Aluminium window glass replacement

How aluminium frames hold the glass

Unlike an old steel window, an aluminium frame does not use putty. The glass sits in a channel in the frame and is held in place by rubber glazing seals, sometimes called gaskets, pressed in on either side of the pane. On our quote form this frame type is simply listed as "Aluminium frame (rubber)", and that rubber is the key to a good repair.

Those seals do three jobs. They grip the glass so it cannot rattle, they cushion it against knocks and temperature changes, and they keep wind and rain out of the gap between the pane and the frame. When a seal is perished, cracked or missing, a window can leak or whistle even though the glass itself is fine.

Replacing the glass, step by step

First we remove the seals and lift out whatever is left of the broken pane, taking care with the sharp edges. The channel gets cleaned out, because old grit and glass slivers stop the new pane from sitting flat. The new glass goes in, the rubber seals are pressed back in all the way round, and we check that the sash still opens, slides and locks properly before we pack up.

Where the old seals are hard and brittle, it makes sense to fit new ones at the same time rather than squeezing tired rubber back into place. It is a small extra step that helps the new pane last.

Casement or sliding

Casement windows swing outwards on hinges or friction stays, while sliding windows run along a track at the bottom of the frame. The glazing method is similar for both, but a sliding sash usually has to come out of its track before the glass can be changed, which is part of the job we handle on site.

Glass for aluminium windows

Most residential aluminium windows take 4mm float glass, which our teams carry. For large panes, or where you want extra safety or security, 6.38mm laminated shatterproof glass is a good choice, and tinted laminated glass is available if you want to cut glare. If your window needs something we do not have on the van, we source it fast and can cover the opening in the meantime.

When the frame needs attention too

A broken pane is sometimes a sign of a sticky sash or a stay that has given in. If the window is hard to open or will not stay put, have a look at our aluminium window maintenance service, and we can deal with both on the same visit.