How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged window pane could cause a lot of trouble. It can also be a chance to upgrade your glass to energy-efficient or insulated windows to enjoy benefits such as improved comfort, increased the value of resales and lower utility costs.

It's a project you can take on yourself for only a fraction of the cost of hiring an expert. It requires the right tools and only an hour or two of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are old broken, deteriorating or damaged, replacing them with newer insulated or tempered glass can increase energy efficiency and decrease noise while also preserving the historic integrity of older homes. Most homeowners with basic hand tools can Replace window pane a window pane. In addition to a new pane, the following items are required such as latex glazing putty; Glazier's points; pliers and the use of a heat gun to warm the old putty if required. Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to beginning. Working with broken glass could result in serious injuries.

Begin by removing any broken pieces of glass. This is best done using a pair of pliers, though using flathead screwdrivers can be effective in a pinch. Make use of a wood chisel or putty knife to get rid of any remaining old putty around the frame and the window sash. Be careful and slow making sure not to break the existing window sash. This is best done on a ladder, not on the ground. Also, have someone lower to ensure it is held steady.

Make sure that the window frame is ready to receive the new pane when you have removed the old putty. Measure the width and height of the replacement sash windows opening by subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). Bring these measurements to a hardware store or home center, replace window pane and find a piece glass cut to size. You can cut the glass yourself if you possess the appropriate tools.

After installing the new pane After installing the new pane, apply a small amount of caulking around the edges to ensure it is weatherproof. Install a glazier's pointing on both sides of the frame. This will secure the pane. The points should not be so tight that they create friction between the frame and the sash However, they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty make sure to knead it until it is smooth and free of lumps. Then make it into pencil-sized strips. Place the first strip in the corner of the frame, moving from one corner to another to ensure it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's facets are tiny triangular pieces of steel that allow glass to be secured into the frame of a window without scratching or damaging the delicate surface. It's simple to learn how to use this nefarious tool and you can save money on the cost of a professional installation.

Once the old putty and the glazier's points have been removed and the frame is thoroughly cleaned with a knife to eliminate any remaining residue. If needed, lightly sand the wood along the grooves of the rabbets to smooth out rough areas. If you sand wood protect it with painter's tape to avoid accidental damage.

Take the dimensions of the frame and write down accurate measurements. Bring these measurements to a hardware store or home center and request that the new pane cut slightly smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure that the pane fits comfortably and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane into the frame and push firmly with your hands. Then use the point of your chisel, or the back of the putty knife to tap in the glazier's points, as shown in Figure 11. After you're done, the points should be level with the top edge of the pane. the raised shoulders of the points should be just below the rabbet's lip. groove.

Apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the rabbet grooves and the edges of the new glass. This will protect and seal the edges. Allow it to dry completely and cure.

Install the new window sash when the glazing compound has dried. The first step is to coat the wood with a thick coat of Linseed oil. This will prevent the newly-created putty from drying out and cracking when it absorbs moisture. Apply this coat with a brush or the tip of your knife, then use the chisel or the back end of the putty knife to gently press the new sash and glazier's point into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this process in intervals of 10 inches around the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown at you or a rock that is errant or a falling branch can cause a window pane to break or crack. Fortunately, windows can be repaired by simply putting a new piece of glass in its the right place. The glass is held in place by a small metal clip, referred to as a glazier’s point and putty. This compound is also referred to as glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using the rag, a pull-type scraper, or a wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves while working. You'll require a heat gun in the event that the window is glued to the frame.

If you're planning to replace the original sash, take off the molding that holds the old pane. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready for new caulk. After the sash has been installed then, you can apply a silicone caulk to the glass. This will ensure that it doesn't leak over time or discolor.

Remove the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves in the sash, where the glass is located. If they're hard to chisel, hold an instrument such as a heating gun over them to soften first. If you're using a heated gun, make sure not to damage the railings of the sash or the sash itself by using the tool too closely.

Prepare the bed for your new pane after removing the old putty and glazing points. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, shaping it to be about 1/2-inch thick. Press it into the rabbets, where the glass will be placed. The glass must be positioned against the putty on both sides. If needed you want to tap your glass lightly into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can use a silicone caulk or glass glue that is based on solvents to fill in the crack before pressing it in the sash. If the crack isn't sealed, you'll require putty to keep the water out. After the putty has dried, clean the oily film off the glass using the help of a rag. Allow it to dry completely prior to painting. Paint before the putty has completely dried. It won't create a solid seal and may be leaking or discoloring over time.

Paint

If you've had a broken window pane, then you may be worried about the expense of replacing it. The truth is, replacing a single pane of glass doesn't need to be costly even if you do it your own. In fact windows with double panes can be replaced for only a fraction of the cost of an expert.

If you're working with large glass windows first, ensure that it is securely fixed to the frame. This can be made relatively simple and quick with the right tools and techniques.

When you're ready to start, begin by removing the old window by prying out the glazing points made of metal that are connected to it. These are tiny metal triangles that act as "nails", holding the window in the frame. They are buried under a bead of glazing putty, which transforms into a solid formed wedge which holds the window in place and conceals the points.

After removal of the old pane clean the frame and wood. Scrape away any paint and sand down the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were. Sand them down to clean wooden surfaces, allowing you to paint the frames the same color. After sanding, apply a layer of flax oil on the wood's surface to extend the life of the frame.

Next, measure the size of the window's opening. You'll need to take vertical and horizontal measurements of the entire opening as well as the thickness of the old pane. To get the exact size of the new pane, subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. Take these measurements to a hardware or home improvement store and have cut the glass for you.

Now, it's time to bed the new window pane. To do this, place the pane inside the frame and move it around until a 1/16 inch of putty remains between the edge of the glass and the sash on all four sides. Use a putty knife to smear the putty evenly, making sure that there isn't an excessive amount of excess putty in the corners and along the edges. When the putty dries, it can be painted with the same color as the frame to prevent water and air from leaking into the frame and causing fogging.