Windows: Expert Guides and Resources

The trickiest part of replacing broken glass panes in wood-frame windows is getting replacement glass that’s sized exactly right. To replace a broken glass pane in a wood window, you need to measure the precise length and width of the grooves in which the pane will fit.Have the new glass cut so it measures 1/8 inch shorter than the exact groove dimensions in both the length and width.

Replacing glass panes in metal storm windows is pretty simple — there’s no messy putty. To replace a glass pane in a metal storm window, you need to measure the precise length and width of the grooves in which the pane will fit.Have the new glass cut so it measures 1/8 inch shorter than the exact groove dimensions in both the length and width.

The trickiest part of replacing broken glass panes in steel-casement windows is getting replacement glass that’s sized exactly right. To replace a broken glass pane in a steel-casement window, you need to measure the precise length and width of the grooves in which the pane will fit.Have the new glass cut so it measures 1/8 inch shorter than the exact groove dimensions in both the length and width.

Audio Transcript If you have any old or poorly sealed windows, you may need to caulk them. Caulk prevents drafts and keeps moisture from entering, which could cause the paint to peel or the wood to rot. Step one is to gather your tools, a putty knife or scraper, utility knife, a long nail or wire hanger, a tube of caulk, which is generally enough to caulk around an average sized door or window, a caulk gun and a small plastic spoon or ice cream stick.

Window shades are easy to install. This video shows you the tools you'll need, and the steps for how to mount shade brackets to the walls and how to rewind the shade so it retracts properly.

The trickiest part of replacing glass panes in metal-frame sliding sash windows is getting replacement glass that’s sized exactly right. To replace a pane in the sliding sash of a metal-frame window, you must measure the precise length and width of the grooves in which the pane will fit. Tip: Have the new glass cut so it measures 1/8 inch shorter than the exact groove dimensions in both the length and width.

Caulking windows cuts energy costs by sealing cracks against air infiltration and preventing drafts. Applying caulk to windows also keeps out moisture, which can cause paint to peel and wood to rot.Gather your materials: a putty knife or scraper, a new tube of caulk, a caulk gun, and a flat craft stickInstead of using the craft stick to smooth out the caulk, you can use a wet finger.

You can install weather stripping to windows reduce heating and cooling costs by 10% to 15% — well worth the effort over the course of several seasons! Weather-stripping your windows also helps block outside noise. Weather stripping for windows comes in many styles: felt, vinyl, or foam rubber on a wood or plastic strip.