If you’re dealing with broken glass in your single-pane windows, you’ll probably have to consider window replacement in Edmonton as soon as you can. Single-pane windows are extremely weak and don’t provide the same insulation and energy efficiency that multi-pane windows provide. Single-pane windows can easily break apart from something as simple as a rock being thrown up at them by the lawnmower. They can also crack from something like a baseball being accidentally tossed at them by your kids.

Many people consider replacing their single-pane windows with double or triple-pane windows just for the increased energy efficiency alone. Other people will try to repair the single-pane windows, instead. In some cases, single-pane windows are easier to repair than multi-pane windows. If you’re the DIY type of person and are currently going through the ordeal of wanting to repair your single-pane windows, you’ll want to keep reading. Before starting any repair job that involves glass and windows, you’ll want to ensure you have a thick pair of gloves on to prevent the risk of any cuts or scrapes.

What Do I Need To Know About Single-Pane Windows?

It always helps to know a bit more about single-pane windows before you dive into your repair project. You’ll want to know how your single-pane window is secured to your window frame. A single-pane window is comparable to a glass photo frame that contacts flexible metal material in the back of the frame. There are very small metallic triangles in the window frame that will keep the glass secured to the frame. Glazing will form over these points and will solidify a wedge that will keep the glass sealed. Once the area is painted the same color as the window, you can’t see it.

There are also certain styles of windows that are secured with a wood or vinyl bead that is held together by very tiny nails. You can easily just replace the molding by prying it out and installing a new one. To seal the edges of the glass in place, you’ll apply a thin layer of caulking along the edges. Get a hammer and put the nails in place and gently tap them in. If you have a brad nailer, that would speed up the process. If you’ve never replaced the glass in a single-pane window before, it might seem a little intimidating at first.

To get started on repairing your single-pane windows, there are a couple of things you’ll require:

  • Gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • Putty knife
  • Chisel or scraper
  • Paintbrush
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • Glass cutter
  • Straightedge
  • Rubber hammer

The materials you’ll need are:

  • Fine-grit sandpaper
  • Wood sealer or linseed oil
  • Replacement glass
  • Glazing compound
  • Paint for the exterior

What Are The Instructions?

The first step is to take out the cracked or broken glass piece and start cleaning up the frame of the window. This can be done by using a putty knife. You’ll want to remove the glazing compound from the glass. The compound will typically be coming off in big chunks because it will be brittle and dried up. If you notice any pieces of the compound that are adhering to wood, use your knife to pry them out.

Still using your putty knife, start to pry the current glazing points of the window. These glazing points are what keep the glass secured into the window frame. You’ll want to make sure that you’re wearing your safety gloves and safety goggles when you’re doing this. At this point, get your chisel and start to scrape out the channel surrounding the window frame. You don’t want to exert a ton of force while you’re doing this because that might damage the wood. Get your fine-grit sandpaper and start to seal the wood with your wood sealer and paintbrush. After that, give it a good chance to dry out.

Measurements

You can now get your tape measure and start to take the measurements for the height and width of the opening. Ensure that you’re measuring right to the edges and take off an eighth of an inch from all of the measurements that you take. by taking an eighth of an inch off your measurements, your glass pane will be much simpler to install. It will also ensure that you’ll have more room for expansion as the temperatures fluctuate throughout the year. After you’re done taking your measurements, go to the hardware store or window contractor and provide them with the measurements.

Cutting Glass

If you have a pane of glass laying around and have some experience with cutting glass, you can also cut the pane yourself. To do this, put the glass pane on a flat surface that’s completely free and clear of any debris and dirt. Get a marker and make a mark on where your cutting line will be. Get your straightedge and start to score along the line with your glass cutter. Glass cutters operate through a sharp wheel that rolls and cuts along the line that you made. Ensure that you’re accurately cutting along your marks as carefully as possible. You should only have to make a single pass with your glass cutter.

Proceed to put on your safety glasses and align your glass on your flat surface area and right along the edge of it. Hold the glass with one hand while gently pushing it down on the other end so that the waste part of the glass will just fall off. The edges of the glass will be very sharp, so be extra careful. 

Glass Mounting

Get your glazing compound and start to make long lines that are around an eighth of an inch in diameter. The ropes will need to be pressed into the L-channels surrounding the frame of your window where your glass will be put in place. Get your putty knife and start to press down on the compound.

Push on each of the glazing points on the frame of the glass so that they will be secured to the wood. This works easiest using your putty knife.

Glazing

Glazing the window will require you to get some rolling compound and put it in each hand to begin creating lines that are around half of an inch in thickness. Put these lines of glazing into the L-shaped space between the glass and the frame and push the glazing compound down into the glass and wood with your finger. Get your putty knife and start to press the blade along the side of the compound so that it creates a nice wedge for the glass and frame of the window. Check to see if there are any gaps in the glass compound. If you do notice any, use some more compounds to smoothen things out.

Window replacement in Edmonton can be a tricky process for those that have never had the chance to try it before. If you’re wanting some assistance, contact Canglow Windows & Doors.