Sure, replacement windows are a fast and efficient way to maintain your home's windows. But there are times when restoration is the sole reasonable alternative. Many homeowners are pleased with their old house home's architectural personality, and wouldn't dream about putting replacement windows in. Even so, drafty winter nights and high energy bills can age real fast. That's's when it's time to consider reglazing your windows.
To reglaze, you'll need to remove the old putty around the glass. This often entails stripping away some or all the layers of paint that may have accumulated over time on your window. It is definitely possible to just sand way the paint hereabouts in order to get the old glazing putty off, but as long as you've removed the sash and have it in front of you to work on, you might as well strip all of the paint off. This will have the added benefit of making it easier to open ; old windows usually have so many paint layers on them that they no longer slide openly in their frames. Plus you can apply some good wood-preserving primer before re-painting.
Use caution if you are employing a heat gun to help strip paint from the sash ; you risk the glass breaking from sudden expansion. For that reason also, wear eye protection and gloves in the process. A heat gun will also help in the very next step, removing the old glazing putty, but many restoration specialists counsel against it, particularly should you want to use your old glass.
When removing the glass, watch for metal glazing points that hold the glass in place . These should be taken out. The glass panes can then be removed for cleaning. Also excess putty can be detached from the sash.
Sashes should be sanded, patched, and primed with an oil-based preservative primer. When the primer is dry, and before reinstalling the glass, lay a bead of oil-based glazing putty round the rabbet to seal and soften the glass. Next place the glass firmly in the window and replace the glazing points. Now you can apply the final glazing compound. Knead the compound for a minute, and roll it in your hands to form a bead of glazing putty.
Place the compound bead along the edge of the glass, then using a stiff putty knife, flatten it against the sash and window. Try to try this in one smooth motion, and avoid going forwards and backwards over the compound bead. Use the fringe of the putty knife to get rid of the surplus.
Your reglazed window can be repainted on the inside and outside once the putty has set has set, which is mostly after about 48 hours.
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