How to replace window pane Window Panes

A damaged window pane could be a source of frustration. It could be a chance to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones and enjoy benefits such as improved comfort, increased resale value and lower utility costs.

This is a project you could do yourself for only a fraction of the cost of hiring an expert. You'll need only the proper tools and Replace Window Pane a few hours of your time.

Glass

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

Take out any broken glass pieces that remain. It is recommended to use pliers, but a flathead can be useful equally. After that, use a wood chisel, or putty knife, to take the remainder of the old putty around the frame and sash. Be careful to not break the window sash. Take your time and work slowly. It is best to do this on a stable ladder rather than the ground and have someone standing below the sash to help keep it steady.

Once you have removed all the old putty, it is time to prepare the window frame to fit 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). Take these measurements to the nearest hardware store or home center and find a piece glass cut to size. Alternatively, you can cut the glass yourself if you have the appropriate tools.

After installing the new pane After installing the new pane, apply a small amount of caulking along the edge to make it weatherproof. Install a glazier’s point on both sides of the frame. This will help secure the pane. The points should not be tight enough to cause friction between the frame and the sash window replacement, but they should also not be loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, gently knead it until it becomes soft and free from lumps. Then, roll it into pencil-size strips. The first strip should be glued to the frame's corner. Work from one corner to another and ensure that it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular pieces of metal that help secure the glass to the frame without causing any damage to the fragile surface. Learning how to use these tiny pieces of help is simple and can save you money on professional installation or the cost of buying new glass.

After removing the old putty, glazier points, and any other residue clean the frame thoroughly using a utility knife. Lightly sand the wood in the rabbet grooves, if necessary, to smooth rough areas. If you sand wood, protect it with painter’s tape to protect it from damage caused by accidental sanding.

Measure the empty frame's dimensions and write down accurate measurements. Bring these measurements to an hardware store or home center and request that the new pane cut slightly smaller than the frame's opening. 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 by using your hands. Then use the point of your chisel or the back of the putty knife to pierce the glazier's points, as shown in Figure 11. The glazier's point should be aligned with the top edge of the pane and the shoulders should be just below the lip.

Apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the edges of the new glass and into the rabbet grooves, to seal and protect them. Let it dry and cure completely.

When the glazing compound is dry it's time to put in the new window sash. First, coat the wood with a thick layer of linseed. This will keep the new putty from sucking up the moisture and drying out and cracking over time. Apply the coating using a brush this coat, or 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 hit the new sash, or glazier's tip into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process in intervals of 10 inches around the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown or a rock thrown in error or a branch falling could result in a broken or cracked window pane. Luckily, most windows can be replaced by simply putting a brand new piece in place. The glass is held in place with a small metal clip called a glazier's point and putty, which is often called glazing compound. Before you install a new pane, first get rid of the old one and clean up the area using the help of a rag, an abrasive scraper that is a pull type or the wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves while you do this work. If the window is secured to the frame, you'll have to make use of a heat gun to soften the adhesive before prying it free.

If you are planning to replace your original sash, remove the molding that supports the old pane. Sand the sash until it is flat and ready for new caulk. After the sash has been installed, you can apply a silicone caulk on the glass. This will ensure that it doesn't leak over time or discolor.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets, or the grooves in the sash, where the glass sits. If they're difficult to cut out, try placing an instrument like a heat gun to soften them first. When using a heating tool, be sure to not scratch the sash's railings and sash.

Prepare a bed for your new pane by removing the old glaze and putty. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your fingers and then make it about 1/2 inch thick. Then, press it into the rabbets in which the glass will rest. 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 has a crack you can fill it with a solvent-based glue or silicone caulk prior to pressing it into the sash. If the crack isn't sealed, you'll need to apply putty to keep water out. Once the putty is dry, wipe the oily film off of the glass and allow it to dry completely before you paint. Paint before the putty has dried completely. It will not create a solid seal and may be leaking or discoloring over time.

Paint

If you've had a broken window pane, then you may be concerned about the expense of replacing it. It's true that replacing a single piece of glass doesn't need to be expensive if you do it on your own. Even a double-paned window could be replaced for a fraction of what it would cost a professional.

First, if you're working on a large-sized window, make sure it is securely fixed to the frame. By using the correct tools and techniques you can complete this task easily and quick.

When you are ready to start with the removal of the window pane. Take out the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. These are basically small metal triangles that act as "nails" that hold the window in place in the wood frame. They are submerged under a bead of glazing putty, which hardens into a solid, molded wedge that secures the window in place and conceals the window's points.

After removing the old pane, clean the frame and the 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, so that you can paint them the same color as the rest of the frame. After sanding the wood then apply a layer of flax oil. This will help to extend its life.

Next, measure the dimensions of the window's opening. You will need to measure the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the entire opening, as well as the thickness. 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 in times of seasonal change. You can take 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.