Let us discuss, “How To Glaze A Window”. Single pane windows are basically known for lasting for a hundred years or more if they are properly maintained. So let’s start learning how you can preserve your windows and keep them draft-free by simply replacing old glazing putty.
Tools Required
- Heat gun
- Putty knife
- Utility knife
Materials Required
- Acrylic caulk
- Glazing points
- Glazing putty (oil or latex)
- Window glass
On each of the older single-pane windows, the glass is usually covered by a putty which is called “glazing compound,” which is basically used to hold the glass in place and always seals out the weather. This putty usually lasts many years, but over the years it can also become rock-hard, cracks and mostly falls off the window. And some loose or missing compounds will also let wind and rain leak through the glass.
So, by replacing the putty around one pane of glass will only take 15 minutes to an hour, which is basically depending on the size of the pane and the stubbornness of the old putty. So you will have to replace broken glass when you are using it. This will add only a few minutes more and some dollars to the job—which is basically much cheaper than simply calling a glass repair service.
What is the easiest way to glaze windows?
Age and weather can also affect the condition of a regular framed window. Also, the glazing putty that usually bonds the glass could become more weak or crack, which is basically leading to leaks or rotten window frames. Also keeping this in mind, you can be able to avoid all these problems by simply reglazing the glass.
Besides replacing broken or old panes, and also knowing how to glaze a window will keep your home safe and will also cut energy costs. To carry out this DIY window glazing project, you will need to have some simple tools and safety equipment with you.
In this article, we have already provided some easy steps on how to glaze a window by using two methods – window glazing putty vs caulk.
Step 1: Inspect The Window
Usually before carrying out the task of how to glaze a window, you will have to search every inch of the exterior. If you find some small cracks, there is no need to fix it. But if you will find that there is no glazing present or you have deeper cracks, you will have to consider reglazing the window.
Step 2: Take Out The Sash
Simply you just need to start by removing the sash – this is the basic part of your window that basically shuts and opens. To perform this task, you will need to head to the outer part of the window interior and extract the long, and some slim pieces of wood.
Usually, screws will always hold down the stops of a window. Also, painted stops will have screws which are already covered in paint. If you really want to remove screws from coated stops, then you will have to use a blade to gently cut the paint line.
As you know old windows basically use lead paint, they can also be toxic to your health. Keeping this in mind, always ensure that you will follow some safety rules that will help you in guiding this activity.
Step 3: Take Out The Damaged Glazing
And now, you will have to prepare to discard the old glazing. First of all, you will have to find a scraper or razor knife and then break down the glazing into small pieces. When you are finished, you should have to notice some bits on the glass or wood.
Gently try out the glazing like sudden movements can deface the wood frame or window itself. It will also help if you are still using a heat gun because this tool can weaken the glazing. After some time, the material will also fall off on its own.
But there is the excess heat from these tools that can also affect the paint that surrounds the frame. For this reason, you may have to scrape and repaint the whole window.
You can also use any method which you like most. But you will have to look out for the small metal clips that secure the window pane. You can also be able to find these items inside the glazing. To take them out, expose them, and remove them by using a set of pliers.
Can you Reglaze a window without removing it?
Usually when you are going to reglaze windows, but it is not always important to replace the glazing “bed” which is the putty that the pane rests on in the glazing rabbet. In the end, you will have to remove the glass and then replace the bedding and finish glazing for the best results, but just reglazing the outside is the next best thing.
When you have the piece of glass cut (most hardware stores can also perform that for you), you will need to lay down a thin layer of glazing compound on the wood frame, and then set the glass against it, then simply secure it in place with new glazier’s points. Then you will have to press all these points into the frame by using a putty knife.
Can I use caulk instead of window glazing?
Single-pane windows should be sealed in the window frames to make them weatherproof. And acrylic latex/silicone caulk or window putty, are basically known as glazing putty, and are commonly used for all this purpose. Both of the types will work in it, but one has proven its superiority according to the time duration.
Dryseal is basically known as a modern elastic glazing putty sealant which is basically recommended for use in sash window renovation. An advantage known as Dryseal is moisture and UV resistant, which is really great for sash window repair and basically good for south facing windows.
Longevity
Window putty has also been in use for hundreds of years. Acrylic latex and silicone caulk has also been in use for about 50 years. Window glazing putty is basically made from high calcite lime and linseed oil. When it is properly applied, cured and maintained, it can also last hundreds of years. By contrast, acrylic latex and silicone caulk generally will last only about 10 years.
Maintenance
Window putty should be maintained properly to make it last forever. This maintenance will only require that the putty be coated with high-quality linseed oil every five to seven years. The linseed oil will soak into the putty, and also keep it more flexible to do its job while withstanding the weather extremes to which it is routinely subjected. The life of acrylic latex and silicone caulk cannot be increased. It must be completely replaced after seven to 10 years.
Casement Windows
Acrylic latex and silicone caulks both cannot be used to seal some casement windows. The groove basically where the window is also set in the frame is too wide. When acrylic latex and silicone caulks are about to be applied that thick, they will not be able to cure properly and will also fail very quickly. Window putty will also be able to cure when applied at that much thick surface and hold up easily.
Ease of Use
Window putty is much easier to work with and to apply easily. Acrylic latex and silicone caulk are basically difficult to apply to form a neat, inconspicuous edge with the glass. Putty is already applied, which is basically allowed to cure and then the excess part is to cut cleanly away from the window by using a sharp utility knife. If it is cut too close or pulled loose from the frame or window, then it will have to be re-caulked. Window putty always stays flexible for a long time. It can also be simply pushed back into place if any mistake is made.
Drying Time
Acrylic latex and silicone caulk recover faster than glazing putty. This quick recovery time will also allow a window frame to be painted faster. Glazing putty should be allowed to cure until it develops a firm “skin” on its outer surface before it can also be painted. This can also take some days. Acrylic latex caulk may be dry enough to paint within one day of application, which is basically depending on the particular product used.
What is the best window glazing compound?
Remove the old window glaze putty
Basically the next step will be to get rid of the old putty. If the putty is completely cracked, you can also try away some large chunks faster by using a putty knife.
Putty which is in good condition will take a long time to remove. By using a heat gun in one hand and a stiff putty knife in the other one, and then heat the putty to make it soft and gouge it out. Always wear leather gloves to protect your hands from burns. And also keeping the heat gun which is basically moving to avoid some concentrating heat in one spot. Otherwise, the heat will also crack the glass.
Old window panes: Replacing the glass and putty the window
If you will need new glass, then you will have to measure the opening, subtract 1/8 in. from all your measurements and then have the new glass cut to size at a full-service hardware store. Then you will have to take a shard of the old glass with you to match the thickness. Also, buying a package of glazing points to hold the glass in place when the new compound begins to harden. Glazing compound is also available in oil-based and latex/acrylic versions.
The latex products, which usually come in a tube, also have a longer life and you don’t have to wait for some days before painting them as you do with oil-based putty. But they also begin to dry before you can paint them smooth. If neat, smooth results are more important here, then you will have to select an oil-based putty.
