How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged window pane could be a source of frustration. This could be an opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones, and reap advantages like improved comfort, higher resale value and reduced utility bills.

This is a project you could do yourself for less than the cost of hiring a professional. It requires the right tools and only an hour or two of your time.

Glass

Replace your old single-paned windows with tempered insulate glass to improve the efficiency of your energy, reduce noise, and maintain the original character of your home's older. The process of replacing a window pane is relatively easy and can be accomplished by most homeowners who possess basic hand tools. You'll also require an additional window pane, glazier's suggestions, pliers, and latex glaze putty. If needed, you can use a heatgun to warm the old putty. Wear safety glasses and gloves before you begin. Working with broken glass could cause serious injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. This is best done using the help of pliers however, a flathead screwdriver may work in a pinch. Then, use a wooden chisel, or putty knife, to remove the rest of the old putty from around the frame and sash. Be careful to not scratch the window sash. Work slowly and carefully. It is recommended to work using a sturdy ladder rather than on the ground and to have someone stand below the sash in order to help hold it steady.

Make sure the window frame is ready to accommodate the new pane once you have removed the old glue. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction and contraction, subtract 1/8 inch from the measurements of the width and height. Take these measurements to the nearest hardware store or home center, and get a piece of stock glass cut to size. Alternatively, you can cut the glass yourself if you have the appropriate tools.

After installing the new glass After installing the glass, apply a small amount of caulking to the edge. This will make the glass weatherproof. Then, place a glazier's tip on each side of the frame to secure the pane in its place. The points should not be too tight that they create friction between the frame and the sash However, they should not be loose.

Before putting the putty on, make sure to knead it until it's soft and free of lumps. Cut it into pencil-sized pieces. Place the first strip in the corner of the frame, working from one corner to another so that it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are tiny triangular metal pieces that help secure the glass to the frame without causing any damage to the fragile surface. It's easy to understand how to use this nefarious tool and you can save money on the expense of an expert installation.

After removing the old putty, glazier points, and any other leftovers, clean the frame thoroughly using an utility knife. Lightly sand the wood in the rabbet grooves to smooth rough areas. If you do sand the wood, be sure to protect it with painter's tape to avoid accidental damage.

Take the dimensions of the frame and note down precise measurements. These dimensions can be taken to a home center or hardware store and the new pane will be cut slightly smaller. This will ensure a snug fit and will allow room for expansion and contraction.

Insert the new pane into the frame and push it in using your hands. Make use of the point of the chisel, or the back of the putty knife to tap in the glaziers' points as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's points should sit flush against the top edge of the pane and the shoulders should be just below that lip.

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

Once the glazing compound has dried it's time to put in the new window sash. First, coat the wood with an even layer of linseed. This will prevent the new putty from drying out or cracking when it absorbs moisture. Apply the coat using a brush or the tip of your knife, then use the chisel or the back end of the knife to gently hammer in the new sash and glazier's point into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this process at intervals of 10 inches around the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown, a rock thrown in error, or a fallen tree could result in a broken or cracked window. The majority of windows can be replaced easily by installing a new piece. The glass is held in place using small clips made of metal called a glazier's point, and putty, often called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area with the rag, a pull-type scraper or wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses when you work. You'll need a heating gun in the event that the window is glued to the frame.

If you are planning to replace window pane the original sash in the future, take care to remove any molding pieces that hold the old pane in place. Then sand the sash to ensure it's level and ready for a new caulk. Once the sash is re-installed, apply a new silicone caulk around the glass to ensure it will not leak or change color as time passes.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets, or the grooves in the sash where the glass sits. If they're difficult to cut out, try placing a hand tool like a heat gun over them to soften them up first. If you're using a heating gun, be careful not to cause damage to the railings of the sash or the sash itself by placing the tool too close.

Prepare a bed for your new pane after removing the old putty and glazing points. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your fingers, and then make it about 1/2 inch thick. Press it into the rabbets, where the glass will be put. It's important that the glass is positioned against the putty in all places on both sides So if you have to, lightly tap the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked then you can seal it with a solvent-based glass glue or silicone caulk before pressing it into the sash. Otherwise, you'll need to apply putty on the crack to form a tight seal and keep water out. Once the putty is dry clean the oily film from the glass and let it dry completely before painting. Paint before the putty has completely dried. It will not create a solid seal and may leak or discolor with time.

Paint

You might be worried about replacing a broken pane of glass. The truth is, replacing a single piece of glass doesn't need to be costly when you do it on your own. In fact, even a double-pane window can be replaced for less than the cost of an expert.

If you're working with a large glass window, first make sure it is securely fixed to the frame. By using the correct tools and techniques, you can accomplish this task fairly easily and quick.

If you're ready to begin, begin by removing the old window pane by removing the metal glazing points that are attached to it. These are tiny triangles of metal that act as "nails", holding the window replacement panes within the frame. They are buried beneath a layer of glazing putty, which hardens into a solid, formed wedge that holds the window firmly in place and hides the edges.

After you have removed the old pane removed clean the surrounding frame and Replace window pane wood. Scrape away any old paint and sand down the rabbet grooves, where the glazing points used to be. Sand them down to bare wooden surfaces so you can paint the frames with the same shade. After sanding the wood then apply a layer of flax oil. This will help to extend its life.

Then, take measurements of the dimensions of the window opening. You'll need to determine the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the entire opening as well as the thickness. To determine the exact dimensions of the new pane subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass during seasons of change. You can take 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.