
The plastic around windows is called glazing bead, or glazing profile. It is a strip of plastic that is used to hold the glass in position within the window sash. Glazing profiles are often made of wood, vinyl, or capped aluminum, but older styles were made of plastic. Glazing beads are important because they help to secure the glass within the window sash, providing a snug fit and preventing the glass from flopping out.
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What You'll Learn

This plastic strip is called a glazing bead
The plastic strip around a window is called a glazing bead. It is a strip of resilient material used to cover the joint between the window sash and frame. This helps to reduce air leaks and prevent water ingress. Glazing beads can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, vinyl, aluminium, or capped aluminium. They are also sometimes referred to as window glass clips.
Glazing beads are important for the functionality and energy efficiency of a window. They can be semi-flexible and are used to hold the glass in position within the sash. Inert gas, such as argon, is often injected between the glass layers to provide additional insulation.
Over time, glazing beads may become cracked or discoloured and need to be replaced. However, finding an exact match for older glazing beads can be challenging as certain styles are no longer manufactured. In such cases, it may be necessary to use substitute glazing beads with similar designs.
Glazing beads are distinct from nailing fins, which are thin strips installed around the perimeter of a window to secure it to the wall. Nailing fins also work in conjunction with flashing and the weather-resistant barrier to prevent wind and water infiltration.
In addition to nailing fins, other external window parts include the casing, which is the decorative moulding or framing that covers the space between the window frame and the wall. Screens and weep holes are also important functional elements of a window. Screens, typically made of woven mesh, cover the window opening to allow air and light to pass through while keeping insects out. Weep holes, on the other hand, are openings in the windowsill that allow water or condensation to escape, helping to keep the window functioning properly.
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It can also be referred to as window glazing or a window glaze
The plastic strip around windows is called glazing bead. However, the term "window glazing" is used to refer to the glass inside a window, which can be single, double, or triple-glazed. Window glazing can also refer to the putty that holds the glass in place, or the process of installing the window glaze using the putty.
Glazing is a broader term that refers to a pane of glass, but not usually the specific type of manufactured glass. A single-glazed window, also known as a single-pane window, refers to a window with a single sheet of glass. These are the least energy-efficient windows and are rarely used today.
A double-glazed window, on the other hand, has two sheets of glass with a space in the middle. This space is usually filled with argon gas, which helps insulate the windows and provides substantial energy savings compared to single-paned glass. Double-glazed windows are the most common type of window.
Triple-glazed windows, also known as triple-pane windows, have three sheets of glass with argon gas in between. They offer the best insulation and are the most expensive and least common type of glazing, typically used in colder climates.
The number of panes of glass in a window affects its energy efficiency and insulation properties. As a general rule, the more glass layers a window has, the better its insulation and energy efficiency. Window glazing options are important to consider when shopping for new windows to increase energy efficiency and enhance home security.
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It is used to guide the glass back into the channel
The plastic piece on a window is called a "Window Glass Clip". It is used to guide the glass back into the channel. This is especially useful when the window is rolled up while driving, as the passing wind tends to draw the glass outward. Without the plastic piece, the window might flop out. This is why it is included by the factory.
The plastic piece is also useful when the glass is at its cleanest. It can be easy enough to push the glass out from the inside, but without the plastic piece, pulling the glass in with the window rolling up is harder.
The plastic piece is not mentioned in the factory service manual during the installation or removal of the door glass run or window glass replacement. This has led to some confusion about its purpose, with some people believing it is simply a "guide" to align the glass while driving.
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$115.95

It is similar in design to 59-067 or 59-068 products
The plastic strip around window glass is called glazing bead. It is used to repair or manufacture glass window panels. Over time, the bead can shrink due to heat exposure, crack, or become discoloured. When replacing the glazing bead, it is important to consider the thickness of the window frame and the size of the recess between the glass and the outer window channel.
SWISCO.com offers a range of products that can be used as substitutes for the glazing bead. The 59-067 and 59-068 products are similar in design to the glazing bead. The 59-067 product is a 5/16" frame drop-in glass spline, made of vinyl, and used to repair or manufacture glass window panels with a 5/16" frame thickness. It fills the recess between the glass and the outer window channel, securely holding the glass in its frame. This product is packaged in 25-foot lengths and is available for $15.22.
The 59-068 product is also a vinyl spline that fits in many spline-type aluminium windows. It is packaged in 25-foot lengths and is available for $15.95. By having this universal spline, contractors won't need to stock several different spline sizes.
Both the 59-067 and 59-068 products can be used to repair window frames and install new glass. They are versatile and can be used in various window applications. These products provide a snug fit for the window glass, ensuring its security and functionality.
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It is not made anymore and has been replaced by 55-120
The plastic strip around window glass is called glazing bead. It is no longer manufactured, as it is an older style that fell out of use several years ago. However, SWISCO, a company that sells a variety of glazing beads, suggests that their 55-120 product can be used as a substitute. While they carry a wide range of glazing beads, they may not have an exact match for your glazing bead. To determine whether they can provide a suitable replacement, they will need a clear picture of the end profile of the original glazing bead.
Glazing beads are used to hold glass in place within a window sash. They are typically made of plastic, but can also be made of wood, vinyl, or aluminium. Over time, glazing beads may become cracked and discoloured, requiring replacement.
SWISCO's 55-120 product is likely a suitable substitute for older-style glazing beads due to its similar design and functionality. It is important to note that the exact specifications of the 55-120 product are unclear, and it may differ from the original glazing bead in terms of material, colour, and other features.
When replacing glazing beads, it is essential to ensure that the new bead matches the original in terms of size and shape. This includes the end profile, which is the cross-sectional shape of the bead. A mismatch in size or shape can result in an improper fit, affecting the window's functionality and aesthetics.
It is recommended to consult with window professionals or manufacturers to ensure that the replacement glazing bead is suitable for your specific window type and requirements. They can provide guidance on selecting the right product and offer advice on proper installation techniques.
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Frequently asked questions
The plastic strip around a window is called a glazing bead.
The glazing bead is used to hold the glass in position within the window sash. It can also be used to guide the glass back into the channel.
You can buy the plastic strip, or glazing bead, from various manufacturers and suppliers. Some suppliers may require a sample or clear picture of the original to identify the exact type needed.











































