How to Replace Window Pane Window Panes

A cracked window pane can cause a lot of trouble. This could be an opportunity to upgrade your windows to energy efficient or insulated ones to enjoy benefits like increased comfort, increased resale values and reduced utility costs.

You can do it yourself at less than what it would cost to hire an expert. It requires the right equipment and an hour or two of your time.

Glass

If your single pane windows are old, deteriorating or broken, replacing them with newer glass that is tempered or insulated can increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while maintaining the historical integrity of older homes. The replacement of a window pane is relatively simple and can be done by most homeowners who possess basic hand tools. Alongside a replacement windows pane, the following items are needed such as latex glazing putty; pliers, glazier's points and a heat gun for warming the old putty if required. Before starting, wear protective gloves and goggles since working with broken glass could cause injuries.

Remove any broken glass pieces that remain. This can be done with a pair of pliers, though using flathead screwdrivers can be used in the pinch. Make use of 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 making sure not to break the current window sash. It is a good idea to do this on a sturdy ladder instead of the ground and have someone standing below the sash to help hold it in place.

Prepare the window frame to accommodate the new pane after you have removed the old glue. Measure 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 taken to a home center or hardware store to get an item cut from stock glass to the right size. You can also cut the glass by yourself if you have the right tools.

After putting in the new glass, apply caulking on the edges. This will make the glass weatherproof. Then, place a glazier's tip on the frame's opposite side to hold the pane in its place. The points should not be so tight that they cause friction between the sash and the frame but they should not be too loose.

Before applying the putty work it in a gentle manner until it is smooth and free of lumps. Then make it into pencil-sized strips. The first strip should be glued to the frame's corner. Work from corner to corner to ensure it's even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular metal pieces which help to secure the glass to the frame without causing damage to the delicate surface. Knowing how to use these hidden little helpers is easy and can save you money on a professional installation or the cost of purchasing new glass.

After the old putty and the glazier's points have been removed, thoroughly clean the frame with a utility knife to get rid of any remaining traces. If necessary it is necessary to lightly sand the wood along grooves of the rabbets to smooth rough areas. If you decide to sand wood, protect it with painter's tape to avoid accidental damage.

Take the dimensions of the frame and record precise measurements. These measurements can be brought to an hardware or home centers store, and the new frame will be cut slightly smaller. This will ensure a snug fit and leave room for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane into the frame and press it into the frame with your hand. Then use the point of your chisel or back end of the putty knife to tap in the glazier's points as shown in Figure 11. When you're done taping, they should be level with the top edge of the pane. the shoulders that are raised of the points should be just below the lip of the rabbet groove.

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

After the glazing compound dries it's time to put in the new window sash. First, coat the wood with a thick coat of linseed oil. This will stop the new putty from soaking up moisture and drying out and cracking with time. Use a brush to apply this coat, or the point of the blade. Then use the chisel on the back of the tool or the back of the putty handle to gently hammer the new sash or glazier's point into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process every 10 inches around the frame's perimeter.

Putty

A baseball thrown, a rock thrown in error, or a fallen tree can cause a broken or cracked window. Luckily, most windows can be easily replaced by simply putting a new piece in the right place. The glass is held in place with small clips made of metal called a glazier's point, and putty, which is often called glazing compound. Remove the old pane and clean the area using the rag, a pull-type scraper or wood chisel. Wear safety glasses and gloves when you work. You'll need a heat gun in the event that the window is glued to the frame.

If you're planning to reinstall your original sash, remove the mold that holds the old pane. Then, sand the sash to make sure it's flat and ready for a new caulk. After the sash has been re-installed then, apply a new caulk made of silicone around the glass to ensure it doesn't swell or fade in time.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets, 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 up first. If you're using a heating gun, be cautious not to damage the railings of the sash or the sash itself by placing the tool too close.

After the old glaze points and putty have been removed make a bed for the new pane. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, forming it into a 1/2-inch thick. Place it into the rabbets, where the glass will be placed. The glass must rest against the putty on both sides. If needed, lightly tap your glass into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked you can fill it with a solvent-based glass glue or silicone caulk prior pressing it into the sash. If not, you'll have to putty over the crack to form a tight seal and Replace window Pane keep water out. After the putty has dried then clean the oily film off the glass using an abrasive and allow it to dry completely prior to painting. If you paint before the putty is completely dry, it won't form a strong seal and may be leaking or discoloring in time.

Paint

You may be concerned about replacing a broken piece of glass. The truth is, replacing a single piece of glass doesn't have to be costly even if you do it your own. Even a double-paned window can be replaced at a fraction of the cost it will cost an expert.

First, replace Window pane if you're working on a large window, make sure that it is securely fixed to the frame. This can be done relatively easy and fast using the appropriate tools and techniques.

Once you're ready to begin taking off the old window by prying out the glazing points made of metal that are attached to it. These are small metal triangles which act as "nails" that hold the window in place. They are placed beneath a layer of glazing putty that transforms into a solid moulded wedge that secures the window in place and hides the edges.

After taking off the old pane clean the frame and the wood. Scrape off any old paint and sand down the rabbet grooves that the glazing points were placed. Sand them down to clean wooden surfaces so you can paint the frames the same color. After sanding the wood then apply a layer of flax oil. This will help prolong the life of the frame.

The next step is to measure the dimensions of the window's opening. You will need to take vertical and horizontal measurements of the entire opening, and also the thickness of the old pane. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure you get a precise size for the new pane. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. You can bring these measurements to a hardware 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.