How to Replace Window Pane Window Panes

A cracked window pane can be a source of frustration. It could also be a chance to upgrade your glass to energy-efficient or insulated windows, and reap benefits like greater comfort, a higher resale value and reduced utility bills.

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

Glass

If your single pane windows are old, deteriorating or broken replacing them with more modern glass that is tempered or insulated can increase energy efficiency and decrease noise while also preserving the historic integrity of older homes. The procedure of replacing a window pane is relatively simple and can be done by homeowners with basic hand tools. In addition to a new pane, the following items are needed such as latex glazing putty; Glazier's points; pliers and an electric heater to warm the old putty, if needed. Before beginning, wear gloves and safety goggles as working with broken glass can cause injuries.

Begin by removing any broken pieces of glass. It is recommended to use pliers for this however a flathead could be useful as well. After that, use a wood chisel or putty knife to take the remainder of the old putty from around the frame and the sash. Be careful and slow and be careful not to damage the old window sash. It is recommended to work on a stable ladder rather than the ground, and to have someone stand below the sash in order to help hold it in place.

After you have removed all of the old putty, you can prepare the window frame to accommodate the new pane. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction by subtracting 1/8 inch from the measurements of the width and height. These measurements can be sent to a hardware or home center store to get cut a piece of glass that is in stock to the correct size. Alternatively, you can cut the glass yourself, if you have the right tools.

After installing the glass Apply some caulking around the edge. This will make the glass window replacement weatherproof. Then, you can install a glazier's pointing on each side of the frame to hold the pane in place. The points shouldn't be so tight that they create friction between the frame and the sash however they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty to the surface, knead thoroughly until it becomes 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 corner to corner and ensure that it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier’s points are small triangular metal pieces which help to secure the glass into the window frame without causing damage to the delicate surface. Knowing how to use these hidden tiny helpers is simple and can save you money on professional installation or the cost of buying new glass.

Once the old putty and the glazier's point are gone, thoroughly clean the frame with a knife to eliminate any remaining residue. If needed you can lightly sand the wood along the rabbet grooves to smooth rough areas. If you sand wood, protect it with painter’s tape to protect it from damage caused by accidental sanding.

Note down the exact dimensions of the frame. Bring 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 that the pane fits perfectly and allows for expansion and contraction.

Insert the new pane into the frame and push firmly with your hands. Make use of the point of the chisel, or the back of the putty blade to tap the glazier's 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 below that lip.

Apply a thin bead of glazing compound over the edges of the glass that has been made and into the rabbet grooves to seal and protect them. Allow it to dry and cure completely.

Install the new window sash after the glazing compound has dried. The first step is to coat the wood with a heavy coat of linseed oil. This will stop the new putty from taking up the moisture and drying out and replace window pane cracking with time. Use a brush to apply this coat, or the tip of the blade. Then, use the chisel that is on the back of the tool or the back of the putty handle to gently smash the new sash or glazier's point into grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches along the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A baseball thrown or a rock thrown by error or a branch falling could result in a broken or cracked window pane. Luckily, most windows can be easily replaced by simply putting a new piece in place. The glass is held into place by a small metal clip, called a glazier’s point and putty. This compound is also referred to as glazing compound. Before you install a new pane, first get rid of the old one and clean the area with an abrasive and a pull-type paint scraper or a wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves while doing this work. You'll need a heating gun when the window is fixed to the frame.

If you're planning to install your original sash, remove the mold that holds the old pane. Then you can sand the sash down to make sure it's flat and ready for a new caulk. Once the sash is re-installed then, apply a new silicone caulk to the glass to ensure it will not leak or change color over time.

Remove the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves in the sash where the glass is located. If they are hard to chisel, hold a hand tool such as a heating 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 glazing points and putty have been removed make a bed for the new pane. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, and form it to be about 1/2-inch thick. Then, you can press it into the rabbets, where the glass will sit. It's important that the glass rests against the putty on both sides So 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 that is based on solvents to cover the crack before pressing it in the sash. Otherwise, you'll need to apply putty over the crack to create a tight seal and keep water out. Once the putty is dry remove the oily film from the glass and allow it to dry completely before you paint. If you paint before the putty is fully dry, it won't form a solid seal and could leak or discolor in time.

Paint

If you've experienced a broken window pane, you might be worried about the cost of a new one. However, replacing one glass pane does not require a huge amount of money If you can do it yourself. Even a double glazed windows replacement-paned window could be replaced for a fraction of the price it would cost an expert.

First, if you are working on a large-sized window, make sure it is securely fixed to the frame. By using the correct tools and techniques to make this task relatively easy and fast.

If you're ready to begin taking off the old window by prying out the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. These are tiny metal triangles that act as "nails" that hold the window in place. They are buried beneath a glaze putty or bead that hardens to solid wedge that holds the frame in place and hides the points.

After you have removed the old pane taken away, clean up the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any paint that has been used, and sand the rabbet grooves in which the glazing points were. 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 on the wood's surface to extend the life of the frame.

Then, take measurements of the dimensions of the window's opening. You will 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 a precise size for the new pane. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass during seasonal change. Take these dimensions to your local hardware or home improvement store and ask them to cut you cut the glass 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.