How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window is a nuisance. It could be a chance to upgrade your windows to energy efficient or insulated ones, and reap benefits such as improved comfort, increased resale value and reduced utility bills.

This is a project you could tackle yourself at less than the cost of hiring an expert. You'll only require the appropriate tools and a few minutes of your time.

Glass

Replace window pane your old single-paned windows with tempered insulation glass to improve energy efficiency, reduce noise, and preserve the original character of your old home. The procedure of replacing the window pane is easy and can be completed by homeowners with basic hand tools. In addition to a replacement pane, the following tools are required: latex glazing putty; glazier's points; pliers; and an electric heater to warm the old putty, if needed. Before starting, wear gloves and safety glasses as working with broken glass can cause injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. It is recommended to use pliers for this, but a flathead can work as well. Make use of a wood chisel or putty knife to get rid of any remaining old putty around the frame and window sash. Be careful not to scratch the window sash. Take your time and work slowly. This is best done on a ladder, not the ground. Also, you should have someone below the sash keep it in place.

Once you have removed all the old putty, it is time to prepare the window frame to accommodate the new pane. Measure the width and height of the opening for the sash, subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). Take these measurements to a hardware store or home center and have a piece of stock glass cut to size. You can also cut the glass by yourself if you have the appropriate tools.

After putting in the new glass, apply a small amount of caulking on the edges. This will make the glass weatherproof. Then, place a glazier's tip on the frame's opposite side to secure the pane into the right place. The points should not be so tight as to cause friction between the sash and frame however they shouldn't be too loose.

Before applying the putty work it in a gentle manner until it is smooth and free of lumps. Then you can roll it into pencil-sized strips. Apply the first strip to the frame's corner. Work from one corner to another, making sure it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are the small triangular pieces of metal that help secure glass into frames for windows without scratching or damaging the fragile surface. It's easy to learn how to use this hidden tool and you can save money on the cost of an expert installation.

After getting rid of the old putty glazier points and any remnants, clean the frame thoroughly using a utility knife. Lightly sand the wood into the rabbet grooves if needed to smooth rough areas. If you do sand your wood, be sure to protect it with painter's tack to avoid accidental damage.

Note down the exact dimensions of the frame. These measurements can be brought to an hardware or home centers store and the new pane will be cut to a smaller size. This will ensure that the pane fits comfortably and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane in the frame and push firmly using your hands. Make use of the chisel's point or the back of the putty blade to tap in the glaziers' points as shown in Figure 11. The glazier's points should be flush against the top edge of your pane and the shoulders raised should be just beneath that lip.

Apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the edges of the new glass and into the rabbet grooves, to seal and protect them. Allow it to dry and cure completely.

When the glazing compound is dry it's time to put in the new window glass replacement sash. First, coat the wood with an even layer of linseed. This will keep the new putty from sucking up the moisture and replace window pane deteriorating and cracking with time. Apply this coat using a brush or the tip of your putty knife, then employ the chisel or back end of the knife to gently press the new sash and glazier's tips into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process every 10 inches around the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A baseball thrown or a rock thrown in error or a branch falling can result in a cracked or cracked window. Luckily, most windows can be easily replaced by simply placing a new piece in the right place. The glass is held in place with a small metal clip called the glazier's pointed and putty, also called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area with a rag, a pull-type scraper or wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves when you work. If the window is secured to the frame, you'll have to employ a heat gun in order to soften the adhesive prior to taking it off.

If you are planning to replace the original sash, gently remove any molding pieces that hold the old pane in place. Then sand the sash to make sure it's flat and ready for a new caulk. After the sash has been reinstalled it is possible to apply a silicone caulk to the glass. This will ensure that it doesn't be leaking or fade over time.

Take out the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash where the glass is. If they're difficult to chisel, use the hand tool, such as a heating gun over them for a few minutes to soften them. When using a heat tool, make sure to avoid damaging the sash's railings and sash.

Prepare a bed for your new pane after you have removed the old glaze points and putty. Roll a piece of glazing compound between your hands, shaping it to be about 1/2-inch thick. Then, press it into the rabbets, where the glass will sit. It is essential that the glass rests against the putty on each side If you have to, lightly tap the glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can apply a silicone caulk or a glass glue made from solvents to seal the crack prior to pressing it into the sash. If the crack isn't sealed, you will need to apply putty to keep water out. After the putty has dried, wipe the oily film from the glass and let it dry completely before painting. If you paint before the putty is fully dry, it will not form a strong seal and may leak or discolor in time.

Paint

If you've experienced a broken window pane, you might be worried about the expense of a new one. In reality, replacing a single pane glass doesn't need to be costly when you do it on your own. Even a double-paned window could be replaced for a fraction of what it will cost an expert.

If you're working with large glass windows first, ensure that it is securely attached to the frame. This task can be done relatively easy and fast with the proper tools and techniques.

When you are ready to start taking down the old window pane. Remove the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. These are tiny triangles of metal that act as "nails", holding the window within the frame. They are submerged beneath a bead or glazing glue that hardens to solid wedge that holds the frame firmly in position and conceals the edges.

After you have the old pane taken away, clean up the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any paint that has been used and sand down the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were placed. These should be sanded to bare wood, so that you can paint them the same color as the rest of the frame. After sanding the wood then apply a layer of flax oil. This will help to extend its life.

The next step is to determine the size of the window's opening. It is necessary to measure the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the entire opening as well as the thickness. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure that you have the exact size for the new pane. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass during seasons of changes. You can take these measurements to a hardware or home improvement store and have 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.