How to reseal my loose glass windows

Deepee
by Deepee

Hello all,

I need a small suggestion, my glass windows has gotten loose and handyman has asked to reseal and asking for $300. I am not sure what will he do with that. Can someone help me to guide what needs to be done? Pictures are attached for your reference.,

  14 answers
  • Mogie Mogie on Dec 28, 2021

    CAULKING WINDOW SEAMS:

    1. On the outside, apply a caulk softening product to the old caulk along window seams.
    2. Give the caulk softener about 2 hours to work.
    3. Scrape caulk off with a putty knife.
    4. Cut tip off of exterior-grade caulk at a 45-degree angle.
    5. Pierce caulk tube’s seal by inserting a nail through tip.
    6. Load caulk tube into caulking gun.
    7. Place caulk tube tip against the top window seam and run a bead of caulk over the gap. Move slowly when caulking large gaps so that caulk can squeeze fully into the space.
    8. Run beads of caulk down the sides of the window.
    9. Seal the bottom seam of the window with caulk.
    10. Wet your finger and smooth each bead of caulk.
    REGLAZING WINDOWPANES:
    1. Tap a windowpane with your putty knife or finger.
    2. A rattling windowpane means that the glazing is loose.
    3. Scrape out old glazing with a putty knife.
    4. Clean the glass and the edges of the frame.
    5. Dip some glazing out of the container with a putty knife.
    6. Spread the glazing between the windowpane edge and the frame.
    7. The glazing should form a 20 to 45-degree slope between the glass and frame.
    8. Press the glazing firmly and create a smooth surface.
    9. Give the glazing at least several days to dry before painting it.


  • William William on Dec 28, 2021

    They look like double pane glass panel with dividers sandwiched between the glass. If the glass panel is loose in the frame it's possible screws holding the frame together are loose and can be tightened. If the windows do not fog up then the seal on the glass panel is intact and the inert gas did not escape. It looks to me the glass panel is in good condition. It's possible the adhesive holding the frame to the glass panel has failed. That would require removing the window, unscrewing the frame from the glass panel, applying new adhesive caulk and reinstalling the frame. I don't know how many windows you have in that condition and what the $300 covers. What you can do is use 100% clear silicone caulk. Run a 1/8" bead on both sides of the glass panel where it meets the frame. Use a plastic putty knife or similar, even an unused credit card would work, and force the bead of silicone caulk between the glass panel and frame on both sides. Wipe off the excess with a damp cloth while still soft. Also Ace Hardware does sell double glass panes, does installs and repairs. If you have one nearby you can have them come out to access the windows.

  • It looks like you need some silicone caulk. Fairly easy DIY - as long as the seal is good between the double-paned glass.

  • Dee Dee on Dec 28, 2021

    Resealing windows or doors is quite a simple job, especially if you are only replacing the seal around the frame. However, if there is a lot of damage to the seal or the frame, then you should definitely call in a window specialist to take a look at the job at hand

  • Janice Janice on Dec 29, 2021

    From your picture it appears the window is one glass, not individual panes. Most window panes can be recaulked and/or refurbished. You didn't mention how many windows are in need of repair, so not sure if the $300 quote is reasonable or not. I suggest you have another person knowledgeable about windows and repairs take a look at your issues and give you another quote.

  • Annie Annie on Dec 29, 2021

    You could go to hardware store yourself and purchase some sticky foam strip fo $10 and do it yourself

  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Dec 29, 2021

    here is more info

    https://www.hometalk.com/diy/repair/windows/q-how-to-reseal-my-loose-glass-windows-44459664

    How to reseal my loose glass windows
  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Dec 31, 2021

    You could go to hardware store yourself and purchase some sticky foam strip fo $10 and do it yourself

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Dec 31, 2021

    There is a glazing putty you can add to seal them. It’s labor intensive, thus the price.

  • If the damage is huge it is best to contact a window specialist. Or you can make use of some silicone caulk that can be done by yourself. Just ensure that the seal in between the double paned glass is good.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jan 02, 2022

    Maybe use clear silicone sealer all around.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Jan 02, 2022

    Seal around the window with some silicone caulk sealer, available at diy stores.

  • By reseal, what is your handyman referring to? Reseal the window itself or sealing around the window with caulk? If it's reseal the window which means the seal failed and there's moisture between the panes, get a new window. If it's reseal with caulk, you can easily do that yourself using tips found via the search bar at the top left on Hometalk.

  • Deepee Deepee on Jan 19, 2022

    Thank you so much everyone for the valuable suggestions.