How to Replace Window Panes

A cracked window pane is a nuisance. This could be an opportunity to upgrade your windows to energy efficient or insulated ones to enjoy benefits such as improved comfort, increased resale values and reduced utility costs.

It's a project you can take on yourself for only a fraction of the cost of hiring an expert. You'll only require the right tools and a few minutes of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are old broken, deteriorating or damaged replacing them with more modern glass that is tempered or insulated will improve energy efficiency and reduce noise while preserving the original character of older homes. The process of replacing windows is easy and can be accomplished by most homeowners who possess basic hand tools. In addition to a replacement double glazed window pane, the following tools are required for the Replacement Double glazing windows process: latex glazing putty glazier's points; pliers; and a heat gun for warming the old putty if required. Before starting, put on protective gloves and goggles since working with broken glass could cause injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. This is best done using a pair of pliers, though using a flathead screwdriver may be effective in a pinch. Use a wood chisel, or putty knives, to take away any old putty that remains around the frame and the window sash. Be careful not to scratch the window sash. Work slowly and carefully. It is best to work on a sturdy ladder instead of the ground and place someone on the sash to help keep it steady.

Make sure that the window frame is ready to accommodate the new pane once you have removed the old glue. Measure 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 an hardware or home centers store to have an item cut from stock glass to the right size. You can also cut the glass by yourself if you have the appropriate tools.

After putting in the new glass After installing the glass, replacement double glazing windows apply 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, but they should also not be loose.

Before putting the putty on, knead it thoroughly until it's soft and free of lumps. Then make it into pencil-sized strips. The first strip should be placed to the corner of the frame, working from one corner to the other to ensure it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are the small triangular pieces that help secure glass into the frame of a window without damaging or scratching the delicate surface. Understanding how to use these hidden little helpers is easy and can save you money on professional installation or the cost of new glass.

After the old putty as well as the glazier's point are gone and the frame is thoroughly cleaned with a knife to remove any remaining traces. If needed you can lightly sand the wood in the rabbet grooves to smooth rough spots. If you do sand the wood, ensure you protect it with painter's tack to avoid accidental damage.

Write down the dimensions of the frame. These dimensions can be taken to the hardware or home center store, and the new pane will be cut a bit smaller. This will ensure that the pane fits perfectly and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane in the frame and push it into the frame using your hand. Make use of the point of the chisel, or the edge of the putty blade to tap in the glazier's points, as illustrated in Figure 11. When you're done taping, they 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 bead of glazing compound on the edges of the glass that has been made and into the rabbet grooves to seal and protect them. Let it dry and cure completely.

When the glazing compound is dry, you're ready to install the new window sash. First, you need 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 this coat with a brush or the tip of your knife, then use the chisel or the back end from the putty knife to gently hammer the new sash and glazier's points into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches around the perimeter of the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown or a rock thrown by error, or a fallen tree can result in a cracked or cracked window pane. Fortunately, the majority of windows can be repaired by simply putting a new piece in the proper place. The glass is held in place by small clips made of metal called a glazier's point, and putty, often called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using a rag, a scraper that is a pull type or a wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves when working. If the window is secured to the frame, you'll need make use of a heat gun to soften the adhesive prior to taking it off.

If you're planning to install the original sash in the future, take care to remove any molding pieces that are used to secure the old pane. Then sand the sash to ensure it's smooth and ready to be re-caulked. Once the sash is installed and sanded, apply a fresh silicone caulk around the glass to ensure it won't leak or discolor over time.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets. These are the grooves in the sash, which is where the glass is. If they're difficult to chisel, use a hand tool such as a heating gun over them for a few minutes to soften them. When using a heating tool, be careful to avoid damaging the sash and its railings.

Once the old glaze points and putty have been removed, make a bed for the new pane. Roll a rope made of glazing compound between your fingers, and make it about 1/2 inch thick. Place it into the rabbets where the glass will be put. The glass must rest against the putty on both sides. If you need to gently tap your glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can use the silicone caulk or glass glue made from solvents to seal the crack before pressing it in the sash. In other cases, you'll need to apply putty over the crack to form a tight seal and keep water out. Once the putty is dry, wipe the oily film off of the glass and let it dry completely before you paint. Paint after the putty has dried completely. It will not create a solid seal and could discolor or leak over time.

Paint

If you've suffered a break in a window pane, then you may be worried about the cost of replacing it. However, replacing one glass pane does not require a huge amount of money when you do it yourself. In fact even windows with double panes can be replaced for only a fraction of the cost of a professional.

First, if you are working on a large window, make sure it is securely fastened to the frame. This is relatively easy and quick with the proper tools and techniques.

When you are ready to start taking down the old window pane. Pry out the metal glazing points attached to it. These are tiny triangles of metal that function as "nails" that hold the window in place. They are buried beneath a layer of glazing putty that is then cured to form a solid, moulded wedge that holds the window firmly in place and replacement double glazing Windows conceals the window's points.

After removing the old pane, clean the frame and the 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, so that you can paint them the same color as the rest of the frame. After the sanding process, apply a coat of flax oil to the bare wood to prolong its life.

The next step is to measure the dimensions of the window's opening. It is necessary to take horizontal and vertical measurements of the entire opening, as well as the thickness of the old pane. To get the exact size of the new pane, subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. 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.