How to Properly Install a Window Replacement

While repairing window glass can be a temporary solution, replacing it can boost your home’s value and energy efficiency. The type of glass you choose also matters for safety and security, as well as curb appeal. Depending on the damage’s location, it may make sense to repair or replace the glass, but talking with a professional can help you decide what is best.

Before you can install new window panes, it’s important to remove any old glazing compound or metal glazing points. These tiny fasteners pin the glass into the frame’s L-shaped grooves, called rabbets. You can remove them with a putty knife, pliers or a thin flat-head screwdriver. Work carefully so you don’t break the glass or scratch the frame. Wear eye protection and a dust mask, as the process can be messy.

Once you’ve removed the old window glass, use a scraper or utility knife to remove any remaining bits of glazing compound from the edges of the frame. Wipe down the frame with a damp cloth or vacuum it, then apply a coat of linseed oil to the wood. This helps the new putty stick.

Carefully measure the height and width of the opening and order a replacement pane that’s 1/8-inch shorter in each direction. This ensures that the new window will fit securely and sit flush with the framing. If you’re not comfortable measuring or cutting the window, a local window specialist can often cut and install it for you.

If you’re working with new construction or an older home with a single-pane window, you can usually buy replacement windows from local hardware stores and online retailers. If you’re restoring an older home with multipaned windows, however, you’ll likely need to contact the window manufacturer for exact measurements and installation details. These types of windows are more complicated and require more specialized tools than a standard window, so they’re typically more expensive to install professionally.

A window replacement project starts with removing the sash — the door-like part of the frame that opens and closes to let in air and light. How you do this will vary by window style; slider windows can be lifted out, while casement windows may need to be unscrewed. Once you’ve removed the sash, lay it down on a protected surface so it doesn’t get damaged while you work.

Roll glazing compound between your fingers to form ropes that are about 1/2-inch thick. Press them in the L-shaped space where the window meets the frame, forming bedding for the new pane to rest against. If the glazing compound is too hard to work with, gradually soften it by holding a heat gun about an inch away and moving it back and forth. Place doubled sheets of aluminum foil over the adjacent panes to protect them from cracking as they’re exposed to the heat.

Next, apply a bead of latex caulk around the perimeter of the window for a waterproof seal. If you’re installing new insulating window glass, be sure to choose the appropriate type for your home, as it impacts your energy bills. Some options are rated for hurricane wind resistance, while others are designed to reduce noise and UV exposure.

from Glass Repair Logan https://glassrepairlogan.wordpress.com/2024/10/28/how-to-properly-install-a-window-replacement-2/