How to Replace Window Panes

A cracked window pane is an issue. It could be a chance to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones to enjoy benefits such as improved comfort, increased resale value and lower utility costs.

It's a task you can take on yourself for a fraction of the cost of hiring an expert. You'll need only the appropriate tools and a few hours of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are outdated damaged, cracked or deteriorating, replacing them with newer glass that is tempered or insulated can increase energy efficiency and decrease noise while also preserving the original character of older homes. The majority of homeowners with basic hand tools can replace window pane a window pane. In addition to a new pane, replace window Pane the following tools are required: latex glazing putty; Glazier's points; pliers and an electric heater to warm the old putty, if necessary. Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to beginning. Working with broken glass can cause serious injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. This is best done using a pair of pliers, however, a flathead screwdriver may be used in a pinch. Make use of a wood chisel or putty knives, to take away any old putty remaining around the frame and the window sash. Be careful to not scratch the window sash. Be careful and slow. This should be done on a ladder, not the ground. Also, have someone on the ground to keep it in place.

Make sure that the window frame is ready to receive the new pane when you have removed the old putty. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction, subtract 1/8 inch each from the measurements of the width and height. Bring these measurements to a hardware store or home center and have a piece of stock glass cut to size. You can cut the glass yourself if you possess the appropriate tools.

After installing the new pane, run a small bead of caulking around the edge to make it weatherproof. Install a glazier's point 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 putting the putty on, work it in a gentle manner until it's soft and free of lumps. Make it into pencil-sized strips. Place the first strip to the corner of the frame, working from one corner to the next so that it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular pieces of steel that allow glass to be secured to the frame without causing damage to the delicate surface. Understanding how to use these hidden tiny pieces of help is simple and could save you money on professional installation or the cost of purchasing new glass.

Once the old putty and the glazier's point are gone, thoroughly clean the frame with a knife to eliminate any remaining traces. If necessary, lightly sand the wood along rabbet grooves to smooth out rough areas. If you do sand the wood, ensure you protect it with painter's tack to avoid accidental damage.

Write down the exact dimensions of the frame. Take these dimensions to an hardware store or home center, and have the new pane cut slightly smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure a tight fit and will allow room for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane in the frame and push firmly using your hands. Then use the point of your chisel or the back of the putty knife to tap in the glazier's points as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's points should sit aligned with the top edge of the pane and the raised shoulders should be just beneath that lip.

Apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the edges of the glass that has been made and into the rabbet grooves to seal and protect them. Allow it to dry and cure fully.

Install the new window sash after the glazing compound has dried. First, coat the wood with a heavy coat of linseed oil. This will stop the new putty from drying out or cracking as it absorbs moisture. Apply the coating using a brush this coat, or even the tip of the blade. Then use the chisel that is on the back of the tool or the back of the handle to gently smash the new sash or glazier's point into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process every 10 inches around the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A hurled baseball or a rock that is errant or a falling branch can cause a window to break or crack. Fortunately, windows can be replaced by simply putting a new piece of glass in its the right place. The glass is held in place by tiny metal clips known as a glazier's point, and putty, which is often called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using an abrasive, scraper that is a pull type or a wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves while working. You'll require a heat gun when the window is fixed to the frame.

If you're planning to install the original sash in the future, take care to remove any molding pieces that are used to secure the old pane. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready to receive new caulk. After the sash has been put back in place, you can apply a silicone caulk to the glass. This will ensure that it won't be leaking or fade over time.

Take out the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves in the sash, which is where the glass is located. If they're difficult to work out, try holding a hand tool like a heat gun over them to soften them first. When using a heating tool, make sure to not scratch the sash or its railings.

Once the old points of glazing and putty are removed, make a bed for the new pane. Roll a rope with glazing compound between your fingers, and make it about 1/2 inch thick. Then, press it into the rabbets where the glass will sit. The glass should rest 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 has a crack then you can seal it with a solvent-based glue or silicone caulk prior pressing it into the sash. Otherwise, you'll need to apply putty over the crack to create a tight seal and keep water out. Once the putty is dry clean the oily film off of the glass and allow it to dry completely before painting. If you paint before the putty is completely dry, it won't create an effective seal and could be leaking or discoloring over time.

Paint

You might be worried about replacing a damaged piece of glass. But the truth is that replacing a single glass pane doesn't need to cost a fortune if you do it yourself. In fact windows with double panes can be replaced for only a fraction of the cost of a professional.

First, if you are working on a large-sized window handle replacement, make sure that it is securely fastened to the frame. This is relatively easy and fast using the proper tools and techniques.

When you're ready to start, begin by removing the old window pane by prying out the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. These are essentially small metal triangles which function as "nails" that keep the window in place in the wood frame. They are buried beneath a bead or glazing glue that sets to form solid wedge which holds the wood frame in place and hides the points.

After removal of the old pane clean the frame and the wood. Scrape away any old paint and sand down the rabbet grooves, where the glazing points were. Sand them to bare wooden surfaces so you can paint the frames with the same shade. After sanding the wood, apply a layer of flax oil. This will help to prolong the life of the frame.

Then, take measurements of the dimensions of the window's opening. You will need to take vertical and horizontal measurements of the entire opening as well as the thickness of the old pane. To determine the exact dimensions of the new pane, subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass in times of seasonal change. Take these dimensions to your local hardware or home improvement store and ask them to cut you the glass cut 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.