How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged window pane can be an issue. It could also be an opportunity to upgrade your glass to energy efficient or insulated windows, and enjoy benefits such as improved comfort, increased resale value and reduced utility bills.

You can do it yourself at a fraction of what it would cost to hire an expert. You only need the appropriate tools and a few hours of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are outdated broken, deteriorating or damaged, replacing them with newer glass that is tempered or insulated will improve energy efficiency and reduce noise while maintaining the original character of older homes. A majority of homeowners with hand tools can repair the window pane. In addition to a replacement pane, the following items are needed such as latex glazing putty; pliers, glazier's points and a heat gun for warming the old putty, if needed. Wear safety goggles and gloves before you begin. Working with broken glass could result in serious injuries.

Take out any broken glass pieces remaining. It is best to use pliers however a flathead could be used equally. Then, use a wooden chisel, or putty knife, to remove the remaining old putty around the frame and sash. Be careful not to damage the window sash. Be careful and slow. This should be done on a ladder, not the ground. Also, ensure that someone on the ground to ensure it is held steady.

Once you have removed all the old putty, you can prepare the window frame to accommodate the new pane. Measure 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 sent to a hardware or home center store to have a piece cut of glass that is in stock to the correct size. You can also cut the glass by yourself if you possess the right tools.

After installing the new glass, apply a small amount of caulking to the edge. This will make the glass weatherproof. Then, place a glazier's tip on each side of the frame to secure the pane in place. The points shouldn't be so tight that they cause friction between the frame and sash, but they also should not be too loose.

Before applying the putty to the surface, you must knead it thoroughly until it is smooth and free from lumps. Roll it into pencil-sized strips. The first strip should be glued to the corner of the frame. Work from one corner to another to ensure it's 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 any damage to the fragile surface. Knowing how to use these hidden tiny pieces of help is simple and could save you money on professional installation or the cost of new glass.

After taking off the old putty, glazier points, and any other residue clean the frame thoroughly using a utility knife. Lightly sand the wood into the rabbet grooves, if necessary, to smooth out rough areas. If you sand wood protect it with painter’s tape to prevent accidental damage.

Take the dimensions of the frame and write down accurate measurements. These measurements can be taken to the hardware or home center store and the new pane will be cut to a smaller size. This will ensure that the pane fits comfortably and replace window Pane allows for expansion and contraction.

Insert the new pane into the frame and push it in using your hands. Then, you can use the point of your chisel or the back end of the putty knife to tap in the glazier's points as illustrated in Figure 11. After you're done, the points should be flush with the top edge of the pane, and the shoulders that are raised of the points should be below the rabbet's rim groove.

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

Once the glazing compound has dried, you're ready to install the new window sash. The first step is to coat the wood with a thick layer of linseed. This will prevent the new putty from drying out or cracking as it absorbs moisture. Apply the coat using a brush or the edge of your putty knife, then use the chisel or the back end of the putty knife to gently press the new sash and glazier's points into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches around the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A baseball thrown at you or an unintentional rock, or a falling branch can cause a window to crack or break. Luckily, most windows can be replaced by simply putting a new piece in the right place. The glass is held in place by a small metal clip called the glazier's pointed and putty, often called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area with the rag, a scraper that is a pull type or a wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses while working. You'll require a heat gun if the window is glued into the frame.

If you are planning to replace window Pane the original sash, remove any molding pieces that hold the old pane in place. Sand the sash window replacement until it's flat and ready for new caulk. After the sash has been put back in place then, you can apply a silicone caulk to the glass. This will ensure that it doesn't get soiled or discolor over time.

Remove the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves in the sash where the glass is. If they're difficult to cut out, you can try holding a hand tool like a heat gun to soften them up first. If you're using a heating gun, be cautious not to scratch the railings or sash by placing the tool too tightly.

Prepare a bed for your new pane by 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. Then, you can press it into the rabbets in which the glass will rest. It is essential that the glass sits on the putty on each side So if you have to, lightly tap the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane has damaged, you can use a silicone caulk or glass glue that is based on solvents to seal the crack prior to pressing it into the sash. If the crack isn't sealed, you will require putty to keep water from getting in. After the putty has dried and the film is oily, wipe it off the glass using a rag and allow it to dry completely prior to painting. If you paint before the putty is fully dry, it won't create 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 expense of a new one. It's true that replacing a single pane glass doesn't need to be costly even if you do it your own. Even a double-paned window can be replaced at a fraction of the cost it would cost for a professional.

If you're working with a large glass window first ensure it is securely attached to the frame. This task is relatively easy and quick with the proper tools and techniques.

When you are ready to begin with the removal of the window pane. Remove the metal glazing points attached to it. They are basically tiny metal triangles which function as "nails" that keep the window in place within the frame of wood. They are placed under a glaze putty or bead that sets to form an unbreakable wedge which holds the wood frame in place and hides the points.

After removal of the old pane clean the frame and wood. Scrape away any old paint and sand down the rabbet grooves where the glazing points used to be. These should be sanded to the point of being bare, to allow you to paint them the same color as the rest of the frame. After sanding, apply a layer of flax oil on the wood's surface to extend the life of the frame.

Then, take measurements of the dimensions of the window opening. You'll need 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 get the exact measurement 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 store 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.