Double Glazing Repairs in Gravesend | Basic Repair Method

While our customers usually have us install the replacement glass they order for their Gravesend property, occasionally, DIY-savvy clients will purchase replacement glass on a supply-only basis. We recommend that if you lack extensive experience replacing single-glazing windows and double glazing, that you leave it to our glaziers. But on this page, we’ve provided a walkthrough (on single pane replacement)for those who believe they’re up to the challenge.

Other services we offer, like double glazing repairs, simply can’t be carried out by even Gravesend’s most talented DIY’ers. They require specialist equipment and technical know how that only professional glaziers possess. Going about professional tasks without prior experience can prove either dangerous or expensive. If you make a hash of the job, it might cost an arm and a leg to put right. Now the warnings are out the way, without further ado…

A DIY Guide to Installing Replacement Glass

Disclaimer: The below guide is a very simple way of installing pre-cut replacement glass in a single-paned wooden window. It is not a suitable means of replacing double glazing or conducting double glazing repairs. If you require these services, please call our glaziers, who serve Gravesend and all surrounding areas.

Preparation – Firstly, make sure you have all the right equipment for the task. Replacement glass can be sharp around the edges and shouldn’t be fooled around with. As such, you’ll need:

It’s absolutely vital that you ensure the double glazing or replacement glass you’re using is the perfect size. Our glaziers, based close by Gravesend in Dartford, can cut double glazing and replacement glass to your precise specification. Please keep in mind that, if your double glazing only has a slight ailment, then double glazing repairs may be a possible solution. If so, call in our glaziers right-away.

Removing the Broken Glass – Lay dustsheets on the ground (both sides of the window) and put on your safety equipment. Then run a glass cutter around the window, as close to the putty as possible. Next up, tap the glass with a hammer to break it, from top to bottom.

Once you’ve tapped out as much of the existing glass as possible, remove the remaining glass with a hacking knife of chisel. Do this by holding the knife or chisel against the putty and tapping it with the hammer. If you spot any existing glazing sprigs, which glaziers use to hold glass in place during the installation process, pull them out with pincers. Finally, brush all the dust away.

Installing the Replacement Glass – Mould some putty in your hands until it is soft, then squeeze it between your thumb and finger to form a 3mm thick layer all the way around the window (in the rebate). Press the replacement glass (only gently and around the edges) into the rebate so it’s embedded in the putty.

Fix the glass in place with glazing springs spaced 250mm apart along the window. You can make sure they’re firmly in the frame by tapping them with your chisel or hacking knife (they should protrude around 5mm). Next up, apply more putty to cover the heads of the sprigs and to fully fill the rebate. Smooth this into an even, triangular line. If you decide to paint over the putty, leave it for at least two weeks before doing so. This will allow it to harden.

We remind our Gravesend clients that this is a very basic way of replacing single-glazed wooden windows, and isn’t suitable as a means of double glazing repairs or replacing double glazing. For these services, or for a more professional version of replacement glass installation, call our glaziers in.