Got a tricky tempered glass cut to fit an old window frame in a Boston brownstone

The frame was out of square by almost 3/8 of an inch corner to corner, and the architect wanted a perfect fit for a new tempered unit. My usual method is to square the frame as best I can and cut to the smallest measurement, but that leaves a big gap to fill with setting blocks and sealant. This time, I tried something different. I cut the glass to the exact, out-of-square shape of the opening, which felt totally wrong. I was sure it would stress and pop in the frame or just look bad. But after tempering, we set it, and it slid right in with a perfect, even reveal all the way around. The installer said it was the easiest fit he'd done all month. I'm torn though, because everything I was taught says to keep the glass square. Has anyone else tried cutting to the frame's actual shape on a rehab job, or is this asking for trouble down the line?

3 comments

3 Comments

keithlane14d ago

Glad it worked, and @eric723 gets it, you gotta match the frame sometimes.

eric72325d ago

Totally get why you went for it. I did the same thing on a wonky craftsman bungalow window last year and it worked like a charm. Sometimes you just have to match the frame.

kim69324d ago

Wonky bungalows, my specialty (if you count one success).