How to Fix a Broken Window Metal Frame
Breakage of windows is one of the most frequent issues, whether due to kids playing outside, thrown rocks or extreme weather conditions. All can cause panes to crack or shatter, rendering windows useless for purposes.
Fixing a broken window is an easy and quick task that anyone can undertake, provided they’re willing to work safely and quickly. Doing this yourself could save money and keep energy costs at a manageable level.
Remove the Aluminum Frame
If your window metal frame has broken, the first step should be removing it. Doing this should be simpler than expected as long as you follow all necessary steps carefully.
Start by donning heavy, cut-proof gloves and eye protection to avoid injury when taking apart an aluminum window frame from a broken window. After taking apart, lay it flat on a table or flat surface until ready for disposal.
Next, loosen the screws holding your frame together. Each corner features four such screws which must be individually unscrewed from their positions on the frame. You should find each corner and unscrew its associated four screws individually until all have been unscrewed successfully.
Once all the screws have been loosening, you should be able to gently pull away from the glass the frame from its position on top of it by simply pulling from bottom and top corners of frame.
Use a chisel, putty knife, or jackknife to carefully and efficiently remove the remaining putty from your frame. Take your time when doing so – be mindful to remove all glazier’s points, which are tiny metal triangles driven into the putty beneath its surface.
Once the putty has been fully removed from your frame, you will be able to safely take out the broken pane of glass – much easier than trying to pull it out without first dismantling the putty first.
Once removed from its frame, remove and measure your old pane of glass so you can order a replacement that perfectly fits its dimensions.
If you find it impossible to install or repair broken panes of glass yourself, professional assistance could save time and money while guaranteeing correct installation of replacement pieces.
If you need assistance replacing broken window glass on your property, call Magic Glass now at 18 000 GLASS and we will send a professional glass technician right away to install new panes for you. Our team is available 24-7 and provides emergency glass replacement services across Sydney.
Measure the Old Glass
Before replacing broken window metal frames with new panes, it is crucial that they carefully measure their old glass to ensure a proper fit and thickness corresponding to what existed previously. This ensures the new pane fits right and matches up seamlessly.
Record the width and height of the frame using a tape measure before subtracting 1/8 inch to account for seasonal expansion/contraction and ensure an exact replacement pane that prevents warping while increasing durability.
If your glass is secured using glazing putty, you must remove it to protect the frame. Pliable putty can be softened through heat or time and removed easily without harming its base or the frame itself.
While you work, wear leather gloves to protect the glass edges and be mindful not to chip any away at their glazing. Also remember to look out for spring clips that might have become hidden under old putty that needs removing.
With the old glazing putty removed, you can begin the preparations for reglazing your frame. First, clean out any L-shaped grooves using a wire brush – this will also remove dirt, paint or gunk that might impede reglazing processes.
Before installing new glass, inspect the rabbet groove of your frame to make sure there are no remaining signs of glazing putty, broken pieces of glass shards, or spring clips that might compromise its integrity.
Apply a bead of flexible glazing putty along the frame’s rabbet groove and squeeze out to seal glass into its channel, creating a firm seal to help make re-glazing easier.
After installing the new glass into its frame and using gaskets or seals to secure it, make sure that it stays put during storms or heavy rainfall by tightening it further with gaskets or seals. This will keep it more secure and prevent it from opening during a storm or heavy rainfall event.
An affordable way for homeowners to save money when replacing windows is through DIY window repair projects. All it requires are the necessary tools and materials. DIY window replacement projects can usually be completed in hours or less and save themselves hundreds of dollars in replacement window costs.
Order the New Glass
Glass has long been one of the most beloved materials, but its form and properties continue to change with every passing decade. New compounds with improved strength, lightness and flexibility appear regularly – providing architects and designers alike with inspiration for designing with it and guaranteeing it remains one of the most popular choices today.
Broken panes in glass doors or windows can be an eyesore. Luckily, replacement is relatively straightforward with just some basic tools and some time investment.
As part of replacing window glass, the first step should be removing the damaged pane of glass and cleaning up around it – both to avoid injury and reduce any additional cleanup later on should any glass break during removal.
Leather gloves and a sharp putty knife will help prepare the area for replacement of old glass with new. If the existing glazing holds it in place, a heat gun is also necessary to soften any putty that holds it fast.
Once the putty has set, use needle nose pliers to carefully pull out any glazing points (tiny metal triangles that hold windows in place) remaining in rabbets. If all old glazing cannot be removed completely, wipe down rabbets with boiled linseed oil to get rid of any residue left by old glazing points.
Once the rabbets have been thoroughly cleaned, you can replace the glass and install a frame. Before replacing any pane, however, take measurements for its height, width, opening dimensions as well as thickness in order to ensure that your new pane will be at least 1/16 inch shorter all around.
To purchase new glass, it is best to contact a glass manufacturer directly. Most home centers and hardware stores do not stock insulated glass; therefore you will have to order directly from the producer.
Once the insulated glass is ordered, you may have to wait several weeks for its arrival. While you wait, ordinary window glass may provide temporary weatherproofing until your replacement insulated unit arrives and then seal it using silicone caulk to create a waterproof barrier against outside moisture.
Install the Glass
If you’re replacing a damaged window, knowing how to install glass properly is key to making it look brand new while protecting both yourself and your family from broken pieces of glass. Wear gloves and eye protection while working with glass, wrapping the pieces carefully in newspaper before disposing of them properly.
Before installing new glass, it is necessary to remove the old glazing compound in order to protect both itself and your new piece of glazing from sticking or smearing against it, making for easier cleaning of both frame and new glass. This step will also ensure your frame won’t discolor with age over time.
Once your frame has been cleaned and the new glass installed, it is time to install it. Take measurements of its length, width and opening to determine the appropriate thickness for your new glass; this will ensure it fits snugly inside its frame.
Order a piece of glass that is at least 1/16 inch smaller in all directions than the old piece, either using it as a reference point or having your local home improvement store custom cut a new piece to size.
Before replacing glass in your window, the sash must first be removed. With sliding windows, this may involve simply lifting and releasing it from its track; with double-hung ones you may need to pull back jamb liners from their side frames in order to release the sash and let it drop.
Step two is to clean out the rabbet of the frame where the glass pane sits by scraping away any old sealing tape or applying silicone sealant to it. Either way, ensure that when placing in your new pane of glass that its edge touches this silicone bead as this will create a seal against possible water ingress.
Apply a thin coat of linseed oil to the frame in order to help the putty adhere better, without becoming sticky or smearing, as well as prevent air leaking around its perimeter. This step will also prevent air leakage around new glass installations.
After the putty has set, you can install glass. Spring clips attached to pre-drilled holes on your frame will keep it securely in place – one clip every six inches should do.
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