How to replace window pane Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window can be a source of frustration. This can be an opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones to enjoy benefits like increased comfort, higher resale value and lower utility costs.

It's a task you can take on yourself for less than the cost of hiring a professional. You'll only require the proper tools and a few minutes of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are old broken, deteriorating or damaged replacing them with modern insulated or tempered glass can increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while also preserving the historic integrity of older homes. A majority of homeowners with hand tools can repair the window pane. In addition to a replacement pane, the following tools are needed for the replacement process: latex glazing putty Glazier's points; pliers and an electric heater to warm the old putty if required. Wear safety glasses and gloves prior to starting. Working with broken glass can cause serious injuries.

Begin by removing any broken pieces of glass. It is best to use pliers, but a flathead can be used as well. Utilize a wood chisel or putty knives to remove any old putty that remains around the frame and window sash. Be careful not to scratch the window sash. Be careful and slow. This should be done on an elevated ladder, not on the ground. Also, have someone lower to ensure it is held steady.

Make sure that the window frame is ready to receive the new pane when you have removed the old putty. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction, subtract 1/8 inch each from the measurements of the width and height. Take these measurements to an hardware store or home center, and find a piece glass cut to size. You can also cut the glass by yourself if you possess the right tools.

After installing the new pane, run a small bead of caulking around the edges to seal it against weather. Then install a glazier's point on each side of the frame to secure the pane into the right place. The points shouldn't be so tight that they cause friction between the frame and sash however they shouldn't be loose.

Before applying the putty knead it thoroughly until it's soft and free of lumps. Make it into pencil-sized strips. Apply the first strip to the corner of the frame. Work from corner to corner to ensure it's even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's facets are small triangular pieces which help to secure glass into the frame of a window without scratching or damaging the fragile surface. It's easy to learn how to use this secret tool, and you'll be able to save money on the expense of a professional installation.

After getting rid of the old putty glazier points, and any other residue Clean the frame thoroughly using an utility knife. If necessary it is necessary to lightly sand the wood along the rabbet grooves to smooth rough spots. If you do sand your wood, be sure to protect it with painter's tack to avoid accidental damage.

Measure the empty frame's dimensions and write down accurate measurements. Take these measurements to an hardware store or home center, and have the new pane cut smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure a tight fit and will allow room for expansion and contraction.

Place the new window in the frame and press it in place using your hand. Use the chisel's point or the back of the putty knife to tap the glazier's points as shown in Figure 11. The glazier's point should be in line with the top edge of your pane, and the shoulders raised should be just below that lip.

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

Install the new window sash once the glazing compound has dried. First, coat the wood with a thick coat of linseed oil. This will prevent the newly-created putty from drying out or cracking due to the moisture it absorbs. Apply the coating using a brush this coat, or the point of the blade. Then, use the chisel on the back of the tool or the back of the putty handle to gently hit the new sash, or glazier's point into grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches around the perimeter of the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown at you, an errant rock or falling branch could cause a window pane to break or crack. Most windows can be replaced by installing a new piece. The glass is held in the position with a tiny metal clip, called a glazier’s point and putty. This compound is also known as glazing compound. Before installing a new pane, first remove the old one and clean the area using the help of a rag, a pull-type paint scraper or a wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves while doing this work. If the window is attached to the frame, you'll need to employ a heat gun in order to soften the adhesive before cutting it loose.

If you're planning to install the original sash, gently remove any pieces of molding that are used to secure the old pane. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready to receive new caulk. After the sash has been reinstalled, you can apply a silicone caulk on the glass. This will ensure that it doesn't be leaking or fade over time.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets and the grooves in the sash where the glass is. If they're difficult to cut out, you can try holding an instrument like a heat gun over them to soften them first. When using a heat tool, make sure to not damage the sash's railings and sash.

Create 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. Place it into the rabbets, where the glass will be put. The glass must be positioned against the putty on both sides. If needed gently tap your glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane has cracked, you can use the silicone caulk or glass glue based on solvents to seal the crack prior to pressing it into the sash. If the crack is not sealed, you will need to use putty to keep water from getting in. After the putty has dried, clean the oily film off the glass using a rag and allow it to completely dry before painting. Paint before the putty has dried completely. It will not make a strong seal and could leak or Replace window Pane discolor with time.

Paint

If you've had a broken window pane, then you may be worried about the expense of a new one. The truth is, replacing a single pane glass doesn't need to be costly if you do it on your own. In fact even windows with double glazing replacement windows panes can be replaced at less than the cost of a professional.

First, if you're working on a large-sized window, make sure it is securely fixed to the frame. This task is relatively easy and fast with the appropriate tools and techniques.

When you are ready to start taking down the old window pane. Take out the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. They are basically tiny metal triangles that act as "nails" which hold the window in in the wood frame. They are submerged under a bead of glazing putty that transforms into a solid moulded wedge that secures the window in place and conceals the edges.

Once you have the old pane taken away clean the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any old paint, and sand the rabbet grooves that the glazing points were placed. They should be sanded 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 to the bare wood to extend the life of the frame.

Then, you need to measure the width of the window's 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 a precise 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.