Page 183 - 2018 National Home Improvement

2018 National Home Improvement Estimator, All Rights Reserved Page 150

Reproducing the leaded glass windows in Figure 8-3 would cost thousands today. Instead, repair
fine-quality windows like these. Replacing the windows in Figure 8-4 with modern vinyl windows would
be a mistake. The vinyl window would stick out like a sore thumb.

Weigh the repair work needed against the cost of a replacement window. Nearly all old windows need
new glazing putty. Cracked panes have to be replaced. Corners may need reinforcement. And you’ll
probably have to scrape off layers of paint so the window opens and closes properly. These are relatively
minor repairs. More extensive decay may require that the window be rebuilt rather than repaired.

Replacing Glazing Putty
Glazing putty lasts 40 to 50 years when protected by a storm window. Without protection from severe
weather, glazing putty cracks in 5 to 10 years. Sections of putty fall out, leaving glass loose in the
window frame. If a window pane is cracked and needs to be replaced, you'll have to remove the old putty
to get the broken glass out.

When re-glazing, select putty that’s smooth, creamy, and easy to work with. Avoid glazing putty that’s
hard to spread. You can apply glazing putty with a putty knife, but it’s better to use a glazing tool that
both applies new putty and removes old. Most of the old putty will come out easily. If some refuses to
budge, use the glazing tool to cut under the old putty, removing a little sliver of wood, putty and all.

Allow about 15 minutes to remove and replace putty for one pane of glass, whether large or small. So
figure four hours to renew putty for a pair of windows like the ones in Figure 8-5. If a pane is broken, take
the sash out of the frame. Lay the window down flat on a newspaper. Then break the old glass out into
the newspaper. When you're done, just fold up the newspaper, broken glass and all, and throw it away.
This keeps the job site free of broken glass. Measure carefully for replacement glass, including the 1/4"
of glass area under the glazing putty.