How to Replace Steel Window Glass

Steel sash

Working on steel windows is not like working on wood windows. Their design, construction, and tools vary.

How to replace glass on steel windows is one of the most common fixes.

So let me show you how to do it securely and swiftly. Replacement glass for steel windows frequently breaks on exit if it isn't already damaged or replacing glass in aluminium window frames Australia. Steel windows frequently include cement putty, as the name implies. Incredibly hard and tenacious, it sometimes feels like a dynamite pack to pull it out.

First Aid

Steel windows have a few risks that you should be aware of. Lead paint is standard on steel windows, and early 20th-century glazing putty may include asbestos. Read these posts before you start to stay safe and search for how to remove aluminium window frame or how to measure glass for aluminium window.

Remove Old Putty

Remove the outside putty of the damaged window with a 1/2′′ chisel and a hammer. Remove as much as you can to let the glass out.

Discard spring clips

There will be 2 to 4 spring clips per pane, depending on the window manufacturer. Remove the clips with the chisel.

Paint Score

Score the paint/putty line on the glass to break the seal.

Pop the Glass

Wear gloves and safety glasses to avoid getting cut by glass in this phase. Because glass can shatter here, I prefer to perform this with a companion outside holding up a piece of plywood. To remove the glass from the frame, use a rubber mallet or a conventional hammer with a rag wrapped around the head. I usually end up smashing the glass and carefully pulling it out in pieces, but since you were going to replace it anyway...

Preparation of steel window glass

Hold plywood over the glass to catch any broken shards.

Tap the glass's edges to break it.  Then lean it back to catch the glass

Purge

After removing all the glass, chisel any residual putty from the frame or from aluminum window glazing strips

Bed New Glass

Back the frame with glazing putty. Cut replacement double-strength glass to fit your opening, leaving it 1/16′′ smaller than the opening to avoid future expansion cracking. Press the new glass firmly into the glazing bed until most of the putty has been squeezed out on the inside. Install new spring clips where the old ones held the glass firmly in place.

Glaze

Outside, use glazing putty to create a smooth beveled surface with clean mitered corners. Once you're comfortable with the glazing, scrub it with whiting to remove any remaining oils without affecting the finished glazing.

Done!

Even if you've never done it before, the whole process shouldn't take more than an hour.

Old steel windows can be stunningly attractive and surprisingly efficient when adequately refurbished.

 

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