How to Replace Window Pane Window Panes

A cracked window pane is a nuisance. It could be a chance to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones to enjoy advantages like improved comfort, increased resale value and lower utility costs.

You can do it yourself for a fraction of what it would cost to hire an expert. You only need 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 newer insulated or tempered glass can increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while preserving the historical integrity of older homes. The procedure of replacing a window pane is relatively easy and can be accomplished by most homeowners who possess basic hand tools. You'll also require a replacement sash windows window pane, glazier's tips pliers, and latex glaze putty. If needed you may make use of a heat gun to warm the old putty. Before beginning, wear protective gloves and goggles since working with broken glass may cause injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. This can be done with pliers, however, a flathead screwdriver may work in a pinch. Then, use a wooden chisel or putty knife remove the rest of the old putty from around the frame and the sash. Be careful and slow making sure not to break the existing window sash. This is best done on an elevated ladder, not on the ground. Also, you should have someone lower to keep it in place.

Make sure that the window frame is ready to receive the new pane after you have removed the old putty. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction by subtracting 1/8 inch from the measurements of the width and height. These measurements can be taken to a home center or hardware store to have cut a piece of stock glass to the right size. You can also cut the glass yourself, if you have the right tools.

After installing the new pane After installing the new pane, apply a small amount of caulking along the edge to make it weatherproof. Then, place a glazier's tip on the frame's opposite side to secure the pane in its place. The points shouldn't be so tight that they cause friction between the sash and the frame, but they also shouldn't be loose.

Before putting the putty on, knead it thoroughly until it is smooth and free of lumps. Then make it into pencil-sized strips. Apply the first strip to the corner of the frame. Work from corner to corner, making sure it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's facets are small triangular pieces of metal that allow glass to be secured into frames for windows without scratching or damaging the fragile surface. It's easy to understand how to use this hidden tool, and you'll be able to save money on the expense of an expert installation.

After the old putty as well as the glazier's point are gone, thoroughly clean the frame with a knife to get rid of any remaining traces. If necessary, lightly sand the wood along the grooves of the rabbet to smooth out rough spots. If you decide to sand wood, protect it with painter's tape to protect it from damage caused by accidental sanding.

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

Insert the new pane into the frame and push it in using your hands. Then, you can use the point of your chisel, or the back of the putty knife to make a tap on the glazier's points, as shown in Figure 11. When you're done taping, they should be in line with the top edge of the pane and the shoulders that are raised of the points should be below the lip of the rabbet groove.

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

Install the new window sash once the glazing compound has dried. First, saturate the wood with a heavy coat of linseed oil. This will prevent the new putty from soaking up moisture and drying out and cracking over time. Use a brush to apply this coat, or the point of the blade. Then use the chisel that is on the back of the tool or the back of the handle to gently hammer the new sash or glazier's tip into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process at intervals of 10 inches all around the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown at you, an errant rock or a falling branch can cause a window to break or crack. Luckily, most windows can be repaired by simply putting a brand new piece of glass in its place. The glass is held into place by a small metal clip, also known as a glazier’s point and putty. This compound is also known as glazing compound. Before installing a new pane, first get rid of the old one and clean the area with an abrasive and the pull-type paint scraper or the wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves while you do this work. You'll need a heating gun if the window is glued into the frame.

If you are planning to reinstall your original sash, you must remove the molding that holds the old pane. Sand the sash until it is flat and ready to receive new caulk. Once the sash is re-installed and sanded, apply a fresh caulk made of silicone around the glass to ensure it will not leak or change color over time.

Remove the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash, which is where the glass is. If they're difficult to work out, try placing an instrument like a heat gun over them to soften them up first. If you're using a heating gun, make sure not to cause damage to the sash or its railings by placing the tool too tightly.

Make the bed for your new pane by removing the old glaze points and putty. Roll a piece of glazing compound between your hands, and form it into a 1/2-inch thick. Press it into the rabbets where the glass will be placed. It's important that the glass is positioned against the putty on both sides So if you have to, lightly tap the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can cover it with a solvent-based glue or silicone caulk prior to pressing it into the sash. If the crack is not sealed, you'll need to use putty to keep water from getting in. 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 is completely dry. It won't form a good seal and could discolor or leak over time.

Paint

If you've suffered a break in a window pane, you might be worried about the cost of replacing it. But the truth is that replacing a single glass pane doesn't require a huge amount of money when you do it yourself. In fact windows with double panes can be replaced at only a fraction of 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 can be made relatively simple and fast with the appropriate tools and Replace Window Pane techniques.

When you are ready to start, remove the old window pane. Take out the metal glazing points attached to it. These are tiny triangles of metal which act as "nails" that hold the replacement window glass within the frame. They are placed under a bead or glazing putty that hardens to a solid wedge that holds the frame securely in place and conceals the edges.

After you have the old pane taken away clean the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any paint that has been used and sand down the rabbet grooves that the glazing points were. These should be sanded to bare wood to allow you to paint them the same shade as the rest of the frame. After sanding the wood, apply a layer of flax oil. This will help to prolong the life of the frame.

Next, measure the width of the window's opening. It is necessary to measure the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the entire opening, as well as the thickness. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure you get the exact measurement for the new pane. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. Take these dimensions to your local 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.