Process of Replacing a Broken Window

The following is a step by step guide to replace a broken window. It's not an extremely hard project, but you'll need a few guidelines to follow. One hint to remember is that if the window you are replacing is a large one you may want to remove the entire frame, lay it on a flat surface, and reinstall the glass in this manner.

The first thing you will need to do is to remove all of the remaining glass, being careful for small pieces that will be hard to see. Use heavy protective gloves if possible. Pull one piece of broken glass out at a time and have a bucket or other receptacle handy to place the old pieces in. You will need to remove and discard any putty that is connected to the glass pieces also. When this is finished, remove all old putty inside the frame. Use a putty knife or wood chisel for this. Don't try to remove large pieces of the putty at once, as you may crack the window frame. If the frame includes small metal triangles called glazier's points, you will need to remove them. After removing the old putty and metal pieces use the point of your knife to smooth out any rough areas or your new glass may not fit properly.

It's recommended that you take a cloth dipped in linseed oil, and wipe the entire frame down with it .Linseed oil helps keep the putty from drying out too quickly.

Next you will need to apply a very thin layer of new putty all the way around the frame where the new glass will be set.Try not to apply the putty too thick. A thin layer of putty on the window frame gives it a cushion for the new glass to be placed in. It also helps stop the leakage of air around the glass.

Now you are ready to install the new pane of glass. To do this you need to make sure the glass is the exact size you need. The new pane of glass should be a fraction of an inch smaller then the window area. Insert the new pane gently. Press into place firmly but carefully. While holding the pane in place, insert new glazier's points. Use the glaziers points all around the window for a good hold. Insert the new windowpane into the frame carefully. When this is finished slide a glazing tool along the frame.Mold some putty until it is pliable and smooth. Roll into strips about the size of a pencil. Lay the strip in the frame completely around the new piece of glass, and smooth with a putty knife.Let the putty dry slightly, and replace into window spot.

Some tools you might need for this project is a glass cutter, paint if you plan to repaint the window frame, a putty knife, gloves for protection, a chisel or knife and pliers.

More of fire rated windows.

Glass Block Windows

Glass block windows today are no longer simply the clear, colorless, functional cubes of the block of yesteryear. As Emeril Lagasse would say these blocks have kicked it up a notch! Yes, the benefits of the product's past still hold true -increased security and hard to break, greater energy efficiency than the windows they're replacing, and increased privacy. Contemporary block windows take it to the next level - they're cooler, hipper, safer, easier to install, and environmentally friendly. Let's take a peek at what's new:

Hot Styles and Patterns for your windows

Boring is out, cool is in! Why go colorless when you can match the hottest design colors today. With the new wave of blocks color match (or contrast) your blocks to your tiles, your walls, your furniture, whatever you desire. Put a stripe of color in a clear wall, or just randomly put some color blocks into a wall for style and pop.

In addition to colors there are now artistically & decorative colored glass blocks with murals to stretch your imagination. There are over 60 standard murals you can put into windows, walls or custom design a scene for your exact tastes and interests. Some of the predesigned murals include:

o Places - Manhattan, Acropolis, Santori, and Rome.

o Flowers - Lilies, Iris, Tulips, & Hibiscus.

o Interests - Golf, other sports.

o Famous artists' - Warhol, Van Gogh, Miro, Michelangelo, Picasso.

Cool new patterns are available in the blocks and also bevels are cut onto the blocks with the new products manufactured today. Pittsburgh Corning has come out with Bevel Series line where numerous architectural designs can really put a distinctive edge on your windows and walls. There is a pattern which can remind of you of the sea, called Seascapes from Pittsburgh Corning or Bubble from Mulia. Also there is a Focus pattern block with a circle in the center - very contemporary & hot! Architects, designers, and homeowners alike will have fun making unique windows and walls with these products.

Fire Resistance and Security to Keep You Safe

The thickness of blocks (they are can range from approximately 2" to 4" thick depending on the size and style) have always been recognized as an excellent deterrent to minimize break-ins, but the following new features make today's blocks even more secure and fire resistant.

o 60 minute and 90 minute fire rated security glass blocks - Pittsburgh Corning and Mulia both make fire rated window assemblies that allow a homeowner, commercial developer or home builder the option to meet fire codes while simultaneously providing light and privacy to those occupying the buildings and homes. If you're looking to get light into multi family housing units, tight lots for new homes, stairwells, or corridors the 60 or 90 minute fire-rated blocks might be the design answer for you.

o Vistabrik security glass blocks for safety - If you're looking for the ultimate in window security the Vistabrik product from Pittsburgh Corning is for you. This product is 3" of solid glass, graffiti resistant, and excellent used in either public building or retail spaces where security is of the utmost concern - heavy blocks, incredibly hard to break.

Easier to Install Glass Block Windows & Better for the Environment

Whether you're looking to install blocks in a new home, commercial building, or remodeling an existing space the systems and processes have never been easier. Here are some basic installation recommendations to consider:

o Upper floor windows or wood framed openings - For frame openings consider the Vinyl Wrap Glass Block window system in new construction or remodeling projects. This product, which is available either with or without an integral nailing fin, installs just like a traditional vinyl window and is siliconed together for an all glass look. Some of the more popular uses have been above a soaking or Jacuzzi tub in a bathroom, over a shower surround in a smaller bathroom, garage windows, walk in closet windows, and in stairwells.

o Improve health concerns, increase ventilation, and improve the environment - with this product you don't have to block up the entire window system. In residential and commercial application the use of vinyl ventilation products has become quite common. Standard air vents can be used in any location of the window and there are even exhaust fans, dryer vent options, and removable sash windows. Since glass blocks are extremely long lasting and durable they are a green friendly product as well.

The glass block windows of today truly are cooler, more secure and safer, and easier and more flexible to use than ever before.

Install you a fire rated windows also for your additional protection.

Exterior Window Shades

Exterior window shades are window treatments that are usually hanged or attached to the exterior of the window. They are usually quite large to cover up multiple windows or at least cover a large area that will serve as protection from the heat of the sun. An external shade or awning can offer shelter for kids to play outdoors. They can be on open air and still be shaded from direct sunlight.

Shades Using Awnings

Awnings are much more effective at keeping heat out of the house than curtains or internal shadings, mainly because they stop rays before they even pass through the window. Studies show that it can be as much as 20 Celsius cooler under one than on the Sun, but it takes no college degree to realize that shade is better to stay in than the raging sun at 1 PM in the middle of the summer.

Shapes, Sizes and Types

Exterior shades come in all shapes and sizes, they can be manually operated or electric motor driven but every one of them serves one purpose; they keep your rooms cooler and indirectly electric bills lower. During the summer you can stay under them during a quick rain.

Manually operated models need to be retracted when winds get too strong, motorized variations may pull the fabric back if they detect that certain circumstances are not in favor of its longevity.

Not all shades are awnings; you can keep it simple and easy. External shades act like one with the only difference that they are parallel to the window they are on. This solution has its benefits over an awning. These advantages include less time spent on maintenance and a more reasonable space consumption.

The window shades are also available in manually operated and motorized variations that mainly differ in their price and the ease with which they can be operated. The motorized shades are usually advised to be installed in hard to get to windows like large windows that are hanged in the second floor. There is nothing more convenient that an exterior window shade that knows when to go up or down, or one that can be controlled from the comfort of your couch.

Materials

Exterior window shades are usually manufactured using strong fabrics that are weather resistant and durable. The old traditional window protections use wood but with new technologies, the most popular material used to manufacture these shades are vinyl. They are durable, easy to maintain and provides great protection from the sun. Sunscreen panels are also quite popular and shades that have multiple layers of fabric as protection.

Fire rated windows is also one of the protection used for house windows.