How to replace Window Pane Window Panes

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

You can do it yourself for a less than what it would cost to hire an expert. You'll need only the appropriate tools and a few hours of your time.

Glass

Replace your old single-paned windows with tempered or insulated glass to increase energy efficiency, cut down on noise, and preserve the historic integrity of your older home. Most homeowners with basic hand tools can repair the window pane. You will also need an additional window pane, glazier's tips, pliers, and latex glazing putty. If you need to you can make use of a heat gun to warm the old putty. Wear safety goggles and gloves before you begin. Working with broken glass could result in serious injuries.

Begin by removing any broken pieces of glass. It is best to use pliers for this however, a flathead may work equally. Use a wood chisel, or putty knives, to take away any old putty remaining around the frame and the window sash. Take your time and work slowly, taking care not to break the current window sash. It is best to do this using a sturdy ladder rather than the ground, and to have someone standing below the sash to help keep it steady.

After you've removed all the old putty, you can prepare the window frame to accommodate the new pane. Measure the width and height of the opening in the sash by subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and Replace Window pane contraction). Bring these measurements to a 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, apply a small amount of caulking on the edges. This will make the glass weatherproof. Install a glazier's pointing on both sides of the frame. This will help secure the pane. The points should not be tight enough to create friction between the frame and sash however they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty work it in a gentle manner until it's soft and free of lumps. Roll it into pencil-sized strips. The first strip should be glued to the corner of the frame. Work from one corner to the next and ensure that it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are the small triangular pieces of metal which help to secure glass into the frame of a window without scratching or damaging the delicate surface. It's simple to learn how to use this nefarious tool, and you'll save money on the expense of an installation by a professional.

Once the old putty and the glazier's points have been removed Clean the frame thoroughly using a utility knife to get rid of any remaining residue. If needed, lightly sand the wood along rabbet grooves to smooth out rough spots. If you sand wood protect it with painter’s tape to avoid accidental damage.

Write down the dimensions of the frame. Take these measurements to a hardware store or home center, and have the new pane cut smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure that the pane fits perfectly and allows for expansion and contraction.

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

Apply a thin layer glazing compound to the rabbet grooves as well as the edges of the glass. This will protect and seal the edges. Allow it to dry and cure completely.

When the glazing compound is dry and the glazing compound is dry, you can install the new window sash. The first step is to coat the wood with a thick layer of linseed. This will prevent the new putty from drying out or cracking as it absorbs moisture. Apply this coat using a brush or the tip of your knife, and then use the chisel, or the back end of the knife to gently hammer the new sash and glazier's points into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches along the perimeter of the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown at you, an errant rock or a falling branch can cause a window to crack or break. Fortunately, the majority of windows can be repaired by simply putting a brand new piece of glass in its the right place. The glass is held in place with small clips made of metal 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 the area with an abrasive and an abrasive scraper that is a pull type or an abrasive wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves while working. If the window is secured to the frame, you'll need to use a heat gun to soften the adhesive before prying it free.

If you're planning to install the original sash in the future, take care to remove any pieces of molding that are used to secure the old pane. Then you can sand the sash down to make sure it's flat and ready to be re-caulked. Once the sash is re-installed then, apply a new silicone caulk around the glass to ensure it doesn't swell or fade over time.

Remove the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash, which is where the glass is. If they are hard to chisel, use an instrument like a heat gun over them to soften first. If you're using a heated gun, be careful not to damage the sash or its railings by using the tool too close.

Prepare a bed for your new pane after you have removed the old putty and glazing points. Roll a piece of glazing compound between your hands, shaping it into a 1/2-inch thick. Then, you can press it into the rabbets, where the glass will be. The glass must be positioned against the putty on both sides. If necessary you want to tap your glass lightly into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked then you can seal it with a solvent-based glue or silicone caulk before pressing it into the sash. If not, you'll have to apply putty on the crack to create an impervious seal to keep water out. After the putty has dried, wipe the oily film off the glass and allow it to dry completely before painting. If you paint before the putty is fully dry, it won't create an effective seal and could discolor or leak in time.

Paint

You might be worried about replacing a broken piece of glass. The truth is, replacing a single pane of glass doesn't need to be costly when you do it on your own. Even a replacement double glazed windows-paned window can be replaced for a fraction of what it costs for a professional.

If you are working with large glass windows first, ensure that it is securely attached to the frame. By using the correct tools and techniques you can complete this task easily and fast.

Once you're ready to begin with the removal of the old window pane by prying out the glazing points of metal that are connected to it. These are small metal triangles that function as "nails" to hold the window within the frame. They are submerged under a bead of glazing putty, which transforms into a solid moulded wedge which holds the window in place and hides the window's points.

Once you have the old pane removed clean the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any paint and sand down the rabbet grooves, where the glazing points used to be. These should be sanded down to bare wood to allow you to paint them the same color 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 opening. It is necessary to measure the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the entire opening, as well as the thickness. To get the exact size of the new pane, subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. Take these dimensions to the hardware or home improvement store, and they will have cut the glass 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.