Broke the glass in a storm window that fits on the inside of my kitchen casement window(1967 vintage). The glass measures 35 ¾ inches x 15 ½ inches and the frame around it is aluminum. Took the frame apart and totally cleaned out all the fragments of glass stuck in the aluminum frame.

The glass is 3/32 thick and the grove it fits into in the frame is 1/8 thick. My understanding is that 3/32 glass in a 1/8 thick groove is pretty typical, and usually there is a 1/32 thick gasket or weather-stripping or something, that is pushed around the edge on top of the glass into the 1/8 groove, thus making a tight seal.

Is that correct? I know I can get the glass cut at my local hardware store but what do I get in terms of the 1/32 gasket mentioned above? And does anyone know where I might be able to get it?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

 

There are a wide variety of gaskets used in storm frames.The hardware store will carry at least some of them.Take the frame with you and let them help you see if what they carry will work.I assume you're going to a real hardware store not a big box,you'll need some assistance.If they don't carry the type you need check other hardware's,see what they can order as most chains have easy ordering,and try glass specific shops that aren't geared for auto glass.

 

Thanks sp! Good ideas. Now that you mention it I think I do remember hearing that there are a wide variety of gaskets for storm frames. No problem taking the frame with me. The store I was thinking about I guess is kind of a big box store – True Value Hardware. Got piece of glass there before but didn’t need a gasket. There are in fact two glass shops very close to me that aren’t geared for auto glass. Sounds maybe best to just pop in one of those with the frame in hand!

Thanks for your reply!

 

Go to True Value first!

they are likely to have what you need as well as good help.they are not a big box,big box is Home Depot Lowe's etc.

 

Gotcha sp! I'll go to True Value. I do like their store and the help.They seem more like the old-fashioned stores to me. (Only place I could get a metal trash can!)

Thanks!

 

What happened to the gasket that held in the original glass?

 

hi johnam!

When I pulled all of the broken pieces out of the frame, pieces of black stuff were stuck in the groove. Some came out with the glass. The rest I scrapped clean. Looked to me that it was all on one side of the glass. In other words, looks like the glass was put in the groove and then somehow a gasket was pushed in the groove on top of the glass. At least I think it was a gasket? It was really stuck on the glass and the groove so it was hard to call it a piece. But I don’t think it was any kind of liquid gasket or anything like that. I just think that over the years it no longer resembled its original form – and turned to many little chunks and pieces stuck in the groove and on the glass.

But looks like True Value will be able to handle it. Thanks

 

Many versions of the material are on one side and pushed down into the frame.Usually they are wedge shaped and there are a number of versions.It is very common for this material to eventually go bad and fall apart.

 

These storms are over 40 years old and many things were makeshift at the time. The gasket is probably electrical friction tape and if it isn't, tape will probably work. You may find it in a good hardware or electrical supply. Wrap it around the edge of the glass and then push the frame over it and trim what sticks out. Duct tape may also work.

 

Modern duct tape won't stand up to the use,if you must use tape use friction tape,not electrical tape but real cloth friction tape.

Friction tape is part of the electrical planogram for Ace Hardware stores but may or may not be carried depending on sales or popularity.

 

Thanks a lot guys! Sorry little slow getting back (got problems). The tape trick sounds like it’s sure worth a try. Got some same thickness glass that I could certainly experiment with in the frame with some tape. May as well give that a test. Learn something new all the time on these forums! And I happen to have a box of all kinds of tape: electrical, cloth, duct, etc. But I better check that they aren’t also 40+ years old (some were my Dads- I don’t throw things out).

Thanks again!