Cracked or broken glass in timber frames

Cause

Impact damage: children’s games, stones from a lawnmower, door or windows slammed shut

Repair

  • replace glass as follows:
    • carefully scrape out the damaged putty with a hacking knife or a chisel
    • remove the glazing tacks with a pair of thin-nosed pliers; remove the glass
    • remove any remaining putty from the rebate; prime the rebate
    • insert new putty in the rebate; then gently press the glass into the putty
    • install new glazing tacks; press putty around the edge of the glass
    • smooth the putty to a consistent slope (around 30–45o) around the window edge
  • paint putty after 2 weeks, ensuring that all the exterior putty and 2 mm of the glass is painted
  • check frame rigidity and use thicker glass if necessary. Glazed doors and low level windows (where at least part of the window is within 800 mm of the floor) should be glazed with Grade A safety glass even if the original glass was not safety glass
  • fit closer or cabin hook to hold door securely open.

Cause

Imperfections in the glass, or door or window has twisted when opened

Repair

  • replace glass as follows:
    • carefully scrape out the damaged putty with a hacking knife or a chisel
    • remove the glazing tacks with a pair of thin-nosed pliers; remove the glass
    • remove any remaining putty from the rebate; prime the rebate
    • insert new putty in the rebate; then gently press the glass into the putty
    • install new glazing tacks; press putty around the edge of the glass
    • smooth the putty to a consistent slope (around 30–45o) around the window edge
  • paint putty after 2 weeks, ensuring that all the exterior putty and 2 mm of the glass is painted
  • check frame rigidity and use thicker glass if necessary. Glazed doors and low level windows (where at least part of the window is within 800 mm of the floor) should be glazed with Grade A safety glass even if the original glass was not safety glass
  • fit closer or cabin hook to hold door securely open.