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 and enjoy advantages like improved comfort, higher resale value and reduced utility costs.

You can do it yourself for a only a fraction of the cost it would cost to employ an expert. You only need the right tools and a few hours of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are outdated, deteriorating or broken replacing them with modern glass that is tempered or insulated can improve energy efficiency and reduce noise while also preserving the original character of older homes. The majority of homeowners with basic hand tools can repair a window pane. In addition to a new pane, the following tools are needed for the replacement double glazed windows process: latex glazing putty pliers, glazier's points and an electric heater to warm the old putty, if necessary. Before starting, wear gloves and safety goggles as working with broken glass could cause injuries.

Begin by removing any broken pieces of glass. This is best done using the help of pliers however, flathead screwdrivers can be used in the pinch. Utilize a wood chisel or putty knife to get rid of any old putty that remains around the frame and the window sash. Take your time and work slowly and be careful not to damage the old window sash. It is recommended to work on a stable ladder rather than on the ground and to have someone stand below the sash in order to help hold it in place.

Prepare the window frame to receive the new pane after you have removed the old glue. Measure the width and height of the sash opening and subtract 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 get a piece of stock glass cut to size. You can cut the glass yourself if you have the right tools.

After installing the new glass After installing the glass, apply a small amount of caulking around the edge. This will make the glass weatherproof. Then install a glazier's point on each side of the frame to hold the pane in place. The points should not be so tight that they cause friction between the frame and the sash, but they should also not be loose.

Before applying the putty work it in a gentle manner until it is soft and free of lumps. Roll it into pencil-sized strips. Apply the first strip to the corner of the frame, moving from one corner to the other so that it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are tiny triangular pieces of metal that allow glass to be secured to the frame without causing damage to the delicate surface. Understanding how to use these tiny pieces of help is simple and can save you money on a professional installation or the cost of new glass.

After removing the old putty, glazier points as well as any remaining remnants, clean the frame thoroughly with an utility knife. If needed, lightly sand the wood along rabbet grooves to smooth out rough areas. If you sand wood protect it with painter's tape to avoid accidental damage.

Measure the empty frame's dimensions and write down accurate measurements. These measurements can be brought to an hardware or home centers store and the new pane will be cut a bit smaller. 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. Then, use the tip of your chisel or back of the putty knife to tap in the glazier's points, as illustrated in Figure 11. After you're done, the points should be flush with the top edge of the pane. the raised shoulders of the points should be just below the rabbet's rim groove.

Apply a small amount of glazing compound over the edges of the new glass and into the rabbet grooves to seal and protect them. Let it dry and cure completely.

Once the glazing compound has dried, you're ready to install the new window sash. The first step is to coat the wood with a heavy coat of linseed oil. This will prevent the new putty from drying out and cracking when it absorbs moisture. Apply the coating using a brush this coat, or the tip of the blade. Then use the chisel that is on the back of the putty tool or the back of the handle to gently hit the new sash, or glazier's tip into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches around the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A baseball thrown or a rock thrown in error, or a tree falling could result in a broken or cracked window. Fortunately, the majority of windows can be replaced by simply putting a brand new piece of glass in its the proper place. The glass is held in place using tiny metal clips known as a glazier's point and glazier putty, which is often called glazing compound. Before you install a new pane, first remove the old one and clean up the area with a rag and the pull-type paint scraper or the wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves while working. You'll require a heat gun in the event that the window is glued into the frame.

If you're planning to replace the original sash, take off the molding that supports the old pane. Then sand the sash to ensure it's smooth and ready for new caulk. Once the sash is re-installed, apply a new silicone caulk around the glass to ensure it won't leak or discolor in time.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets, the grooves in the sash, where the glass sits. If they're hard to chisel out, you can try holding the hand tool, such as a heat gun over them to soften them first. When using a heat tool, be sure to avoid damaging the sash and its railings.

Prepare a bed for your new pane after removing the old putty and glazing points. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, forming it into a 1/2-inch thick. Then, press it into the rabbets, where the glass will rest. It is crucial that the glass is positioned against the putty on both sides, so if you need to, lightly tap the 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 before pressing it into the sash. If not, you'll have to apply putty over the crack to create a tight seal and keep water out. After the putty is dry then clean the oily film off the glass using the help of a rag. Allow it to dry completely prior to painting. If you paint before the putty is completely dry, it won't create a solid seal and could be leaking or discoloring over time.

Paint

You might be worried about replacing a broken piece of glass. It's true that replacing a single pane of glass doesn't need to be costly even if you do it your own. Even a double glazed replacement windows-paned window can be replaced for a fraction of what it would cost for a professional.

If you are working on a large-sized window, ensure that it is securely fixed to the frame. This is relatively easy and fast using the right tools and techniques.

When you are ready to start with the removal of the window pane. Remove the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. These are small metal triangles which act as "nails" that hold the window in the frame. They are submerged beneath a glaze putty or bead that hardens to an unbreakable wedge that holds the wood frame securely in place and hides the sharp edges.

After removal of the old pane clean the frame and the wood. Scrape off any paint and sand down the rabbet grooves where the glazing points used to be. These should be sanded to bare wood, so that you can paint them the same shade as the rest of the frame. After sanding the wood you can apply a layer flax oil. This will help extend its life.

Next, measure the size of the window's opening. You'll need to determine the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the entire opening as well as the thickness. To determine the exact size of the new pane, subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass in times of seasonal change. You can bring these measurements to a hardware or home improvement shop and get 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.