How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged window pane can be a nuisance. This can be an opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones and enjoy advantages like improved comfort, higher resale value and reduced utility costs.

You can do it yourself at only a fraction of the cost it would cost to employ an expert. It requires the right tools and an hour or two of your time.

Glass

Replace your old single-paned windows with tempered or insulate glass to improve energy efficiency, cut down on noise, and maintain the historical integrity of your home's older. The majority of homeowners with basic hand tools can repair a window pane. You'll also require an extra window pane, glazier's tips, pliers, and latex glaze putty. If needed you may use a heating gun to warm the old putty. Before starting, wear protective gloves and goggles since working with broken glass may cause injuries.

Take away any broken glass pieces that remain. This can be done with the help of pliers though using flathead screwdrivers can work in the pinch. Then, use a wooden chisel, or putty knife, to remove the rest of the old putty from the frame and sash. Be careful not to break the window sash. Take your time and work slowly. This should be done on an elevated ladder, nearest not on the ground. Also, have someone lower to keep it in place.

Make sure the window frame is ready to accept the new pane after you have removed the old glue. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction by subtracting 1/8 inch from the measurements of the width and height. Take these measurements to the nearest 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 appropriate tools.

After installing the new pane, run a small bead 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 into its place. The points shouldn't be so tight that they cause friction between the sash and frame, but they also shouldn't be too loose.

Before applying the putty knead it thoroughly until it's soft and free of lumps. Then, roll it into pencil-size strips. The first strip should be placed to the corner of the frame, working from one corner to the other to ensure it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular pieces of metal that allow glass to be secured to the frame without causing any damage to the fragile surface. It's easy to understand how to use this secret tool, and you'll save money on the cost of an installation by a professional.

After removing the old putty, glazier points, and any other residue clean the frame thoroughly using an utility knife. If needed, lightly sand the wood along grooves of the rabbet to smooth rough spots. If you decide to sand the wood, make sure to protect it with painter's tack to avoid accidental damage.

Write down the exact dimensions of the frame. Take these measurements to a hardware store or a home center, and have the new pane cut slightly smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure a snug fit, and allow for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane in the frame and push firmly with your hands. Utilize the point of the chisel, or the back of the putty blade to tap the glaziers' points as illustrated in Figure 11. When you're done taping, they should be level with the top edge of the pane and the raised shoulders of the points should be below the rabbet's rim groove.

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

Install the new window sash after the glazing compound has dried. First, coat the wood with an even layer of linseed. This will prevent the new putty drying out or cracking as it absorbs moisture. Apply the coating using a brush this coat, or the tip of the putty blade. Then use the chisel that is on the back of the tool or the back of the handle to gently smash the new sash or glazier's point into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process at intervals of 10 inches all around the frame.

Putty

A baseball hit, a rock thrown in error, or a tree falling can cause a broken or cracked window. The majority of windows can be replaced by installing a new piece. The glass is held in place using a small metal clip called a glazier's point and putty, often called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area with the rag, a scraper that is a pull type or a wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves while working. If the window is attached to the frame, you'll need to make use of a heat gun to soften the adhesive prior to taking it off.

If you're planning to reinstall your original sash, remove the molding that holds the old pane. Sand the sash until it is flat and ready for new caulk. Once the sash is installed it is possible to apply a silicone caulk to the glass. This will ensure that it won't be leaking or fade over time.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets. These are the grooves in the sash where the glass is located. If they're hard to chisel, use a hand tool like a heat gun over them to soften first. When using a heat tool, make sure to avoid damaging the sash and its railings.

Prepare the bed for your new pane after removing the old glaze points and putty. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, forming it to be about 1/2-inch thick. Place it into the rabbets, where the glass will be placed. The glass must rest against the putty on both sides. If needed gently tap your glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane has a crack, 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 will need to apply putty to keep water out. After the putty has dried remove the oily film from the glass and let it dry completely before painting. If you paint before the putty has completely dry, it won't form an effective seal and could be leaking or discoloring over time.

Paint

You may be concerned about replacing a damaged piece of glass. But the truth is that replacing one glass pane does not have to break the bank if you do it yourself. Even double-paned windows can be replaced for a fraction of the price it would cost for a professional.

If you are working with large glass windows first, ensure that it is securely attached to the frame. Using the proper tools and techniques you can accomplish this task fairly easily and fast.

When you are ready to begin with the removal of the window pane. Remove the metal glazing points that are attached to it. These are tiny metal triangles that function as "nails" to hold the window in place. They are placed under a bead of glazing putty that hardens into a solid, moulded wedge which holds the window in place and conceals the edges.

Once you have the old pane taken away, clean up the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any paint that has been used, and sand the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were placed. Sand them down to clean wooden surfaces so you can paint the frames the same shade. After sanding the wood, apply a layer of flax oil. This will help prolong the life of the frame.

The next step is to measure the dimensions of the upvc window handle replacement opening. You'll need to determine 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 also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass in times of seasonal changes. You can take these measurements to a hardware store 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.