How to Replace window pane Window Panes

A cracked window pane can be a source of frustration. It can also be a chance to upgrade your glass to energy efficient or insulated windows to benefit from greater comfort, a higher resale value and reduced utility bills.

It's a project you can take on yourself for less than the cost of hiring an expert. You'll only require the proper tools and a few hours of your time.

Glass

If your single pane windows are old damaged, cracked or deteriorating replacing them with more modern glass that is tempered or insulated can improve energy efficiency and reduce noise while maintaining the historic integrity of older homes. The majority of homeowners with basic hand tools can repair a window pane. In addition to a new pane, the following items are required: latex glazing putty; pliers, glazier's points and the use of a heat gun to warm the old putty if required. Before starting, wear gloves and safety goggles as working with broken glass may cause injuries.

Take away any broken glass pieces remaining. It is recommended to use pliers for this however, a flathead may be useful equally. Then, replace Window Pane use a wooden chisel, or putty knife, to remove the rest of the old putty around the frame and sash. Be careful not to scratch the window sash. Take your time and work slowly. It is a good idea to do this using a sturdy ladder instead of the ground and to have someone stand below the sash window replacement to help keep it in place.

After you have removed all the old putty, it is time to prepare the window frame to fit the new pane. Find the width and the height of the opening in the sash by subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). Take these measurements to a hardware store or home center, and have a piece of stock glass cut to size. You can 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. Install a glazier’s point on both sides of the frame. This will secure the pane. The points should not be so tight that they create friction between the sash and the frame however they should not be too loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, you must knead it thoroughly until it is smooth and free from lumps. Then make it into pencil-sized strips. Apply the first strip to the corner of the frame. Work from one corner to another to ensure it's even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's facets are small triangular pieces that help secure glass into a window frame without scratching or damaging the fragile surface. It's easy to learn how to use this hidden tool, and you'll save money on the expense of an installation by a professional.

After the old putty as well as the glazier's points have been removed and the frame is thoroughly cleaned with a knife to eliminate any remaining traces. Lightly sand the wood in the rabbet grooves, if necessary, to smooth rough areas. If you decide to sand wood, cover it with painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.

Write down the dimensions of the frame. These dimensions can be taken to a home center or hardware store, and the new pane will be cut to a smaller size. This will ensure that the pane fits perfectly and allows for expansion and contraction.

Insert the new pane into the frame and push firmly using your hands. Utilize the point of the chisel or the back of the putty knife to tap the glazier's points, as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's point should be flush against the top edge of your pane, and the raised shoulders should be just beneath that lip.

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

After the glazing compound dries, you're ready to install the new window sash. First, coat the wood with a thick layer of linseed. This will prevent the newly-created putty from drying out or cracking when it absorbs moisture. Apply the coating using a brush 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 putty handle to gently hit the new sash, or glazier's point into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this process at intervals of 10 inches around the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown at you or a rock that is errant or falling branch could cause a window pane to crack or break. Fortunately, windows can be easily replaced by simply putting a brand new piece of glass in its the right place. The glass is held into the position with a tiny metal clip, called the glazier's point, and putty. This compound is also referred to as glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using an abrasive, pull-type scraper or wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves while you do this work. If the window is glued to the frame, you'll need to make use of a heat gun to soften the adhesive before taking it off.

If you plan to reinstall the original sash, gently remove the molding pieces 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. After the sash has been reinstalled then, you can apply a silicone caulk to the glass. This will ensure that it won't get soiled or discolor over time.

Take out the glazing points in the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash, which is where the glass is. If they're hard to chisel out, try holding an instrument like a heat gun over them to soften them first. When using a heated tool, be sure to not scratch the sash's railings and sash.

Prepare the bed for your new pane after removing the old putty and glazing points. Roll a piece of glazing compound between your hands, forming it to be around 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 each side So if you have to tap it, gently press the glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is damaged, you can use the silicone caulk or glass glue based on solvents to seal the crack prior to pressing it into the sash. If the crack is not sealed, you will require putty to keep the water out. After the putty is dry then clean the oily film off the glass with the help of a rag. Allow it to dry completely prior to painting. Paint before the putty has completely dried. It won't create a solid seal and may leak or discolor with time.

Paint

If you've had a broken window pane, you may be worried about the expense of a new one. In reality, replacing a single piece of glass doesn't need to be expensive if you do it on your own. Even double-paned windows can be replaced at a fraction of the cost it would cost a professional.

First, if you're working on a large window, make sure that it is securely fastened to the frame. By using the correct tools and techniques you can complete this task easily and fast.

When you are ready to begin taking down the old window pane. Take out the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. These are tiny triangles of metal which act as "nails", holding the window in the frame. They are placed under a bead or glazing putty which hardens into solid wedge that holds the frame in place and conceals the edges.

Once you have the old pane removed clean the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any old paint and sand down the rabbet grooves in which the glazing points were. These should be sanded to bare wood, so that you can paint them the same color as the rest the frame. After sanding the wood, apply a layer of flax oil. This will help to extend its life.

The next step is to measure the dimensions of the window opening. You'll need to determine the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the entire opening as well as the thickness. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure that you get a precise size for the new pane. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. Take these dimensions to the hardware or home improvement store and ask them to cut you a piece 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 Replace Window Pane air from leaking into the frame and causing fogging.