How to replace window pane Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window is an issue. It could also be a chance to upgrade your glass to energy efficient or insulated windows and enjoy benefits such as greater comfort, a higher resale value and reduced utility costs.

This is a project you could take on yourself for less than the cost of hiring a professional. It requires the right tools and an hour or two of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are old broken, deteriorating or damaged replacing them with modern insulated or tempered glass can improve energy efficiency and reduce noise while also preserving the historic integrity of older homes. The replacement of windows is easy and can be accomplished by homeowners with basic hand tools. You will also need a replacement window glass window pane, glazier's tips, pliers, and latex glaze putty. If you need to you can use a heatgun to warm the old putty. Wear safety goggles and gloves prior to beginning. Working with broken glass could cause serious injuries.

Begin by removing any broken pieces of glass. This can be done with a pair of pliers, however, a flathead screwdriver may be used in the 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 current window sash. It is a good idea to do this using a sturdy ladder rather than on the ground, and to have someone stand below the sash to help hold it steady.

After you have removed all of the old putty, prepare the window frame for the new pane. Take measurements of the width and height of the opening in the sash, subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). These measurements can be taken to a home center or hardware store to get an item cut from stock glass to the right size. You can cut the glass yourself if you have the appropriate tools.

After putting in the new glass Apply a small amount of caulking around the edge. This will make the glass weatherproof. Install a glazier’s point on both sides of the frame. This will secure the pane. The points shouldn't be so tight that they create friction between the frame and sash however they shouldn't be too loose.

Before applying the putty, work it in a gentle manner until it's soft and free of lumps. Then you can roll it into pencil-sized strips. The first strip should be glued to the corner of the frame. Work from corner to corner to ensure it's even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are tiny triangular pieces of steel which help to secure the glass to the frame without damaging the delicate surface. Understanding how to use these little helpers is easy and can save you money on professional installation or the cost of new glass.

Once the old putty and glazier's points are removed Clean the frame thoroughly with a knife to remove any remaining residue. If necessary it is necessary to lightly sand the wood along the rabbet grooves to smooth out rough areas. If you decide to sand the wood, be sure to protect it by using painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.

Take measurements of the empty frame and record precise measurements. Take these measurements to a hardware store or a home center and have the new pane made slightly smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure a snug fit and leave room for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane into the frame and press it in place using your hand. Utilize the chisel's point, or the edge of the putty blade to smudge the glazier's points, as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's point should be aligned with the top edge of your pane and the shoulders raised should be just beneath that lip.

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

Once the glazing compound has dried it's time to put in the new window sash. First, coat the wood with an even layer of linseed. This will prevent the newly-created putty from drying out and cracking when it absorbs moisture. Use a brush to apply this coat, or even the tip 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 point into grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process in intervals of 10 inches all around the frame.

Putty

A hurled baseball or a rock that is errant or a fallen branch can cause a window pane to crack or break. The majority of windows can be replaced by putting in a new piece. The glass is held into place by a small metal clip, called a glazier’s point and putty. This compound is also known as glazing compound. Before installing a new pane, first get rid of the old one and replace window pane clean up the area with a rag and an abrasive scraper that is a pull type or a wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves when you work. If the window is attached to the frame, you'll need to make use of a heat gun to soften the adhesive before prying it free.

If you're planning to install the original sash, remove any molding pieces that secure the old pane. Then sand the sash to make sure it's flat and ready for a new caulk. Once the sash is installed then, you can apply a silicone caulk on the glass. This will ensure that it won't get soiled or discolor over time.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets. These are the grooves in the sash, where the glass is located. If they're hard to chisel, hold the hand tool, like a heat gun over them for a few minutes to soften them. When using a heat tool, make sure to not scratch the sash's railings and sash.

After the old glaze points and putty have been removed make a bed for the new pane. Roll a piece of glazing compound between your hands, shaping it into a 1/2-inch thick. Then, you can press it into the rabbets, where the glass will rest. It is crucial that the glass is positioned against the putty in all places on both sides If you have to do so, gently tap the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can use a silicone caulk or glass glue made from solvents to seal the crack prior to pressing it into the sash. If the crack is not sealed, you will require putty to keep water out. After the putty has dried, wipe the oily film from the glass and allow it to dry completely before you paint. Paint before the putty has completely dried. It won't make a strong seal and may leak or discolor with 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, even a double glazing window replacement-pane window can be replaced at a fraction of the cost of a professional.

If you are working with large glass windows first ensure it is securely attached to the frame. By using the correct tools and techniques you can make this task relatively easy and quick.

When you are ready to begin with the removal of the window pane. Take out the metal glazing points that are attached to it. These are tiny metal triangles which act as "nails", holding the window in place. They are submerged beneath a bead or glazing putty that hardens to a solid wedge which holds the wood frame firmly in position and conceals the edges.

After you have the old pane removed, clean up the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape away any paint and sand down the rabbet grooves where the glazing points used to be. These should be sanded down to bare wood, to allow you to paint them the same shade as the rest of the frame. After sanding, apply a layer of flax oil to the bare wood to help extend its lifespan.

The next step is to measure the dimensions of the window opening. It is necessary to take vertical and horizontal measurements of the entire opening and also the thickness of the old pane. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure you have the exact size for the new pane. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass in times of seasonal change. You can bring these measurements to a hardware or home improvement shop and get 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.