the frame’s size.
We highly recommend you go to the store personally when you want to order a glass to make sure the pane is cut based on your specifications and you will get other significant trinkets.
If you’re unable to take accurate measurements of window glass, take it out and bring it to the glass shop.
Apply putty to the frame.
The putty seals the window and your home’s inside from the outside. Take the appropriate amount, roll it into a strip, place it along the frame’s section where the glass will rest, and then firmly press it into position with the putty knife.
Before putting the glass on the frame, make sure there is no space between the putty and the glass, and all the glass’s edges are properly resting on the putty. Don’t forget to smooth out the puttie’s edges with the putty knife or fingers.
Install the glass and put the sealant on.
Every window glass on the market will have a vinyl stop on the edges. Remove it before installation, and ensure that it is perfectly placed on the putty after installation. Finally, seal the glass off by putting some sealant around it and setting the vinyl back in place to fix it tightly.
Let the sealant dry. That’s all the process of replacing a window pane.
Three Simple Steps Show How to Replace Window Glass in an Aluminum Frame?
Step 1: Take out the old glass.
Removing the glass might be difficult due to the silicone that is holding it. So, if needed, tear it down into small pieces or first take the silicone off. Remember, to remove the silicone, you need a screwdriver.
Step 2: Measure the size of the window panes.
As mentioned before, you need to measure carefully to avoid hassle later. You need to have an accurate measure of height from the middle, right, and left sides; the width; and diagonally.
Step 3: Replace the panes and strips.
Aside from the glass, you need to purchase a new strip to connect them together after the installation of the pane. Don’t forget to add silicone to stick the glass to the strip firmly. Lastly, insert the final products into the aluminum frame.
Steps That Show How to Replace Window Glass in a Wooden Frame
- Remove Glass Shards: all glass shards should be removed. You can use pliers.
- Remove old putty: If there is a trim, remove it with a flathead screwdriver; otherwise, use a heat gun. Use a putty knife to remove the trim once the glaze has softened.
- Remove glazing point: use pliers to bend metal spikes (glazing point) backward.
- Remove the existing glass: Tap the window outside gently to loosen it and work from one corner to remove it from the frame.
- Clean the groove: to avoid the later hassle, clean the groove of any remnants of glass, glazing points, and putty.
- Apply putty in the groove: add a small amount of putty between the window glass and the frame, then put the new pane in the window.
- Press down the glass: firmly press the glass into the putty to keep it in place
- Place the pane: move the pane until there are 1/16-inch gaps on all four sides.
- Add a new glazing point: depending on the pan’s size, add a minimum of two new glazing points to each glass’s edge. Use a putty knife or other objects to push the glazing point corners into the wood frame.
- Apply the putty around the window glass: roll around a 1/2-inch-thick length of putty in your hand to make a thin rope, press it around the glass’s outside and into the frame, and lastly smooth the putty against the glass and sash by using the putty knife.
- Repaint the putty: after the putty has dried, paint it. After one week or more, apply primer to the whole window.
How to Replace Window Glass in a Vinyl Frame?
- Separate the vinyl sash from the window.
- Remove the stops.
- Remove the caulk.
- Pull out the existing glass.
- Find a replacement for the window pane.
- Fix the replacement glass.
- Fix the stops and replace the window.
How to Replace Glass in a Double-Pane Window?
- Pry off any molding around the Double-Pane Window
unit. - Using a putty knife, remove the rubber glazing around the edges.
- Cut the sealant holding the IGU in place.
- Lift the old window unit out of the frame by using a suction frame. If the window is damaged, gently remove the rest of the shattered glass.
- Apply silicon sealant to the groove where the replacement glass panel will go.
- Replace the glass with a suction cup grip. Apply new sealant to keep the replacement glass in place.
Window Glass Repair Tips
- Consider removing the entire window frame and laying it flat if you’re removing broken shards from a particularly large windowpane. In this configuration, you can remove and replace the glass from the frame for more control and safety.
- If you are removing broken shards from a wide windowpane, consider removing the entire window frame. For more security, take out the glass from the frame and replace it in the proper position.
- Most glass shops can cut a new pane of glass based on your exact specifications.
- If you need to paint the window, wait for a couple of days to dry the glazing materials.
In the end,
The EsnaGlass company provides window replacement for different kinds of window panes, from single-pane glass replacement to multiple window designs for different interior styles.
Our skilled and experienced team at EsnaGlass replaces or installs window frames, seals the frame, repairs broken windows, cleans up the area, removes iron filings, and more at a reasonable price. So feel free to get in touch with us if you want to know more about our services.
