I'm after some simple ideas to fix this window frame so it's not just silicone holding the glass in. If I add a frame on the outside it will be visible inside so I'm out of ideas. Please help!
Photos of outside and inside attached.
Hi @Carocrowley ,
Windows of this vintage are almost never held in place by silicone (or putty) alone. They would typically also have glazing pins which are small, flat metal tacks driven into the timber frame approximately every 150 mm around the perimeter of the glass.
Those pins are what actually hold the glass in position. The glazing putty (or silicone from a later repair) simply seals the edge, creates a smooth transition from frame to glass, and keeps it weather-tight. If by chance you are thinking the look of the messy glazing putty and frame are odd, that's exactly how the windows are meant to appear on the outside. There is no missing frame. The putty is a bit messy, but all the windows on my house are far worse than that, and appear the same from the outside.
Unless you’ve confirmed there are no pins present, I would generally assume they’re there and just concealed beneath the sealant.
However, if it genuinely is only held in with silicone, then installing glazing pins would be the correct way to secure the pane before reapplying putty or sealant over the top.
Please take care when working around glass. Wear appropriate PPE, including safety glasses, gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, long trousers, and enclosed shoes. Glass can crack or shatter unexpectedly, particularly near the edges.
If you’re not confident handling and securing the pane yourself, it would be wise to enlist the services of a qualified glazier to ensure it’s done safely and correctly.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
