Windows Replacement Guide

By Author: Jim Conway
Total Articles: 20
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Consider yourself fortunate if it is only one of the glass windows in the ground floor that was unfortunately broken by some misdirected baseball. Also, if is a single-pane window, you're in luck--this is usually a direct task, as long as the window is on a ground floor and the sash is removable.

Here is a step by step guidance to fix if your Kansas City windows are single-pane:

- Place the window sash on a table after removing it from the frame. Now, remove whatever glass is still hanging to the sash. And most importantly, you must never do this glass removal process without having a work gloves on your hands.

- Remove the putty (a glazing compound) sticking on to the glass perimeter. Old glazing compound may be hardened and difficult to remove, or so brittle it practically falls off. Use a glazier's tool, an old chisel or flathead screwdriver, or a putty knife to pry and scrape out the compound. Pull out any glazing points (small metal fasteners that hold the glass in place) with long-nose pliers

- Use linseed oil on the wooden frame while removing the old compound. This seal prevents too-dry wood ...
... from absorbing all the glazing compound's oils.

- Now it is time prepare the new glass that replace the broken glass. Lay a metal straightedge, square or ruler over the glass at the cut line and use a glass cutter to score from edge to edge with one continuous, firm stroke. Use a sandpaper to level out the uneven edges.

- For a weatherproof and watertight seal on the exterior, apply a thin bead of caulk on the frame perimeter as a setting bed before installing the glass. Alternatively, use a thin coat of glazing compound and press it into place with a putty knife

- Place at least two metal caps on the glass with the points facing the frame along each side, about 2 inches (5 cm) in from each corner. Press the points into the wood using a glazier's tool or putty knife

- Use a glazier's tool or stiff putty knife to press the compound firmly into place against the glass and the wood frame. Angle and cock the tool as needed so the beveled compound fills the gap but projects above the wood when viewed from inside. Finish each side with one long continuous stroke

- Paint over the glazing with exterior trim paint to seal and protect it from the weather. Mask the glass with tape or liquid masking and paint it freehand. Paint about 1/8 inch (3 mm) out onto the glass to form a watertight seal.

Doing the windows replacement Kansas City yourself by following the instructions above would definitely save you a lot of money. More than the money saving, you would feel better that you have an extra skill added to your skill set – Basic Carpentry!!

Getting first-hand knowledge about fixing your Kansas City doors as well as Kansas City windows is easy with the internet in hand. He has also written articles on Material selection for windows, DIY for windows replacement Kansas City and so on.