How to Replace Window Pane Window Panes

A cracked window pane can be a source of frustration. This can be an opportunity to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones and enjoy benefits like increased comfort, replace window pane increased resale values and reduced utility costs.

You can do it yourself for a a fraction of what it would cost to employ an expert. You'll only require the right tools and a few hours of your time.

Glass

If your single pane windows are old, deteriorating or broken, replacing them with newer glass that is tempered or insulated will improve energy efficiency and reduce noise while also preserving the original character of older homes. The process of replacing the window pane is simple and can be done by anyone with basic hand tools. You'll also require a replacement window screen replacement pane, glazier's suggestions, pliers, and latex glazing putty. If necessary you may use a heatgun to warm the old putty. Before beginning, wear protective gloves and goggles since working with broken glass can cause injuries.

Begin by removing any broken pieces of glass. It is recommended to use pliers for this, but a flathead can work equally. Utilize a wood chisel or putty knives to remove any remaining old putty around the frame and the window sash. Take your time and work slowly and be careful not to break the current window sash. It is a good idea to do this using a sturdy ladder instead of the ground, and to have someone standing below the sash to help keep it in place.

Prepare the window frame to accept the new pane when you have removed the old glue. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction by subtracting 1/8 inch from the measurements of width and height. Take these measurements to the nearest hardware store or home center and get a piece of stock glass cut to size. You can cut the glass yourself if you have the right tools.

After putting the new pane in place, run a small bead of caulking around the edges to seal it against weather. Then, you can install a glazier's pointing on each side of the frame to secure the pane into its place. The points shouldn't be so tight that they create friction between the frame and sash however they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, you must knead it thoroughly until it is smooth and free of lumps. Cut it into pencil-sized pieces. Place the first strip 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 facets are small triangular pieces which help to secure glass into a window frame without scratching or damaging the fragile surface. Understanding how to use these hidden little helpers is easy and could save you money on a professional installation or the cost of purchasing new glass.

After the old putty as well as the glazier's points have been removed, thoroughly clean the frame with a knife to eliminate any remaining residue. If necessary it is necessary to lightly sand the wood along the rabbet grooves to smooth out rough spots. If you decide to sand the wood, make sure to protect it with painter's tack to avoid accidental damage.

Measure the empty frame's dimensions and record precise measurements. These measurements can be taken to the hardware or home center store, and the new pane will be cut a bit smaller. This will ensure a tight fit and leave room for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane in the frame and push it in place using your hand. Then, use the tip of your chisel, or the back end of the putty knife to pierce the glazier's facets, as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's points should sit in line with the top edge of your pane and the raised shoulders should be just below that lip.

Apply a thin bead of glazing compound over the edges of the new glass and in the rabbet grooves to seal and protect them. Let it dry and cure completely.

Once the glazing compound has dried it's time to put in the new window sash. The first step is to coat the wood with a thick layer of linseed. This will prevent the new putty from taking up the moisture and drying out and cracking over time. Apply the coat using a brush or the edge of your putty knife, then use the chisel or the back end from the putty knife to gently press the new sash and glazier's point into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this process in intervals of 10 inches all around the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown or a rock thrown in error, or a fallen tree can cause a broken or cracked window. Fortunately, windows can be replaced by simply putting a new piece of glass in its place. The glass is held in place with small clips made of metal called the glazier's pointed and putty, often called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area with an abrasive, pull-type scraper or wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses while working. If the window is secured to the frame, you'll need use a heat gun to soften the adhesive before taking it off.

If you're planning to install the original sash, remove any molding pieces that are used to secure the old pane. Sand the sash until it is flat and ready to receive new caulk. Once the sash is installed, you can apply a silicone caulk on the glass. This will ensure that it won't get soiled or discolor over time.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets. These are the grooves on the sash, where the glass is located. If they are hard to cut, place an instrument like a heat gun over them for a few minutes to soften them. If you're using a heat gun, make sure not to scratch the railings of the sash or the sash itself by holding the tool too closely.

Prepare the bed for your new pane after you have removed the old putty and glazing points. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, and form it into a 1/2-inch thick. Then, push it into the rabbets where the glass will rest. It's important that the glass sits on the putty in all places on both sides If you have to do so, gently tap the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane has cracked, you can use the silicone caulk or replace window pane glass glue that is based on solvents to fill in the crack prior to pressing it in the sash. If the crack is not sealed, you will need to apply putty to keep water from getting in. Once the putty is dry remove the oily film from the glass and let it dry completely before painting. If you paint before the putty is completely dry, it won't form a solid seal and could leak or discolor over 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 need to cost a fortune when you do it yourself. Even double-paned windows can be replaced for a fraction of what it will cost an expert.

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

When you are ready to begin taking down the old window pane. Pry out the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. These are tiny metal triangles which act as "nails" that hold the window in place. They are placed under a bead or glazing putty that hardens to solid wedge that holds the frame firmly in position and conceals 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. They 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 determine the width of the window's 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 you get the exact measurement for the new pane. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. 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.