How to replace Window pane Window Panes

A damaged window pane can be an issue. This can be an opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones and enjoy benefits such as improved comfort, increased resale value and reduced utility bills.

You can do it yourself for a fraction of what it would cost to hire an expert. It requires the right tools and an hour or two of your time.

Glass

If your single pane windows are old, deteriorating or broken replacing them with more modern glass that is tempered or insulated can increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while also preserving the historical integrity of older homes. The procedure of replacing a window pane is relatively simple and can be done by anyone with basic hand tools. You'll also require an additional window pane, glazier's tips pliers, and latex glaze putty. If needed, you can use a heatgun to warm the old putty. Before starting, wear protective gloves and goggles since working with broken glass could cause injuries.

Take out any broken glass pieces remaining. It is best to use pliers for this however a flathead could work as well. After that, use a wood chisel or putty knife to remove the rest of the old putty around the frame and sash. Take your time and work slowly, taking care not to break the existing window sash. This should be done on an elevated ladder, not on the ground. Also, have someone lower to hold it steady.

Once you have removed all the old putty, you can prepare the window frame to fit 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 an item cut from glass that is in stock to the correct size. Alternatively, you can cut the glass yourself if have the right tools.

After putting the new pane in place, run a small bead of caulking around the edges to make it weatherproof. Install a glazier’s point on both sides of the frame. This will ensure the pane. The points should not be so tight as to cause friction between the sash and frame however they shouldn't be too loose.

Before putting the putty on, make sure to knead it until it is smooth and free of lumps. Then you can roll it into pencil-sized strips. The first strip should be placed to the corner of the frame, working from one corner to another to ensure it is smooth and even.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular metal pieces that help secure the glass into the window frame without causing damage to the delicate surface. Understanding how to use these hidden tiny pieces of help is simple and could save you money on a professional installation or the cost of new glass.

Once the old putty and the glazier's points have been removed and the frame is thoroughly cleaned with a utility knife to remove any remaining traces. If necessary you can lightly sand the wood along rabbet grooves to smooth out rough areas. If you sand wood, protect it with painter’s tape to avoid accidental damage.

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

Place the new pane into the frame and press it into the frame with your hand. Utilize the chisel's point or the edge of the putty blade to smudge the glazier's points, as shown in Figure 11. The glazier's points should be in line with the top edge of the pane and the shoulders should be just below the lip.

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

When the glazing compound is dry, you're ready to install the new window sash. First, you need to coat the wood with a thick layer of linseed. This will prevent the newly-created putty from drying out or cracking as it absorbs moisture. Apply this coat using a brush or the tip of your putty knife, then use the chisel or the back end of the putty knife to gently hammer the new sash and glazier's tips into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches along the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A baseball that is thrown or a rock that is errant or falling branch could cause a window replacement near me to break or crack. Most windows can be replaced by simply putting in a fresh piece. The glass is held in place by a small metal clip, also known as the glazier's point, and putty. This compound is also 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. If the window is secured to the frame, you'll have to employ a heat gun in order to soften the adhesive before taking it off.

If you're planning to reinstall the original sash, take off the molding that supports the old pane. Then, sand the sash to make sure it's flat and ready for new caulk. After the sash has been re-installed then, apply a new silicone caulk around the glass to ensure that it doesn't swell or fade as time passes.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets, the grooves in the sash where the glass sits. If they're difficult to work out, try placing an instrument like a heat gun to soften them up first. If you're using a heated gun, be cautious not to cause damage to the sash or its railings by using the tool too close.

Once the old glaze points and putty have been removed, make a bed for the new pane. Roll a rope with glazing compound between your fingers and make it about 1/2 inch thick. Press it into the rabbets where the glass will be put. The glass should 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 apply a silicone caulk or glass glue based on solvents to fill in the crack prior to pressing it in the sash. If the crack is not sealed, you'll require putty to keep the water out. After the putty has dried clean the oily film off of the glass and let it dry completely before you paint. If you paint before the putty is completely dry, it won't create a strong seal and may discolor or leak over time.

Paint

If you've experienced a broken window pane, you may be concerned about the expense of a new one. But the truth is that replacing one glass pane does not need to cost a fortune if you do it yourself. In fact even windows with double panes can be replaced for a fraction of the cost of a professional.

If you're working with large glass windows first, ensure that it is securely fixed to the frame. Using the proper tools and techniques to make this task relatively easy and fast.

When you're ready to start taking off the old window pane by prying out the glazing points of metal that are connected to it. They are basically tiny metal triangles which function as "nails" that hold the window in in the wood frame. They are placed beneath a layer of glazing putty, which hardens into a solid, formed wedge that holds the window firmly in place and hides the edges.

After you have the old pane taken away clean the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any paint that has been used and sand the rabbet grooves that the glazing points were placed. Sand them down to clean wooden surfaces, allowing you to paint the frames with the same color. After sanding the wood then apply a layer of flax oil. This will help extend its life.

Next, measure the dimensions of the window's opening. You'll need to take vertical and horizontal measurements of the entire opening as well as the thickness of the old pane. 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. Take 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 replace window pane 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.