If your house is a bit old, then it probably has windows that feature a double-hung sash. Sooner or later, window cleaning glasses will get broken and may require replacement. You don’t really need to call a professional immediately when it comes to this. Instead, you should assess the damage first and see if you can do it yourself.
What Tools Do You Need
Before you begin, make sure you have all the tools needed with you. The things that you will need when replacing the broken glass are:
-Heat gun
-Tape measure
-Putty knife
-Linseed oil
-Glaziers push points
Remove the Broken Glass
Wear a pair of heavy-duty gloves before you start removing the broken glasses away. This is to protect your hands from the sharp edges.
Remove the glass carefully. Some of the glasses can be pulled out easily. However, there are a few other types that will require some persuading. You may need to use a heat gun to soft up the glazing compound. The last pieces of glass should come out without any trouble once the glazing compound is removed.
Clean the Window Frame
After you have removed all the broken glass, it’s time to clean the window frame. You can use a wire brush to remove all the dust, dirt, debris, and residue from the frame. If window installation is already very old, apply linseed oil on the frame with the use of a brush. The oil can help to condition the wood, and will easily bond with the glazing compound.
You may need to warm the glazing compound up by kneading it until you can produce a thin bead out of it. This will require a bit of practice before you can get the consistency right, so there’s no need to worry if you will not get it right on your first try.
Measure and Order the Glass
Next, measure the area where the glazing compound will be applied. Take note of the measurements and bring them to the hardware store to order the glass material. Ensure that you get the measurements right when you order the glass replacement.
Purchase a pack of push points from the hardware stores as well. These are tiny triangles that will hold the window pane at the frame. Just push those points at the sides of the muntin bars. For a small pane of glass, apply two points on both sides of the glass at the four edges of the window pane.
Apply the Putty
Gently hold the putty knife at an angle and then apply a bead of the putty in one motion. Try to achieve an even line while doing so. As soon as the putty gets dry, start painting it.
In order to keep the glass window repair crystal clear, avoid cleaning the window once the sun is shining through it. This is because the sun will dry up the cleaner very quickly and will leave streaks on the window glass.