How to Replace Window Panes

A cracked window pane can be a nuisance. It could be a chance to upgrade your windows to energy efficient or insulated ones and enjoy benefits such as improved comfort, higher resale value and reduced utility bills.

It's a project you can do yourself for a fraction of the cost of hiring a professional. You'll need only the proper tools and a few minutes of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are old broken, deteriorating or damaged, replacing them with newer glass that is tempered or insulated can increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while preserving the original character of older homes. The majority of homeowners with basic hand tools can Replace Window Pane (0522445518.Ussoft.Kr) windows with ease. In addition to a new pane, the following tools are required such as latex glazing putty; glazier's points; pliers; and a heat gun for warming the old putty, if necessary. 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, but a flathead can be useful equally. Then, use a wood chisel or putty knife take the remainder of the old putty from around the frame and the sash. Be careful to not break the window sash. Take your time and work slowly. It is best to work on a stable ladder rather than the ground, and to have someone standing below the sash to help hold it in place.

Prepare the window frame to receive the new pane once you have removed the old putty. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction and contraction, subtract 1/8 inch from the measurements of width and height. Bring these measurements to a hardware store or home center and find a piece glass cut to size. You can cut the glass yourself if you have the appropriate tools.

After installing the new pane, run a small bead of caulking around the edges to make it weatherproof. Then, you can install a glazier's pointing on the frame's opposite side to secure the pane in its place. The points shouldn't be too tight that they cause friction between the frame and sash However, they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty to the surface, knead thoroughly until it is soft and free of lumps. Then make it into pencil-sized strips. Place the first strip in the corner of the frame, moving from one corner to another to ensure it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are the small triangular pieces of metal that help secure glass into the frame of a window without scratching or damaging the delicate surface. It's easy 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 point are gone Clean the frame thoroughly using a utility knife to get rid of any remaining residue. If necessary, lightly sand Replace Window Pane the wood along the rabbet grooves to smooth out rough areas. If you sand wood, protect it with painter’s tape to prevent accidental damage.

Take the dimensions of the frame and note down precise measurements. Bring these measurements to an hardware store or home center, and have the new pane made slightly smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure that the pane fits comfortably and allows for expansion and contraction.

Insert the new pane into the frame and press it down using your hands. Then use the point of your chisel, or the back of the putty knife to make a tap on the glazier's facets, as shown in Figure 11. The glazier's point should be aligned with the top edge of the pane and the raised shoulders should be just beneath that lip.

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

Install the new window sash window replacement after the glazing compound has dried. The first step is to coat the wood with a heavy coat of linseed oil. This will stop the new putty from soaking up the moisture and deteriorating and cracking over time. Apply this coat using a brush or the edge of your putty knife, and then employ the chisel or back end from the putty knife to gently press the new sash and glazier's tips into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process at intervals of 10 inches all around the frame.

Putty

A baseball that is thrown, an errant rock or a falling branch can cause a window pane to crack or break. Fortunately, windows can be easily replaced by simply placing a new piece in place. The glass is held in position by a small metal clip, also known as the glazier's point, and putty. This compound is also known as glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using the rag, a pull-type scraper or wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves while doing this work. If the window is secured to the frame, you'll have to use a heat gun to soften the adhesive prior to cutting it loose.

If you're planning to install the original sash in the future, take care to remove any molding pieces that hold the old pane in place. Then sand the sash to ensure it's level and ready to be re-caulked. After the sash has been reinstalled it is possible to apply a silicone caulk over the glass. This will ensure that it doesn't get soiled or discolor over time.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets, or the grooves in the sash, where the glass is. If they're difficult to work out, you can try holding the hand tool, such as a heat gun over them to soften them before you do. When using a heated tool, make sure to not damage the sash and its railings.

Make a bed for your new pane by removing the old glaze and putty. Roll a rope with glazing compound between your fingers, and make it about 1/2 inch thick. Then, you can press it into the rabbets where the glass will sit. The glass must be positioned against the putty on both sides. If necessary gently tap your glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane has a crack you can fill it with a solvent-based glass glue or silicone caulk prior to 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. When the putty dries then clean the oily film off the glass with a rag and allow it to dry completely prior to painting. Paint before the putty is completely dry. It will not form a good seal and Replace window pane may leak or discolor with time.

Paint

You might be worried about replacing a broken piece of glass. But the truth is that replacing a single glass pane doesn't have to break the bank if you do it yourself. In fact windows with double glazed windows replacement panes can be replaced at less than the cost of a professional.

If you are working on a large window, make sure it is securely fixed to the frame. This can be made relatively simple and quick with the proper tools and techniques.

When you are ready to start with the removal of the window pane. Pry out the metal glazing points attached to it. These are essentially small metal triangles that act as "nails" that keep the window in within the frame of wood. They are placed under a bead of glazing putty, which transforms into a solid moulded wedge that holds the window firmly in place and hides the edges.

After taking off the old pane clean the frame and the wood. Scrape off any paint and sand down the rabbet grooves where the glazing points used to be. Sand them down to clean wood surfaces, so that you can paint the frames the same shade. After sanding, apply a coat of flax oil on the wood that is not sanded down to help extend its lifespan.

Next, measure the dimensions of the window's opening. You'll need to determine the vertical and horizontal 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 during seasons of changes. You can bring 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.