How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged window pane can be an issue. It could also be an opportunity to upgrade your glass to energy efficient or insulated replacement windows prices and enjoy benefits such as more comfort, higher resale value and reduced utility bills.

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

Glass

Replace your old single-paned windows with tempered or insulated glass to increase energy efficiency, reduce noise, and preserve the original character of your old home. The process of replacing windows is easy and can be accomplished by most homeowners who possess basic hand tools. Alongside a replacement handles for windows pane, the following tools are required such as 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 remaining broken pieces of glass. This is best accomplished with a pair of pliers, but a flathead screwdriver may be effective in a pinch. Make use of a wood chisel or putty knife to get rid of any old putty remaining around the frame and the window sash. Be careful and slow and be careful not to break the current window sash. This should be done on a ladder, not on the ground. Also, ensure that someone below the sash keep it in place.

Once you have removed all the old putty, you can prepare the window frame to accommodate the new pane. Take measurements of the width and height of the opening for the sash, subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). Take these measurements to the nearest hardware store or home center, and get a piece of stock glass cut to size. You can also cut the glass by yourself if you possess the right tools.

After installing the new glass, apply a small amount of caulking around the edge. This will make the glass weatherproof. Install a glazier's pointing on both sides of the frame. This will secure the pane. The points should not be so tight that they cause friction between the frame and the sash however they should not be loose.

Before putting the putty on, work it in a gentle manner until it is smooth and free of lumps. Then, roll it into pencil-size strips. The first strip should be placed in the corner of the frame, working from one corner to another so that it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

The glazier’s points are small triangular metal pieces that allow glass to be secured into the window frame without causing any damage to the fragile surface. It's simple to learn how to use this nefarious tool, and you'll be able to save money on the expense of an expert installation.

After the old putty and glazier's points are removed Clean the frame thoroughly with a utility knife to eliminate any remaining residue. If needed, lightly sand the wood in the grooves of the rabbets to smooth rough spots. If you decide to sand wood, protect it with painter’s tape to protect it from damage caused by accidental sanding.

Measure the empty frame's dimensions and write down accurate measurements. Take these dimensions to an hardware store or home center and have the new pane cut slightly smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure a tight fit and will allow room for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane into the frame and push firmly with your hands. Then, use the tip of your chisel, or the back end of the putty knife to pierce the glazier's points, as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's points should be aligned with the top edge of the pane and the shoulders raised should be just beneath that lip.

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

Install the new window sash when the glazing compound has dried. The first step is to coat the wood with a thick coat of linseed oil. This will prevent the new putty drying out or cracking as it absorbs moisture. Use a brush to apply this coat, or the tip of the blade. Then, use the chisel on the back of the putty tool or the back of the putty handle to gently smash the new sash or glazier's point into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches along the perimeter of the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown or a rock thrown by error, or a tree falling could result in a broken or cracked window. Fortunately, windows can be easily replaced by simply putting a new piece of glass in its the proper place. The glass is held into place by a small metal clip, called a glazier's point and putty. This compound is also called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using the rag, a pull-type scraper, or a wood chisel. Wear protective glasses and gloves while doing this work. If the window is secured to the frame, you'll need to use a heat gun to soften the adhesive before taking it off.

If you are planning to Replace window Pane the original sash, gently remove any pieces of molding that hold the old pane in place. Sand the sash until it is flat and ready to receive new caulk. Once the sash is installed and sanded, apply a fresh silicone caulk to the glass to ensure that it will not leak or change color in time.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets, or the grooves in the sash, where the glass sits. If they are hard to chisel, use an instrument like a heat gun over them to allow them to soften before. If you're using a heated gun, replace window pane be careful not to scratch the railings or sash by placing the tool too close.

Make the 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, press it into the rabbets in which the glass will be. The glass must rest against the putty on both sides. If needed gently tap your glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked you can fill it with a solvent-based glue or silicone caulk before pressing it into the sash. Otherwise, you'll need to apply putty over the crack to create an airtight seal and keep water out. After the putty has dried then clean the oily film off the glass with an abrasive and allow it to dry completely before painting. Paint after the putty has completely dried. It will not make a strong seal and could be leaking or discoloring over time.

Paint

You might be worried about replacing a damaged piece of glass. In reality, replacing a single pane of glass doesn't need to be costly if you do it on your own. Even a double-paned window can be replaced for a fraction of the price it costs an expert.

If you are working with large glass windows, first make sure it is securely fixed to the frame. This task is relatively easy and fast using the proper tools and techniques.

When you're ready to start taking off the old window by removing the metal glazing points that are connected to it. These are essentially small metal triangles which function as "nails" that hold the window in within the frame of wood. They are buried beneath a bead or glazing glue that hardens to an unbreakable wedge which holds the wood frame securely in place and conceals the edges.

After removal of the old pane clean the frame and the wood. Scrape off any paint that has been used and sand down the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were. These should be sanded down to bare wood to allow you to paint them the same color as the rest the frame. After sanding the wood you can apply a layer flax oil. This will help to prolong the life of the frame.

The next step is to determine the size of the window opening. You will need to measure the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the entire opening, as well as the thickness. To determine the exact dimensions of the new pane subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements. This will also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass during seasonal changes. Bring these measurements to your local hardware or home improvement store, and they will have cut the glass 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.