How to Replace Window Panes

A cracked window pane is an issue. It could also be a chance to upgrade your glass to energy-efficient or insulated windows and reap benefits like improved comfort, increased resale value and reduced utility costs.

You can do it yourself for a less than what it would cost to employ an expert. You'll need only the appropriate tools and a few hours of your time.

Glass

Replace your old single-paned windows using tempered or insulate glass to improve the efficiency of your energy, reduce noise, and maintain the historical integrity of your home's older. The majority of homeowners with basic hand tools can replace windows with ease. In addition to a new 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 required. Wear safety goggles and gloves before you begin. Working with broken glass could result in serious injuries.

Take out any broken glass pieces remaining. It is recommended to use pliers, but a flathead can be used as well. After that, use a wood chisel, or putty knife, to remove the rest of the old putty from around the frame and sash. Be careful to not damage the window sash. Take your time and work slowly. This can be done best on a ladder, not the ground. Also, ensure that someone lower to hold it steady.

After you have removed all of the old putty, prepare the window frame for the new pane. To allow for seasonal expansion or contraction, subtract 1/8 inch each from the measurements of the width and height. 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 appropriate tools.

After installing the new glass, apply a small amount of caulking on the edges. This will make the glass weatherproof. Then, you can install a glazier's pointing on the frame's opposite side to secure the pane in place. The points should not be so tight as to cause friction between the frame and sash but they shouldn't be too loose.

Before applying the putty on the surface, knead thoroughly until it becomes soft and free of lumps. Make it into pencil-sized strips. Apply the first strip to the frame's corner. Work from corner to corner and ensure that it is even and smooth.

Glazier's Points

The glazier's points are small triangular pieces which help to secure glass into a window panes replacement frame without scratching or damaging the fragile surface. Understanding how to use these hidden tiny helpers is simple and can save you money on professional installation or the cost of buying new glass.

Once the old putty and glazier's points are removed, thoroughly clean the frame using a utility knife to get rid of any remaining residue. Lightly sand the frame in the rabbet grooves if needed to smooth rough areas. If you do sand your wood, be sure to protect it with painter's tape to avoid accidental damage.

Take the dimensions of the frame and write down accurate measurements. These measurements can be taken to the hardware or home center store and the new pane will be cut to a smaller size. This will ensure a tight fit, and allow 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 the back end of the putty knife to pierce the glazier's points, as illustrated in Figure 11. The glazier's points should be aligned with the top edge of your pane, and the shoulders should be just beneath that lip.

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

Install the new window sash when the glazing compound has dried. First, coat the wood with a thick coat of Linseed oil. This will stop the new putty from drying out or cracking when it absorbs moisture. Apply this coat with a brush or the edge of your putty knife, then use the chisel, or the back end of the putty knife to gently hammer in the new sash and glazier's tips into the grooves of the rabbet. Repeat this process in intervals of 10 inches around the frame.

Putty

A hurled baseball or a rock that is errant or falling branch could cause a window to crack or break. The majority of windows can be replaced easily by simply putting in a fresh piece. The glass is held in place by 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 scraper that is a pull type or a wood chisel. Wear gloves and safety glasses while working. You'll need a heating gun if the window is glued to the frame.

If you are planning to replace the original sash in the future, take care to remove the molding pieces that are used to secure the old pane. Sand the sash until it's flat and ready to receive new caulk. Once the sash is re-installed, apply a new caulk made of silicone around the glass to ensure that it won't leak or discolor in time.

Take the glazing points out of the rabbets, or the grooves in the replacement sash windows, where the glass sits. If they are hard to chisel, hold a hand tool such as a heatgun over them to allow them to soften before. When using a heated tool, be careful to not damage the sash and its railings.

Prepare a bed for your new pane by removing the old putty and glazing points. Roll a rope made of glazing compound between your fingers and make it about 1/2 inch thick. Then, push it into the rabbets where the glass will be. It is crucial that the glass is positioned against the putty on both sides If you have to, lightly tap the glass into the rabbet using your thumb.

If the new pane has cracked, you can use the silicone caulk or Replacement Glass For Window Near Me glue based on solvents to cover the crack before pressing it in the sash. Otherwise, you'll need to apply putty on the crack to form a tight seal and keep water out. Once the putty is dry, wipe the oily film off of the glass and allow it to dry completely before you paint. 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

If you've had a broken window glass replacement pane, then you may be concerned about the expense of a new one. In reality, replacing a single pane glass doesn't need to be costly even if you do it your own. In fact even windows with double panes can be replaced at less than the cost of an expert.

If you are working on a large-sized window, ensure that it is securely attached to the frame. This job can be made relatively simple and quick with the right tools and techniques.

When you are ready to start with the removal of the window pane. Pry out the metal glazing points attached to it. These are small metal triangles that function as "nails" to hold the window in place. They are placed under a bead of glazing putty that transforms into a solid molded wedge that holds the window firmly in place and hides the points.

Once you have the old pane taken away clean the surrounding frame and wood. Scrape away any old paint and sand down the rabbet grooves, where the glazing points were. These should be sanded down to bare wood to allow you to 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.

Next, measure the dimensions of the window opening. It is necessary to take vertical and horizontal measurements of the entire opening as well as the thickness of the old pane. To determine the exact size of the new pane, subtract 1/8 inch from both measurements. 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.