repair and reglaze windows

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initial requirements:

  • Some windows are broken or have cracked or missing glazing compound

materials needed:

  • Glazing compound that contains linseed oil––for sealing windows in place; do not use caulk
  • Quick-drying primer, linseed oil, or wood sealer––if glazing compound has no linseed oil. Sealing unpainted wood will make glazing compound last longer.
  • Glazier’s points––to hold panes in place during installation
  • Window panes––measure the size of the opening for broken panes and cut the glass 1/8 inch smaller along both dimensions. When buying the glass, take a piece of the broken window pane with you to match the type of glass.
  • Exterior paint to match window trim
  • Paint thinner––for cleanup

tools needed:

  • Putty knife
  • Tape rule
  • Paint brush
  • Hammer
  • Gloves

required skills: Basic carpentry

annual energy savings: vary widely

average time required: Repair: ¼ to 1 hour/window pane Reglazing: ¼ to 1 hour/window

project steps:

Replacing broken window panes

  1. Measure opening for broken panes and order new panes 1/8 inch smaller in height and width.
  2. Remove old pane carefully––use work gloves and work from the top down to prevent glass from dropping on your hands. Wiggle glass back and forth (like loosening a child’s tooth) to help pull it out. Also, remove all of the old glazing compound.
  3. If using a glazing compound that does not contain linseed oil, seal the unpainted wood mullions with quick-drying primer, linseed oil, or wood sealer.
  4. After the sealant dries (read directions on the can for an estimate of how long drying takes), use a putty knife to spread a 1/8-inch layer of compound evenly around the frame in which the glass will rest.
  5. Set the new pane in the frame and push in two glazier’s points along each side of the window with the putty knife or hammer.
  6. Apply a sealing bead of putty at an angle. Press firmly for a good seal, and trim the excess putty as you work. Dip the putty knife in the linseed oil to help smooth out the putty.
  7. After the putty has dried (usually seven to ten days after installation), paint the putty to match the window. The paint should extend 1/16 inch onto the pane to ensure a good seal.

Reglazing windows

  1. Scrape all loose or cracked glazing compound out of the mullion frame. Make sure that only firmly attached glazing compound remains.
  2. If using a glazing compound that does not contain linseed oil, seal the unpainted wood with quick drying primer, linseed oil, or wood sealer.
  3. After the sealant dries, follow steps 6 and 7 from the previous procedure for replacing broken panes.