Windows may be a vital barrier against the elements but they’re also quite fragile and can be broken easily. When this happens the glass has to be replaced.
Windows may be all shapes and sizes but basically all have a main frame containing one or more fixed or opening frames. The glass is held in a rebate – a narrow ‘shelf – on the outer face of the window, and is kept in place with either angular metal nails called sprigs (on wooden frames) or wire clips (on metal frames). Old windows and doors glazing are then covered with putty, a pliable material which hardens when exposed to the air and provides a waterproof bedding for the glass.
The technique for reglazing a window depends mainly on what the window frame is made from – and wooden ones are by far the most common. Removing the glass Obviously, this has to be done carefully. If necessary, tap the old pane with a hammer until it is sufficiently broken to let you pull out most of the pieces by hand – you should wear thick gloves for protection.
Preparing the frame
The professional glazier uses a tool called a hacking knife to chop out the old putty.