How to replace Window pane Window Panes

A damaged window pane could be a source of frustration. It could be a chance to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones and enjoy advantages like improved comfort, increased resale values and reduced utility bills.

This is a project you could take on yourself for less than the cost of hiring an expert. It requires the right equipment and an hour or two of your time.

Glass

Replace your single-paned windows with tempered insulated glass to increase energy efficiency, cut down on noise, and preserve the historic integrity of your old home. The process of replacing the window pane is easy and can be completed by anyone with basic hand tools. Alongside a replacement pane, the following items are needed for the replacement double glazed window process: latex glazing putty glazier's points; pliers; and the use of a heat gun to warm the old putty, if needed. Wear safety glasses and gloves before you begin. Working with broken glass can cause serious injuries.

Begin by removing any broken pieces of glass. This is best accomplished with a pair of pliers, but a flathead screwdriver can also work in a pinch. Use a wood chisel, or putty knives to remove any old putty remaining around the frame and window sash. Take your time and work slowly making sure not to damage the old window sash. It is recommended to do this on a stable ladder instead of the ground and have someone stand below the sash to help hold 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, 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 find a piece glass cut to size. You can also cut the glass yourself if you have the right tools.

After putting in the new glass After installing the glass, apply some caulking to the edge. This will make the glass weatherproof. Then, place a glazier's tip on each side of the frame to secure the pane in the right place. The points should not be so tight as to cause friction between the frame and sash but they shouldn't be loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, gently 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, moving from one corner to the next so that it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are the small triangular pieces of metal which help to secure glass into frames for windows without scratching or damaging the delicate surface. Understanding how to use these tiny helpers is simple and can save you money on a professional installation or the cost of purchasing new glass.

Once the old putty and the glazier's points have been removed, thoroughly clean the frame with a knife to remove any remaining traces. Lightly sand the wood into the rabbet grooves if needed to smooth out rough areas. If you decide to sand the wood, be sure to protect it by using painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.

Measure the empty frame's dimensions and write down accurate measurements. These measurements can be brought to an hardware or home centers store, and the new frame will be cut slightly smaller. This will ensure that the pane fits comfortably and allows for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane in the frame and push firmly using your hands. Make use of the point of the chisel or the back of the putty blade to smudge the glazier's points, as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's points should sit flush against the top edge of your pane, and the shoulders raised should be just below the lip.

Apply a thin bead of glazing compound over the edges of the glass that has been made and into the rabbet grooves to seal and protect them. Let it dry and cure completely.

Install the new window sash when the glazing compound has dried. First, saturate the wood with a heavy coat of Linseed oil. This will prevent the newly-created putty drying out or cracking as it absorbs moisture. Apply the coat using a brush or the edge of your putty knife, then employ the chisel or back end of the putty knife to gently hammer the new sash and glazier's tips into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process in intervals of 10 inches around the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown or a rock thrown in error, or a fallen tree can cause a broken or cracked window. Most windows can be replaced easily by putting in a new piece. The glass is held in place using a small metal clip called a glazier's point, and putty, which is often called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using an abrasive, pull-type scraper, or a wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves when working. You'll need a heat gun in the event that the window is glued to the frame.

If you're planning to install the original sash in the future, take care to remove the molding pieces that secure the old pane. Then sand the sash to ensure it's smooth and replace window pane ready to be re-caulked. Once the sash is re-installed, apply a new silicone caulk around the glass to ensure it doesn't swell or fade as time passes.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets, or the grooves in the sash where the glass sits. If they're hard to chisel out, try holding the hand tool, such as a heat gun over them to soften them up first. When using a heating tool, make sure to not scratch the sash's railings and sash.

Once the old glaze points and putty have been removed, make a bed for the new pane. Roll a rope made of glazing compound between your fingers, and then make it about 1/2 inch thick. Place it into the rabbets, where the glass will be put. The glass must be positioned against the putty on both sides. If needed gently tap your glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, Replace Window Pane you can cover it with a solvent-based glass glue or silicone caulk prior to pressing it into the sash. If the crack is not sealed, you'll require 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 is completely dry, it will not form a strong seal and may discolor or leak over time.

Paint

If you've had a broken window pane, then you may be worried about the cost of a new one. However, replacing one glass pane does not require a huge amount of money when you do it yourself. Even a double-paned window replacement near me could be replaced for a fraction of the price it would cost for a professional.

If you're working with large glass windows first ensure it is securely fixed to the frame. With the right tools and techniques to accomplish this task fairly easily and fast.

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

After you have removed the old pane taken away clean the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any old paint, and sand the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were placed. They should be sanded to the point of being bare, so that you can paint them the same color as the rest the frame. After sanding, apply a coat of flax oil on the bare wood to extend the life of the frame.

The next step is to determine the width of the window opening. You'll need to take horizontal and vertical measurements of the entire opening and also 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 seasons of change. You can take these measurements to a hardware or home improvement shop and get 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.