GLASS REPAIRS: HOW TO FIX A BROKEN WINDOW GLASS

• So a baseball had accidentally shot through your glass window, what will you do now? • A broken window glass creates a security hazard,

so when your glass windows break, whether by carelessness or unpredictable weather, it is important to fix them right away. Luckily, repairing broken glass is not a difficult task. There is, however, more to it than simply inserting a new windowpane and adding putty. Glass repair requires a certain amount of skill and attention, too.

• Step #1: Preparation• You will have to remove and dispose of the

shattered windowpane first. Wear protective gloves and place the broken pieces in a cardboard box or thick paper bag before throwing them in the trash. Use a vacuum cleaner to retrieve any small shards. Next, remove the putty carefully and smooth out any rough spots on the frame using a putty knife, jack knife or a wooden chisel. Take your time as putty removal is a crucial part of the process. If the window is old, apply some linseed oil on the window frame to clean off any putty residue.

• You will also have to determine what kind of window you are dealing with. Is it a storm window or a regular glass window? If the broken glass is located inside the house, you may be able to replace it with regular pane glass. • Measure the area that requires glazing, then have

your friendly neighborhood home center or hardware store cut the glass for an exact fit. Ideally, the pane must be only a fraction of an inch smaller than the space it is going to fill.

• Step #2: Installation• Once the frame is free from old caulk and the

windowpane has been cut to precision, firmly and carefully place the new glass in place. With a glazing tool, put a bit of pressure onto the glazier’s points to drive them into the frame and secure the windowpane.

• Next, knead the putty until it is pliable, then roll it into pencil-size strips. Apply this onto the sides of the window pane and smooth it out at an angle with a clean, linseed oil-dipped scraper. Evening out the putty around the windowpane is quite tricky, but with a little practice you’ll get the consistency right, so don’t fret if it isn’t perfect the first try.

• Step #3: Finishing Touches• Now that the new windowpane has been

installed, it’s time for some finishing touches. Scrape around the puttied area and remove any excess along the edges.• For aesthetic purposes, you have the option to

paint the putty afterwards. Just make sure to read the putty’s label for painting instructions. Some putty can be painted right after application, while other kinds need time to dry before you are able to paint it.

• Tip: Don’t worry if the paint covers some part of the glass; a razorblade scraper can easily remove those from the windowpane without damaging the glass surface.• Do you need help with a broken glass window or

glass door? Contact Economy Glass for a quick 24/7 response and assistance!