PROJECTS ONLINE: REPLACING BROKEN GLASS IN METAL CASEMENT WINDOWS
Project Difficulty:
Moderate Estimated
Project Time: 1 day (not including setting time for glazing, and painting)
Tools and Materials:
Glass
Measuring tape
Gloves
Spring clips or splines
Putty knife
Steel wool or medium-grit sandpaper
Rust-inhibiting paint
Pliers
Glazing compound
Turpentine/linseed oil
Brush
Wiping cloths
Finish paint for window trim
Work gloves
Casement windows open and close with a crank or lever. The glass panes in most casements are held in their frames by small wire clips or vinyl splines (Fig. 1). Just as with wood-framed windows, glazing compound surrounds the glass and clips. The procedure for replacing broken glass in casements is the same as for wood-framed windows, with a few minor exceptions.
1.
Remove Glass
Carefully remove the broken glass, wearing work gloves and other safety gear as needed.
2.
Remove Compound and Clips/Splines
Using a putty knife, remove the glazing compound and the spring clips (recessed in the metal frame). Usually, the clips pull right out, but you may have to persuade a few with your pliers.
For glass held in with vinyl splines, pry out the spline with a screwdriver and pull firmly.
3.
Take Measurements
Measure the window frame--top to bottom and side to side--for the replacement glass. The new pane should be approximately 1/16 to 1/8 inch smaller on all four sides than the surrounding frame. Bring these measurements and a sample of the broken glass to the store to make sure you buy the correct replacement glass.
4.
Clean and Protect Frame
Using steel wool or medium grit sandpaper, clean the frame to remove any glazing residue or rust. Brush on a coat of rust-inhibiting paint to protect the metal.
5.
Insert New Glass
When the paint has dried, position the replacement glass, and secure it with the spring clips or reinsert the vinyl splines. You may need new spring clips if the old ones are rusty or were damaged during removal.
6.
Add Glazing Compound
Next, apply glazing compound to seal the pane to the frame. A good way to do this is to wad some glazing into a ball and then roll it between your palms so that it forms a 1/4-inch diameter rope.
7.
Press Compound
Press this glazing compound rope firmly along the perimeter, making sure it adheres to both the frame and the glass (Fig. 2). Then, starting at one corner of the frame and keeping your putty knife at about a 45-degree angle, press down hard on the glazing as you draw your knife towards the opposite corner (you may want to extend your index finger down the blade to increase the pressure). Try to pull the putty knife across in one long stroke all the way around the window pane, without stopping at each corner. Note: If the compound sticks to the knife, wet the blade with turpentine or linseed oil.
Once this is done, the glazing should be firmly packed in the frame with about half of the glazing on the glass and half in the frame.
8.
Paint
After the glazing has set for about a week, seal the glazing with paint.
