How to Putty Casement Windows

Casement windows swing open and closed on hinges.

Casement windows rest on hinges in a frame and swing open when unlatched. To replace broken glass in a casement window you must use putty to hold the glass in place to prevent it from moving and breaking when the window is swung open or closed on its hinges. Puttying, or glazing, your window takes just a bit of time and the proper technique.

Things You'll Need

• Painter's 5-in-1 putty knife
• Hammer
• Window glazing putty
• Replacement glass
• Heavy gloves

Instructions

1. Close and latch the casement window to prevent unwanted movement during the repair. Wear gloves and remove any broken glass while being careful not to cut yourself. Scrape out any glass that is stuck in the frame using the pointed end of your 5-in-1 putty knife. Discard all broken glass.

2. Pry away the trim on the inside of the glass track of the window. Place the point of your putty knife into the groove between the trim and window frame and tap the back end of the putty knife with your hammer to drive the knife under the trim. Push down on the handle of the 5-in-1 to loosen the trim. Remove all of the trim from around the window frame. Tap the tip of each nail to drive it back out of the wood. Save the trim pieces and the nails for reinstallation.

3. Place a small piece of glazing putty into each corner of the frame. Put your replacement glass into the frame and press the corners into the putty. Place a line of putty across each edge of the replacement glass. Put the trim into place a piece at a time and drive the nails gently through each hole.

4. Fill the gaps around the inside of the new glass with glazing putty. Wipe the edge of the putty smooth and even with the edges of the trim pieces. Unlatch and open the window. Push putty into the seams around the window and wipe it smooth with the top of the outer frame trim. Close and latch the window.

References

• Home Addition Plus: Repairing Window Putty Glass