How to replace window Pane Window Panes

A damaged or cracked window can be a source of frustration. It could be a chance to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones and enjoy benefits like increased comfort, increased resale values and lower utility costs.

This is a project you could tackle yourself at less than the cost of hiring an expert. You'll need only the proper tools and a few minutes of your time.

Glass

Replace your single-paned windows using tempered or insulation glass to improve energy efficiency, reduce noise, and maintain the original character of your older home. The majority of homeowners with basic hand tools can replace a window pane. You will also need a replacement window pane, glazier's tips pliers, and latex glaze putty. If needed you can use a heating gun to warm the old putty. Before starting, wear gloves and safety goggles as working with broken glass could cause injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. This can be done with the help of pliers but a flathead screwdriver may be effective in the pinch. Then, use a wood chisel or putty knife take the remainder of the old putty around the frame and sash. Be careful and slow, taking care not to break the existing window sash. It is a good idea to work using a sturdy ladder instead of the ground, and to place someone on the sash in order to help hold it steady.

After you've removed all the old putty, it is time to prepare the window frame for the new pane. Take measurements of the width and height of the opening in the sash, subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). These measurements can be sent to a home center or hardware store to get a piece cut of stock glass to the right size. You can also cut the glass by yourself if you possess the right tools.

After installing the glass Apply caulking to 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 its place. The points shouldn't be so tight that they cause friction between the frame and sash, Replace Window Pane but they should also not be loose.

Before applying the putty make sure to knead it 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, working from one corner to the other so that it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

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

After taking off the old putty, glazier points as well as any remaining residue, clean the frame thoroughly using an utility knife. If needed it is necessary to lightly sand the wood along the grooves of the rabbet to smooth out rough areas. If you do sand the wood, ensure you protect it by using painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.

Take measurements of the empty frame and record precise measurements. These dimensions can be taken to the hardware or home center store, and the new pane will be cut to a smaller size. This will ensure that the pane fits snugly and allows for expansion and contraction.

Insert the new pane into the frame and push it in using your hands. Then, use the tip of your chisel or 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 level with the top edge of the pane and the raised shoulders of the points should be just below the lip of the rabbet groove.

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

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 thick coat of Linseed oil. This will prevent the newly-created putty from drying out or cracking as it absorbs moisture. Use a brush to apply this coat, or even the tip of the blade. Then use the chisel that is on the back of the putty tool or the back of the putty handle to gently hammer the new sash or glazier's point into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this process at intervals of 10 inches around the frame.

Putty

A hurled baseball, an errant rock or a fallen branch can cause a window pane to crack or break. 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 with tiny metal clips known as a glazier's point, and putty, also called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using the rag, a scraper that is a pull type or a wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses while working. You'll need a heating gun if the window is glued into the frame.

If you are planning to replace your original sash, remove the molding that holds the old pane. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready for new caulk. Once the sash is re-installed and sanded, apply a fresh silicone caulk around the glass to ensure it won't leak or discolor over time.

Take out the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash, where the glass is located. If they're difficult to cut out, try holding a hand tool like a heat gun to soften them first. If you're using a heating gun, Replace window pane be cautious not to damage the railings of the sash or the sash itself by using the tool too closely.

Prepare the bed for your new pane after removing the old glaze points and putty. Roll a piece of glazing compound between your hands, and form it to be about 1/2-inch thick. Place it into the rabbets, where the glass will be placed. It is essential that the glass rests against the putty on both sides So if you have to tap it, gently press the glass into the rabbet using 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 the crack isn't sealed, you'll need to apply putty to keep the 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 has completely dry, it will not form a strong seal and may discolor or leak in time.

Paint

If you've suffered a break in a window pane, you may be worried about the expense of a new one. In reality, replacing a single pane glass doesn't need to be expensive when you do it on your own. Even a double-paned window replacements could be replaced for a fraction of what it costs a professional.

First, if you're working on a large-sized window, make sure that it is securely fixed to the frame. Using the proper tools and techniques you can make this task relatively easy and quick.

Once you're ready to begin with the removal of the old window pane by removing the glazing points made of metal that are connected to it. These are tiny metal triangles that function as "nails" that hold the window in the frame. They are submerged beneath a glaze putty or bead that sets to form a solid wedge that holds the wood frame in place and hides the sharp edges.

After removing the old pane, clean the frame and wood. Scrape off any old paint, and sand the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were placed. Sand them down to bare wooden surfaces, allowing you to paint the frames the same color. After sanding the wood you can apply a layer flax oil. This will help prolong the life of the frame.

The next step is to measure the dimensions of the window's opening. You will need to take vertical and horizontal measurements of the entire opening, as well as the thickness of the old pane. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure that you have the exact size for the new pane. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass during seasonal change. You can bring 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.