How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged window pane could cause a lot of trouble. It can also be an opportunity to upgrade your glass to energy efficient or insulated windows, and benefit from more comfort, higher potential for resales, and less bills.

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

Glass

replace window Pane your single-paned windows using tempered or insulation glass to improve the efficiency of your energy, reduce noise, and preserve the historical integrity of your older home. The majority of homeowners with basic hand tools can replace the window pane. In addition to a new pane, the following items are required for the replacement handles for windows process: latex glazing putty pliers, glazier's points and an electric heater to warm the old putty if required. Before starting, wear protective gloves and goggles since working with broken glass could cause injuries.

Remove any broken glass pieces that remain. It is best to use pliers for this however, a flathead may be useful equally. Then, use a wood chisel or putty knife take the remainder of the old putty from around the frame and sash. Be careful not to scratch the window sash. Work slowly and carefully. This should be done on a ladder, not the ground. Also, ensure that someone below the sash 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 sash opening by subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). These measurements can be taken to a hardware or home center store to get cut a piece of stock glass to the right size. You can cut the glass yourself if you possess the right tools.

After installing the new glass Apply some caulking on the edges. This will make the glass weatherproof. Install a glazier’s point on both sides of the frame. This will help secure the pane. The points shouldn't be too tight that they cause friction between the frame and sash However, they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty, knead it thoroughly until it is soft and free of lumps. Then, roll it into pencil-size strips. The first strip should be glued to the corner of the frame. Work from one corner to the next, making sure it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's facets are small triangular pieces of metal which help to secure glass into frames for windows without damaging or scratching the delicate surface. It's simple to learn how to use this secret tool, and you'll save money on the cost of a professional installation.

After the old putty and glazier's points are removed Clean the frame thoroughly with a utility knife to get rid of any remaining traces. Lightly sand the wood into the rabbet grooves if needed to smooth rough areas. If you decide to sand wood, protect it with painter’s tape to prevent accidental damage.

Measure the empty frame's dimensions and record precise measurements. These measurements can be brought 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 allows for expansion and contraction.

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

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

When the glazing compound is dry, you're ready to install the new window sash. First, saturate the wood with a thick coat of Linseed oil. This will prevent the new putty from taking in the moisture and deteriorating and cracking over time. Apply the coating using a brush this coat, or even the tip of the putty blade. Then use the chisel that is 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 grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process every 10 inches around the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A baseball hit or a rock thrown in error, or a tree falling could result in a broken or cracked window. Fortunately, the majority of windows can be easily replaced by simply placing a new piece of glass in its the right place. The glass is held in the position with a tiny metal clip, also known as a glazier's point and putty. This compound is also called glazing compound. Before installing a replacement pane, first remove the old one and clean the area using an abrasive and an abrasive scraper that is a pull type or a wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses when working. If the window replacement is secured to the frame, you'll need make use of a heat gun to soften the adhesive before cutting it loose.

If you are planning to reinstall the original sash, take off the molding that supports the old pane. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready to receive new caulk. Once the sash is re-installed and sanded, apply a fresh caulk made of silicone around the glass to ensure it won't leak or discolor in time.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets. These are the grooves in the sash, where the glass is located. If they're difficult to work out, try holding an instrument like a heat gun over them to soften them up first. If you're using a heated gun, be careful not to cause damage to the railings of the sash or the sash itself by placing the tool too tightly.

Create the bed for your new pane by removing the old putty and glazing points. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, and form it to be around 1/2-inch thick. Place it into the rabbets, replace Window pane where the glass will be put. The glass must 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 is cracked, you can cover it with a solvent-based glass glue or silicone caulk prior to pressing it into the sash. If the crack isn't sealed, you will need to use putty to keep water from getting in. Once the putty is dry, wipe the oily film off the glass and allow it to dry completely before you paint. Paint before the putty has dried completely. It won't make a strong seal and could be leaking or discoloring over time.

Paint

You might be worried about replacing a broken piece of glass. However, replacing one glass pane does not require a huge amount of money If you can do it yourself. Even double-paned windows can be replaced for a fraction of what it would cost an expert.

First, if you're working on a large-sized window, ensure that it is securely fastened to the frame. Using the proper tools and techniques, you can complete this task easily and speedy.

When you're ready to start taking off the old window pane by removing the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. These are small metal triangles which act as "nails", holding the window in the frame. They are buried beneath a glaze putty or bead which hardens into an unbreakable wedge which holds the wood frame firmly in position and conceals the edges.

After you have the old pane removed clean the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any paint that has been used and sand down the rabbet grooves that the glazing points were placed. Sand them down to clean wooden surfaces so you can paint the frames the same shade. After sanding the wood, apply a layer of flax oil. This will help to prolong the life of the frame.

Next, measure the dimensions of the window's opening. You'll need to determine the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the entire opening as well as the thickness. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure you have the exact size for the new pane. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. You can bring 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.