How to Properly Perform Glass Installation

Whether you’re replacing a broken window pane or just changing the look, glass installation is a relatively straightforward process. However, the installation of any kind of glass in a home is not something that should be left to an amateur. Without the proper knowledge and equipment, mistakes can be made that will affect your home’s safety and energy efficiency.

The first step in a successful replacement is to make sure the new pane will fit correctly. This can be accomplished by carefully measuring the dimensions of the window opening and ordering a pane that is 1/8-inch smaller in both directions to allow for expansion and contraction of the frame. This ensures a precise fit and will prevent cracking in the future.

Once the pane is ordered, it’s time to prepare the window frame. Thoroughly clean the surface, removing any remaining sealant or glazing tape and ensuring that the frame is dry and smooth. A bead of silicone sealant should then be spread along the rabbet, allowing you to set the glass into place and secure it. This is especially important because it will be difficult or impossible to adjust the position of a piece of glass once it has been inserted into the frame.

If the old glass pane is still in good condition, you can skip this step. If not, use a hammer to gently tap around the edge of the glass until it breaks. This should be done with a friend present to catch the shards that break free, and it’s a good idea to wear gloves and goggles during this entire process to avoid injury.

Using a chisel, scrape away any old glazing putty or metal glazing points that are in the grooves where the new glass will be installed. If the old putty proves particularly stubborn, you can try applying a heat gun to it before scraping it off. Once all the old glazing is removed, scrape the edges of the frame to remove any caulking that has dried out and become brittle. If the old pane was held in by wood molding, you’ll need to reinstall this.

Before installing the new glass, apply a bead of silicone sealant to the top edge of the frame. This will prevent water and other contaminants from seeping under the glass.

When the silicone is dry, apply a bead of glazing compound to the L-shaped grooves in which the window will sit. This can be done with a caulking gun, but using a knife creates a tighter bond and a smoother surface and is easier to manage once you get the hang of it. Then, install the new glass and press to set it in place. Finally, apply more glazing compound and use a putty knife to install glazier’s points every 10 inches around the edges of the glass to hold it in place. Touch up the paint as needed and you’re ready to enjoy your new pane of glass.

from Glass Repair Logan https://glassrepairlogan.wordpress.com/2024/10/22/how-to-properly-perform-glass-installation/