How to Replace Window Panes

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

You can do it yourself for only a fraction of the cost it would cost to hire an expert. You only need the proper tools and a few minutes of your time.

Glass

If your single-pane windows are old damaged, cracked or deteriorating replacing them with modern insulated or tempered glass can increase energy efficiency and reduce noise while also preserving the historical integrity of older homes. Most homeowners with basic hand tools can replace windows with ease. Alongside a replacement pane, the following tools are needed: 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 could result in serious injuries.

Begin by removing any remaining broken pieces of glass. This can be done with pliers, but a flathead screwdriver can also work in a pinch. Use a wood chisel, or putty knives, to take away any remaining old putty around the frame and window sash. Be careful and slow and be careful not to damage the old window sash. It is a good idea to work on a stable ladder rather than the ground and have someone standing below the sash to help hold it steady.

After you have removed all of the old putty, you can prepare the window frame to accommodate the new pane. Measure the width and height of the opening in the sash by subtracting 1/8 inch from each measurement (to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction). These measurements can be sent to an hardware or home centers store to get an item cut from glass stock to the proper size. Alternately, you can cut the glass yourself if you have the appropriate tools.

After installing the new pane After installing the new pane, apply a small amount of caulking around the edge to ensure it is weatherproof. Then, place a glazier's tip on each side of the frame to secure the pane in the right place. The points should not be so tight that they cause friction between the frame and sash however they should not be loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, gently knead it until it becomes soft and free from lumps. Make it into pencil-sized strips. 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 facets are small triangular pieces that allow glass to be secured into the frame of a window without scratching or damaging the delicate 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 glazier's points are removed Clean the frame thoroughly using a utility knife to get rid of any remaining traces. If needed it is necessary to lightly sand the wood along grooves of the rabbet 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.

Take the dimensions of the frame and record precise measurements. Take these measurements to a hardware store or home center and request that the new pane cut smaller than the frame's opening. This will ensure a secure fit, and allow for expansion and contraction.

Place the new pane in the frame and press it down with your hands. Utilize the point of the chisel or Replace Window Pane the back of the putty blade to smudge the glazier's points, as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's points should sit in line with the top edge of the pane and the raised shoulders should be just beneath that lip.

Apply a small amount of glazing compound on the edges of the glass that has been made and into the rabbet grooves to seal and protect them. Allow it to dry and cure completely.

Install the new window sash once the glazing compound has dried. First, you need to coat the wood with an even layer of linseed. This will prevent the new putty from sucking up moisture and deteriorating and cracking with time. Apply this coat using a brush or the tip of your putty knife, then use the chisel, or the back end of the knife to gently hammer in the new sash and glazier's points into the rabbet grooves. Repeat this procedure every 10 inches around the perimeter of the frame.

Putty

A baseball hit or a rock thrown by error, or a tree falling can result in a cracked or cracked window glass replacement pane. Luckily, most windows can be repaired by simply placing a new piece in the proper place. The glass is held in place with a small metal clip called the glazier's pointed and putty, which is often 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 you work. If the window is glued to the frame, you'll have to make use of a heat gun to soften the adhesive before prying it free.

If you're planning to replace Window pane your original sash, you must remove the molding that supports the old pane. Then, sand the sash to ensure it's level and ready for a new caulk. Once the sash is installed it is possible to apply a silicone caulk over the glass. This will ensure that it won't be leaking or fade over time.

Remove the glazing points from the rabbets, the grooves in the sash where the glass sits. If they're hard to cut, place a hand tool such as a heatgun over them to allow them to soften before. When using a heated tool, be careful to avoid damaging the sash or its railings.

Make a bed for your new pane after removing the old glaze points and putty. Roll a rope of glazing compound between your hands, shaping it into a 1/2-inch thick. Then, press it into the rabbets, where the glass will be. The glass must rest against the putty on both sides. If you need to you want to tap your glass lightly into the rabbet with your thumb.

If the new pane is cracked, you can use a silicone caulk or glass glue that is based on solvents to fill in the crack before pressing it into the sash. If the crack isn't sealed, you'll require putty to keep water out. When the putty dries, clean the oily film off the glass using the help of a rag. Allow it to dry completely prior to painting. Paint after the putty is completely dry. It won't form a good seal and could discolor or leak over time.

Paint

You may be concerned about replacing a damaged piece of glass. It's true that replacing a single pane glass doesn't need to be costly when you do it on your own. In fact even windows with double panes can be replaced at a fraction of the cost of an expert.

If you're working with large glass windows first ensure it is securely attached to the frame. This task can be done relatively easy and quick with the right tools and techniques.

When you're ready to start with the removal of the old window pane by removing the glazing points made of metal that are connected to it. They are basically tiny metal triangles that act 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, molded wedge that secures the window in place and hides the window's points.

After you have the old pane removed, clean up the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape off any old paint, and sand the rabbet grooves where the glazing points were. Sand them down to clean wood surfaces, so that you can paint the frames the same shade. After sanding the wood then apply a layer of flax oil. This will help to prolong the life of the frame.

Next, measure the dimensions of the window's opening. It is necessary to measure the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the entire opening, as well as the thickness. Subtract 1/8 inch from each measurement to ensure that you get the exact measurement for the new pane. This will allow for seasonal changes in the glass. Take these measurements to a hardware or home improvement store, and they will 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.