How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window is an issue. This can be an opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones and enjoy benefits like increased comfort, higher resale value and lower utility costs.

You can do it yourself at only a fraction of the cost it would cost to hire an expert. It requires the right tools and an hour or two of your time.

Glass

Replace your old single-paned windows using tempered or insulated glass to increase energy efficiency, reduce noise, glazier and maintain the historical integrity of your older home. Most homeowners with basic hand tools can repair a window pane. You will also need an additional window pane, glazier's tips pliers, and latex glaze putty. If necessary you can make use of a heat gun to warm the old putty. Before starting, wear protective gloves and goggles since working with broken glass could cause injuries.

Take out any broken glass pieces that remain. It is best to use pliers, but a flathead can work equally. Utilize a wood chisel or putty knife to get rid of any remaining old putty around the frame and window sash. Take your time and work slowly and be careful not to damage the old window sash. It is a good idea to work using a sturdy ladder rather than on the ground and to have someone standing below the sash in order to help hold it steady.

Prepare the window frame to accept the new pane once you have removed the old glue. Take measurements of the width and height of the opening for the sash by subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). Bring these measurements to the nearest hardware store or home center and have a piece of stock glass cut to size. Alternatively, you can cut the glass yourself, if you have the right tools.

After installing the glass, apply caulking to the edge. This will make the glass weatherproof. Install a glazier's pointing on both sides of the frame. This will help secure the pane. The points should not be so tight that they cause friction between the frame and the sash however they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, you must knead it thoroughly until it is soft and free from lumps. Cut it into pencil-sized pieces. Place the first strip to the corner of the frame, working from one corner to another so that it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are tiny triangular metal pieces that help secure the glass into the window frame without damaging the delicate surface. Knowing how to use these hidden little helpers is easy and could save you money on professional installation or the cost of purchasing new glass.

Once the old putty and the glazier's points have been removed, thoroughly clean the frame with a knife to remove any remaining residue. Lightly sand the frame in the rabbet grooves, if necessary, to smooth out rough areas. If you decide to sand wood, cover it with painter's tape to avoid accidental damage.

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

Place the new pane in the frame and push it into place firmly by using your hands. Utilize the chisel's point, or the edge of the putty blade to smudge the glazier's points as illustrated in Figure 11. When you're done, they should be level with the top edge of the pane. the raised shoulders of the points should be below the rabbet's rim groove.

Apply a thin bead of glazing compound over the edges of the new glass and into the rabbet grooves to seal and protect them. Let it dry and cure fully.

When the glazing compound is dry and the glazing compound is dry, you can install the new window sash. First, coat the wood with a heavy coat of linseed oil. This will prevent the new putty from drying out or cracking due to the moisture it absorbs. Apply the coating using a brush this coat, or the point of the putty blade. Then, use the chisel on the back of the putty tool or the back of the putty handle to gently hammer the new sash or glazier's tip into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this process in intervals of 10 inches around the frame.

Putty

A baseball hit, a rock thrown in error, or a tree falling can result in a cracked or cracked window pane. Luckily, most windows can be easily replaced by simply placing a new piece in the right place. The glass is held in place using a small metal clip called a glazier's point, and putty, often called glazing compound. Before installing a replacement pane, first get rid of the old one and clean the area using a rag and an abrasive scraper that is a pull type or a wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves when working. If the window is glued to the frame, you'll need employ a heat gun in order to soften the adhesive before taking it off.

If you're planning to reinstall your original sash, you must remove the mold that holds the old pane. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready for new caulk. After the sash has been reinstalled then, you can apply a silicone caulk on the glass. This will ensure that it doesn't get soiled or discolor over time.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets. These are the grooves in the sash, which is where the glass is. If they're difficult to cut out, try placing a hand tool like a heat gun over them to soften them before you do. When using a heat tool, make sure to not scratch the sash's railings and sash.

After the old points of glazing and putty have been removed make a bed for the new pane. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your fingers and then make it about 1/2 inch thick. Then, press it into the rabbets where the glass will sit. It is crucial that the glass rests against the putty on each side So if you have to tap it, gently press the glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can cover it with a solvent-based glass glue or silicone caulk before pressing it into the sash. If the crack isn't sealed, you will require putty to keep water out. When the putty dries, clean the oily film off the glass with the help of a rag. Allow it to completely dry before painting. If you paint before the putty is fully dry, it will not form a solid seal and could discolor or leak in time.

Paint

If you've had a broken window pane, you may be worried about the cost of a new one. The truth is, replacing a single pane of glass doesn't need to be expensive if you do it on your own. Even double-paned windows can be replaced at a fraction of the cost it costs for a professional.

First, if you're working on a large window, make sure it is securely fastened to the frame. By using the correct tools and techniques you can complete this task easily and quick.

Once you're ready to begin, begin by removing the old window pane by removing the glazing points made of metal that are connected to it. These are small metal triangles that function as "nails" to hold the window in place. They are submerged beneath a layer of glazing putty that transforms into a solid molded wedge which holds the window sash replacement in place and hides the edges.

After you have the old pane removed, clean up the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any old paint and sand down the rabbet grooves in which the glazing points were. Sand them to bare wood surfaces, so that you can paint the frames with the same shade. After sanding, apply a coat of flax oil on the bare wood to extend the life of the frame.

Next, measure the dimensions of the window's opening. You will need to measure the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the entire opening, as well as the thickness. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure that you get the exact measurement for the new pane. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass during seasons of change. Take these measurements to a hardware or home improvement store and have a piece 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.