Window Glazing Putty Alternatives, There are lots of reasons for deciding to replace your window glazing or putty. Maybe it’s cracked, peeling, or has mold growing around it. These issues can be unsightly and very expensive to deal with in the long run.
It’s not uncommon for glazing to break because of storms, too. You might even discover that your glazing putty is not doing its job—keeping water out of the walls while looking elegant and professional—and needs repair or replacement.
Replacing window glazing putty is a big job, but many alternative solutions can help fix broken seals. Also, some people feel that window glazing putty is pricey for their budgets. It might surprise you at the number of cheaper products similar to glazing putty on the market.
Table of Contents
Window Glazing Putty Alternatives
Window Glazing Putty Explained
It is a valuable product that allows you to repair damaged windows. It’s intended to cure faulty seals, cracks, and gaps in glass windows and other surfaces. Window Glazing Putty Alternatives can also repair other minor damages such as discoloration, fading, or damage to interior surfaces such as walls and floors.
Glazing putty is made from a mixture of chemicals that harden and dry out and comes in a variety of colors, textures, and thicknesses. It is also an easy-to-use solution for creating high-quality custom window glazing for your home. You can use the putty alone or with other drying agents like linseed oil to make it set faster.
Window Glazing Putty Substitutes
There are many substitutes for window glazing putty, but not all of them will work equally well. Some of the best alternatives available include:
Silicon Caulk/ Acrylic Latex.
Silicone caulk, also known as acrylic latex, is one of the most renowned window putty alternatives. It has been a favorite of homeowners and commercial building owners for many years.
It is used for various applications, including sealing window edges, covering damaged areas such as door frames, and repairing holes or cracks in walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.
When applied correctly, it will replace conventional glazing putty and seal your window opening effortlessly. The sealant is made from a silicone and silica mixture and is available in neutral or grey colors.
It hardens when exposed to air and is resistant to moisture. This makes it suitable for both interior and exterior use.
Mitered moldings
Mitered moldings are a great alternative to traditional window glazing putty. Each molding has a piece of material cut away so that it overlaps the window opening and creates a seal.
This seal prevents air and moisture from entering the window opening, thus preventing the caulk base from drying out and cracking. Mitered moldings also prevent leakage of rainwater or snow into the window opening and can reduce the noise caused by wind and rain.
They can be installed over existing windows and frames to improve insulation, protection from the elements, and additional aesthetic value. The materials used for mitered moldings include wood, polyurethane, and vinyl.
You don’t have to use any glazing points. The tiny brads are a safety net in case any hazards or damage occur. You can also opt for a brad nailer or brad pusher for this job.
Putty replacements
Alternatives to putty and mastic are becoming increasingly popular nowadays. The ingredients in these replacements are perfect for window insulating, sealing, and glazing applications.
What’s so great about replacement putties is that they come in neat little travel-size bottles so you can easily transport them from one project to the next. This allows for more convenient and quick applications.
Also, your window panels will need minimum preparation before you can seal any visible splits or cracks. The elasticity of the putty replacements is an excellent tool for those who have to deal with recurring dents and cracks on their windows.
Linseed oil
With the versatile linseed oil, window glazing, repairs on cracks, and gaps on windows, doors, and other wooden frames are all possible. Linseed oil putty can be extracted from pure linseed oils and often functions as a substitute for chalk.
Re-sealing your windows with linseed oil not only has the advantage of being water-resistant but also comes with the added benefit of its longevity and protection.
Wood filers
The wood filler is a paste-like material made from sawdust and binders like petroleum or water. It produces a smooth surface that seals gaps and cracks in your window frames.
Wood filler is applied to the inside of the wood to help it maintain its integrity. The filler dries and hardens, thus making it more difficult for the wood to crack. Also, wood fillers are incredibly sturdy and durable because they are made with ingredients that don’t shrink.
Wood filler is a great way to go because it’s not only long-lasting but has waterproof capabilities as well. In addition, they’re comparatively affordable and can be molded and painted over once dry.
Dry sealant
Shield your windows for life with dry sealants with a polyurethane base. Dry sealants are not only a great alternative to traditional glazing putty, but they are also highly effective for minor cracks and splits.
A combination of polyurethane and latex creates a robust and water-resistant sealant. This sealant has high elasticity, is flexible, and doesn’t shrink. They have strong adhesive properties.
For this reason, you can use them in various ways, such as installing windows. Finally, one of the more popular features of dry sealants is that they are quick and easy to apply. One swipe is usually enough to coat the needed areas.
A common reason for replacing window glazing putty is to get rid of leaks. Some people would rather skip the messy task of using putty to replace worn-out windows in their homes.
Luckily, there are options that provide the same benefits with less hassle involved. There are alternatives such as silicone and urethane caulks, wood fillers, dry sealants, and more.
When it comes to durability and quality, these alternatives might have slight variations. However, the functionality and glazes are the same.