How to Replace Window Panes

A damaged window pane can be an issue. It could be a chance to upgrade to energy-efficient windows or insulated ones, and reap benefits like increased comfort, higher resale value and reduced utility bills.

This is a project you could take on yourself for only a fraction of the cost of hiring a professional. It requires the right tools and an hour or two of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are outdated broken, deteriorating or damaged, replacing them with newer insulated or tempered glass can increase energy efficiency and decrease noise while also preserving the historic integrity of older homes. The majority of homeowners with basic hand tools can replace a window pane. You will also require a replacement sash windows window pane, glazier's suggestions, pliers, and latex glaze putty. If needed, you can make use of a heat gun to warm the old putty. Before starting, wear gloves and safety glasses as working with broken glass can cause injuries.

Begin by removing any broken pieces of glass. This is best accomplished with the help of pliers however, a flathead screwdriver may be used in the pinch. Then, use a wooden chisel or putty knife take the remainder of the old putty from around the frame and sash. Work slowly and carefully and be careful not to damage the old window sash. This is best done on a ladder, not the ground. Also, you should have someone lower to ensure it is held steady.

Once you've removed all the old putty, prepare the window frame for the new pane. 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 find a piece glass cut to size. You can also cut the glass yourself if have the tools you need.

After installing the new pane, run a small bead of caulking around the edge to ensure it is weatherproof. Install a glazier's pointing on both sides of the frame. This will help secure the pane. The points shouldn't be too tight that they create friction between the sash and frame however they shouldn't be too loose.

Before applying the putty to the surface, knead thoroughly until it is soft and free from lumps. Cut it into pencil-sized pieces. The first strip should be glued to the frame's corner. Work from one corner to the next to ensure it's even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular pieces of metal that help secure the glass to the frame without damaging the delicate surface. It's simple to learn how to use this nefarious tool, and you'll save money on the cost of a professional installation.

After the old putty and the glazier's points have been removed Clean the frame thoroughly with a utility knife to get rid of any remaining residue. Lightly sand the frame in the rabbet grooves if needed to smooth out rough areas. If you decide to sand wood, protect it with painter's tape to prevent accidental damage.

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

Place the new pane in the frame and push it in with your hands. Then use the point of your chisel or back end of the putty knife to make a tap on the glazier's points as shown in Figure 11. When you're done, they should be flush with the top edge of the pane, and the raised shoulders of the points should be just below the rabbet's rim groove.

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

When the glazing compound is dry it's time to put in the new window sash. First, you need to coat the wood with a thick layer of linseed. This will stop the new putty from drying out or cracking when it absorbs moisture. Use a brush to apply this coat, or the point of the blade. Then, use the chisel that is on the back of the tool or the back of the handle to gently hammer the new sash or glazier's point into rabbet grooves. Repeat this process in intervals of 10 inches all around the frame.

Putty

A baseball thrown at you, an errant rock or a falling branch can cause a window pane to crack or break. Fortunately, windows can be replaced by simply putting a new piece in place. The glass is held in place using small clips made of metal called a glazier's point, and putty, also called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using the rag, a scraper that is a pull type or a wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses when working. If the window replacement cost uk is attached to the frame, you'll need make use of a heat gun to soften the adhesive before taking it off.

If you're planning to install your original sash, remove the molding that supports the old pane. Then you can sand the sash down to make sure it's flat and ready for a new caulk. After the sash has been re-installed, apply a new silicone caulk around the glass to ensure that it will not leak or change color over time.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets and the grooves in the sash that the glass is. If they're difficult to chisel, hold a hand tool like a heat gun over them to allow them to soften before. If you're using a heat gun, make sure not to cause damage to the railings or sash by holding the tool too closely.

After the old points of glazing and putty have been removed, make a bed for the new pane. Roll a piece of glazing compound between your hands, and form it into a 1/2-inch thick. Then, you can press it into the rabbets where the glass will sit. It is crucial that the glass sits on the putty in all places on both sides, so if you need to tap it, gently press the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane is damaged, you can use a silicone caulk or glass glue made from solvents to seal the crack prior to pressing it into the sash. In other cases, you'll need to apply putty over the crack to form an impervious seal to keep water out. After the putty has dried remove the oily film off of the glass and allow it to dry completely before you paint. If you paint before the putty is fully dry, it won't create a solid seal and could be leaking or discoloring over time.

Paint

You may be concerned about replacing a broken pane of glass. The truth is, replacing a single pane glass doesn't have to be expensive if you do it on your own. Even a double-paned window could be replaced for a fraction of the price it will cost a professional.

If you are working with large glass windows first, ensure that it is securely attached to the frame. With the right tools and techniques to make this task relatively easy and nearest fast.

When you are ready to start taking down the old window pane. Take out the metal glazing points attached to it. These are essentially small metal triangles that function as "nails" that keep the window in within the frame of wood. They are buried under a bead of glazing putty that is then cured to form a solid, moulded wedge that holds the window firmly in place and nearest hides the points.

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

Next, measure the width of the window opening. You'll need to take horizontal and vertical measurements of the entire opening, as well as 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 also allow for expansion and contraction of the glass during seasons of changes. Take these measurements to the hardware or home improvement store and 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.